Ragdoll
Gentle, floppy lap cats that adore people.
Ragdolls are large, affectionate cats famous for going limp when picked up — hence the name. They bond deeply with their humans, often greeting them at the door and following them from room to room. Calm, tolerant, and quiet, they suit families and first-time owners exceptionally well.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 10–20 lbs |
| Lifespan | 13–18 years |
| Energy | Low |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Exceptionally gentle with kids
- Easy first-time cat
- Quiet and calm indoors
- Bonds deeply with family
✗ Things to know
- Needs indoor lifestyle for safety
- Sheds moderately
- Can become lonely if left alone for long stretches
Ideal owner
A Ragdoll may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Prefer a calmer, less demanding companion
A Ragdoll may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Ragdolls can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
Is a Ragdoll right for you?
The best way to find out if a Ragdoll suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Ragdoll a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Ragdolls are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: affectionate, calm, and exceptionally people-oriented.
Are Ragdolls good for apartments?
Yes — Ragdolls adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Ragdolls good with children?
Ragdolls are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Ragdolls hypoallergenic?
Ragdolls are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Ragdoll suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Ragdoll on Wikipedia