With their captivating blue eyes and luxurious fur, Ragdolls undeniably rank amongst the most gorgeous cat breeds. Their endearing nature and tranquil demeanor make them excellent companions, especially in households with other pets.
That's why a lot of people want to own this beautiful cat. But have you ever wondered if all Ragdolls have blue eyes or what makes a Ragdoll pure breed?
We are here to answer your questions, with the help of cat experts, this is what we found.
Not All Ragdoll Eyes Are Created Equal: The Role of Purity in Eye Color
Contrary to popular belief, not all Ragdolls have blue eyes. The eye color primarily depends on whether they are purebred.
A distinguishing feature of purebred Ragdolls is their blue eyes. Born all white, their fur color and patterns emerge around two weeks after birth.
Blue-eyed Ragdolls are generally associated with the pointed cat breed.
Non-traditional Ragdolls, however, exhibit a spectrum of eye colors ranging from gold to green to aqua.
These Ragdolls, often referred to as Mink, Sephia, and Solid, may not meet the purebred criteria but are indeed part of the same breed.
Is Blue Always True? The Myth and Reality of Ragdoll Eye Color
Do Ragdolls' eyes always retain their blue hue? The answer is both yes and no. Purebred or traditional Ragdolls are born with blue eyes, which remain blue into adulthood.
Conversely, non-traditional Ragdolls such as the Mink, Sephia, or Solid sport different eye colors.
They may occasionally develop bluish eyes, though these won't achieve the deep blue of a traditional Ragdoll and are more likely to settle into an aqua shade.
Determining Purebred Status: Your Ragdoll’s True Pedigree
Understanding the pedigree of your Ragdoll is crucial, particularly if you intend to breed or participate in cat competitions.
The International Cat Association recognizes only traditional Ragdolls as purebreds. These are Ragdolls born white with blue eyes. Several clues can help ascertain if your cat is a purebred Ragdoll.
Physical Indicators of a Purebred Ragdoll
- Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Ragdoll are distinctively blue. Regardless of the fur pattern, body shape, and weight, The International Cat Association insists that purebred Ragdolls must have blue eyes.
- Body Size: Purebred Ragdolls rank amongst the largest domestic cats. Males typically weigh between 12 and 20 pounds, while females range from 10 to 15 pounds. They can easily match the size of a small dog.
- Fur and Coat: A traditional or purebred Ragdoll sports a semi-long to long silky coat. Despite the length of their coat, they do not tend to shed excessively. Accepted Ragdoll colors by TICA include blue, chocolate, cinnamon, cream, fawn, lilac, red, and seal.
Ragdolls come in different color patterns such as colorpoint, mitted, and bi-color. They may also have pattern overlays such as lynx, tortie, and tabby.
Kittens
Purebred Ragdolls are born all-white with blue eyes. While other Ragdoll kittens may have colored fur and a different set of eye colors from birth, it would take around two weeks for a purebred to develop its color and pattern.
Also, it will take approximately four years for a purebred Ragdoll to fully mature.
Reading Your Ragdoll: Personality Traits of Purebreds
Many people fall in love with Ragdolls because of their delightful and calm demeanor. Ragdolls are one of the most docile cat breeds.
This is why a lot of homes choose Ragdolls because they are nonconfrontational and are perfect around children and other pets, even dogs.
Ragdolls also have dog-like personalities. They are playful and intelligent, to the point that a Ragdoll will remember where you keep their food and follow you around your home.
Ragdolls are very affectionate cats and are also considered to be lap cats.
They also got their name Ragdoll because if you pick one up there is a chance they will go limp or rag doll on your arms. Ragdolls also like to flop in front or on you if they seek your attention.
In the end, not all cats are the same. Even if they are the same breed, a cat is unique to itself, someone with a purebred Ragdoll might not have all the traits mentioned here.
The environment and the way the cat is raised will ultimately determine what type of personality your cat has.
The Gold Standard: Official Verification of Purebred Status
For 100% proof, that your cat is a purebred Ragdoll, it is best to ask an authorized breeder, vet, or a reputable association like The International Cat Association and Cat Fanciers Association.
If you've acquired your Ragdoll from a recognized breeder, they should furnish you with the necessary documents or certificates verifying the purebred status of your cat.
Alternatively, a DNA test can provide a reliable measure of your cat's pedigree. If your cat lacks papers, a DNA test might be the best way to ascertain if they're purebred.
Both The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers Association can offer further guidance in understanding your cat's lineage.
Caring for Your Ragdoll: Understanding the Maintenance Needs
While Ragdolls are generally low-maintenance pets, certain aspects of their care might demand more attention. Once you grasp their specific needs, Ragdolls are relatively easy to care for.
Here are some unique requirements of Ragdoll maintenance:
- Brushing their fur - Though Ragdolls don't shed that much, it is still important to brush them regularly. Since Ragdolls don't have an undercoat, you won't need to brush them daily. Brushing them a few times a week will do.
- Diet - A Ragdoll needs a diet filled with proteins and vitamins. Protein is essential for these cats. So you'll need to find good meat for their diet.
Note that Ragdolls are big cats and will need to eat more than a smaller breed. Just watch their diet because these cats can grow fat quickly and that might lead to other complications.
- Brushing their teeth - A cat's teeth are naturally strong, but you must brush them regularly to avoid plaque buildup.
- Affection - Ragdolls are affectionate cats, so you need to give them the time to show your love towards them. A sign that a Ragdoll needs affection is if they flop in front of you or snuggle beside you.
The Mystery of Black Ragdolls: Eye Color in Non-Traditional Ragdolls
No, black Ragdolls do not have blue eyes. Only traditional Ragdolls or pointed breeds of cats have blue eyes. Most of the time black Ragdolls are called Solids, and they lack some of the traits a traditional Ragdoll has.
A parent black Ragdoll won't have blue eyes but its kittens may have a chance to be a pointed Ragdoll; meaning its kittens have the chance to have blue eyes.
These kittens are still not considered to be traditional Ragdolls. This just proves that even if the black Ragdoll is not considered a purebred it still shares the gene with a traditional Ragdoll.
Evolving Eye Colors: What Does a Change in Eye Color Indicate?
An eye color change for a Ragdoll can only mean one thing, that your cat is not a purebred Ragdoll. Purebred or traditional ragdolls should have blue eyes from birth.
If the eye color of your cat changes color, this does not mean your cat isn't a Ragdoll it just means you don't have a purebred Ragdoll.
A change of eye color for a ragdoll kitten could mean it is a Mink, Sephia, or Solid Ragdoll. Their eyes could consist of the colors gold, green, or aqua.
In Closing: The Irresistible Charm of Ragdolls
Ragdolls, with their silky hair, winsome personality, and mesmerizing eyes, command a unique fascination among cat lovers. While there's an array of Ragdoll types, they all share similar enchanting personalities.
The purity of your Ragdoll matters most if you plan to breed or enter them into competitions. Regardless of their breed status, what remains paramount is to shower them with the love and affection they richly deserve.
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