Ragdoll cats were developed in the 1960's by Ann Baker; a breeder in California. She bred Josephine, a loving,
gentle, longhaired white female carrying Siamese markings, to other longhaired cats carrying Siamese markings. Her original
stock consisted of sturdy, free-roaming cats. By selecting individuals with the look she wanted for her breeding program,
she created the type standard for the Ragdoll.
In the 40 or so years that have gone by, the breed history has managed
to become intertwined with a series of myths and half-truths.
For example it was said that the extraordinary calm nature of this breed
is the result of a car accident endured by the foundation cat, Josephine, and that Josephine's injury, a broken pelvis, had
somehow caused a change that caused all Ragdolls to be especially docile. This explanation is obviously not scientifically
feasible.
The more likely explanation is that the relaxed breeds, Persians and Birmans, used in the breeding program,
created the Ragdoll's personality.
Today the Ragdoll is still a relatively rare breed, but the number of Ragdoll cats
and breeders is growing very rapidly. Right now Ragdolls are accepted by most cat associations and some breeders are working
on introducing new colors and patterns to the breed. And with the increasing interest in the breed, the future of the Ragdoll
cat looks bright indeed!
