Ragdoll health pre-disposition

Good evening, all! I'm new to the forum, so please pardon me if this has been covered before.

We just recently became the proud parents of a neutered male Ragdoll kitten. I adore the breed but am not quite as "up" on them as I was on Maine Coons, Himalayans, etc. Are they predisposed to any genetic health conditions that we should be on the lookout for?

I recall years ago when we looked into the breed that they were not recognized by TICA or CFA or any organization for that matter because they were considered "freaks" (for lack of a better term). It was legended that they had no feeling in their pads so, therefore, were susceptible to being burned without realizing it, etc. Obviously, now, they are recognized - so was this just an old wive's tale?

First of all...congrats! I am to receive my new Ragdoll in about a week or so and I'm so excited. The Ragdoll is a pretty new breed, and the myth about their not feeling pain was started to make them stand out, I believe. They are exactly like any other cat as far as that goes.

Most sites I've been on just say that the Ragdoll is very healthy as a breed, so I haven't heard of any problems specifically. The CFA only recognizes the Bi-Color Ragdoll, but I believe TICA accepts all colors and patterns.

How old is your boy? We need photos! Are you planning on showing him?
Where did you get him from?

Originally Posted by Mairi II

Good evening, all!

I'm new to the forum, so please pardon me if this has been covered before.

We just recently became the proud parents of a neutered male Ragdoll kitten. I adore the breed but am not quite as "up" on them as I was on Maine Coons, Himalayans, etc. Are they predisposed to any genetic health conditions that we should be on the lookout for?

I recall years ago when we looked into the breed that they were not recognized by TICA or CFA or any organization for that matter because they were considered "freaks" (for lack of a better term). It was legended that they had no feeling in their pads so, therefore, were susceptible to being burned without realizing it, etc. Obviously, now, they are recognized - so was this just an old wive's tale?

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Ann Baker, the founder of the ragdoll breed (and the lesser known Honeybear Cat breed which she claimed were crossed with skunks "because skunks don't fight") put forth many insanely tall tales "to further the breed". That is just one of many of them.

That's just odd. No wonder cat people have such a bad reputation.

I noticed your avatar, commonoddity, and it's so cute.

Originally Posted by kluchetta

First of all...congrats! I am to receive my new Ragdoll in about a week or so and I'm so excited. The Ragdoll is a pretty new breed, and the myth about their not feeling pain was started to make them stand out, I believe. They are exactly like any other cat as far as that goes.

Most sites I've been on just say that the Ragdoll is very healthy as a breed, so I haven't heard of any problems specifically. The CFA only recognizes the Bi-Color Ragdoll, but I believe TICA accepts all colors and patterns.

How old is your boy? We need photos! Are you planning on showing him?
Where did you get him from?

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Thanks for the info on the difference between CFA & TICA. No, we won't show him... we just wanted a sweet-tempermented kitty. His name is Moji and he's 16 weeks right now. All legs!! Yikes!!! We got him from Jill Kracke of Belilarags here in Minnesota. I believe she just recently moved from Tennessee, though. This is him at about 10-11 weeks, I believe:

He's huge (and adorable).

I'm hoping that's a child holding him, LOL! Is he a lynx point?

Originally Posted by kluchetta

I'm hoping that's a child holding him, LOL! Is he a lynx point?

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Yeah, wouldn't he be something if it was an adult? He's a lilac point. I should've asked the breeder what made him a "pet" quality as opposed to "show" quality. Care to venture a guess?

Originally Posted by Satai

He's huge (and adorable).

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Hehehehe.... I should've made it clear that's a child holding him. I wish it was me! I'd love to have a giant cat!

