The Ragdoll cat, with its soft, velvety fur, blue eyes, and docile temperament, has become a popular household pet around the world. But what is the breed’s heritage? Which two cat breeds were crossed to create this affectionate feline? Let’s delve into the fascinating history of the Ragdoll’s ancestry.
The Ragdoll breed is relatively young, with its origins dating back to the 1960s in California, USA. The story goes that a local woman, Ann Baker, found a long-haired, white-furred cat with blue eyes wandering in her neighborhood. This cat, later named Josephine, was the foundation of the Ragdoll breed.
According to Ann Baker, Josephine was the offspring of a domestic long-haired cat and a male cat of unknown breed. This male cat, often referred to as “Daddy Warbucks,” was said to be a large, semi-longhaired cat with a sweet personality. However, the exact identity of “Daddy Warbucks” remains a mystery, and there are no definitive records of his breed.
Despite the lack of a clear pedigree, the Ragdoll’s ancestry is speculated to be a hybrid of several breeds. Many experts believe that the breed was created by crossing a domestic long-haired cat, such as a Persian or a Birman, with a short-haired breed like a Burmese or an American Shorthair. The result was a medium-sized cat with a semi-longhaired coat, blue eyes, and a relaxed, friendly personality.
Over the years, the Ragdoll breed has been selectively bred to maintain its distinctive physical traits and temperament. Today, the Ragdoll is recognized by various cat registries and is prized for its affectionate nature, easygoing personality, and beautiful coat.
In conclusion, the Ragdoll cat’s exact ancestry remains somewhat of a mystery. However, it is widely believed to be a hybrid of domestic long-haired and short-haired breeds, resulting in a unique feline with a winning combination of beauty and temperament.