Congrats on your Raggie!! To me there is nothing better than being loved by a Ragdoll or 2..LOL
In CFA only bicolor Ragdolls can go up for championship, but the mitted and colorpoints are still fully registered and can now be shown in AOV (Any Other Variant) in CFA. This is to hopefully allow mitteds and colorpoints to advance to championship status.
In TICA, all 3 patterns can be shown in championship status, and are fully registerable as well.
Ragdolls have several myths surrounding them, that Ann Baker and other breeders told to further the breed. They do feel pain, just as any other animal does. The have certain traits that make them unique, such as some are more relaxed,(floppy) they are a very trusting, social breed. They do shed, and if one has allergies to cats, Ragdolls will be no different. They are not hypoallergenic, as some have said. Most Ragdolls do not matt, and do not need regular grooming, such as Persians or other long hair breeds, but most do enjoy a good brushing, and can help with bonding. With all that said, every Ragdoll is an individual, some may be more "floppy" and loving than others, and some may never show you a "limp Ragdoll" trait. I do feel that is important to be said, as some will want a Ragdoll because of all of the rumors around them, and not expect it to still be a "cat".
As far as health problems go, they are prone to HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), but all breeds and moggies can be affected by HCM, it isn't just Ragdolls. It is best to find a breeder who scans their breeding adults regularly to keep an eye on any problems.
Whether your kitten is registered in CFA, TICA, or ACFA, they are all reputable organizations.
Congrats on your baby, and give Moji some belly rubs for me.
As well, more pictures.

Originally Posted by Mairi II

Yeah, wouldn't he be something if it was an adult? He's a lilac point. I should've asked the breeder what made him a "pet" quality as opposed to "show" quality. Care to venture a guess?

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I thought he was a blue colorpoint. He is a beautiful lilac point. There are many variables that make a show quality kitten, and without many pictures or a "hands on" approach, it would be impossible to tell. If you are interested in showing, I would recommend contacting your breeder, and asking him/her if Moji is show quality, and find out if she has the time to mentor you showing. It can be a lot of fun. Your registration papers may have had marked "not for showing", if the kitten is pet quality.
None the less, show or pet quality, he looks like a beautiful, loved Ragdoll. I would love more pictures of him to drool over.

Thanks a million for the info, FR! That was very nice of you to take the time. I don't care to breed him (and registration papers say no showing) - I just don't want to sound like a moron calling him a lilac point when he's not. The breeder said the variations can be slight in the dilutes... but pad color will typically validate the colorpoint.

What is a "moggie"?

Here's his dad, Romeo:



He is a lilac point. His mom is a seal point.

And here's his sister, Cammie:

Moggie is a term that refers to a cat/kitten who's ancestry is unknown.
Romeo is beautiful!! Maybe Moji will grow up to look like him!!
I am in love! Thanks for the picture!

Originally Posted by Mairi II

Hehehehe.... I should've made it clear that's a child holding him.

I wish it was me! I'd love to have a giant cat!

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Well darn. He is beautiful, as is his dad and sister.

I imagine he can't be shown because there are some sort of markings on him that aren't accepted. Although I don't know why you couldn't show him in Household Pet. But showing is a time consuming venture, and should only be done if the cat truly enjoys it. And to show, you HAVE to bathe the cat. I, for one, find that truly daunting, LOL!!!

I went to the website of where you got him. I think he will be related to my Smudge, because I think Smudge's mom has bloodlines from Blueeyed...isn't that cool?

Originally Posted by kluchetta

I imagine he can't be shown because there are some sort of markings on him that aren't accepted. Although I don't know why you couldn't show him in Household Pet. But showing is a time consuming venture, and should only be done if the cat truly enjoys it. And to show, you HAVE to bathe the cat. I, for one, find that truly daunting, LOL!!!

I went to the website of where you got him. I think he will be related to my Smudge, because I think Smudge's mom has bloodlines from Blueeyed...isn't that cool?

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I'm always a curious sort - it makes no difference in my feelings towards my little-est sweetheart. I just don't know a whole-lot about Ragdolls to determine what it was that made Jill determine he wasn't show quality.

That is VERY cool that they may be related!! But if you look at the lines, Romeo nor Moji's mother ("Lilly") are championed. So I suspect they aren't the cream of the crop. Not a biggy in the least. I did not receive a pedigree - I wish I had.

The breeder is very cool and she is a WONDERFUL photographer. All those pictures taken on her site are hers. Man. What a talent.

Yeah, my breeder said that too, like, "Smudge is cute, but he's not show quality." Since Smudge is mitted, I think it's because his mitts aren't in the right place. He also has a white mark on his forehead, and I'm not sure that's allowed.

Could be your breeder doesn't show much, especially with where they live...and that's why they aren't champions. I did love those photos on their web site!

Ya know, I suppose I could just ask her! LMAO!! I talk to her all the time in e-mails - I hope she would not be offended.

I doubt it, all the breeders I've worked with so far have been very rational, caring, calm people. LOL!! I mean if you just say you were curious, and if you're thinking of getting a show cat someday I'm sure it would be a good thing to know, and to know what to look for in the future.