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It was in the mid-nineteenth hundreds when an American breeder created a cat breed that was so relaxed and laid back that it would literally hang like a cloth doll when it was held. The breed was developed from a longhaired cat with an unknown ancestry and a Birman cat. The cats were named the Ragdoll because of their relaxed and calm nature. Although the CFA (Cat Fancier's Association) did not recognize or accept these first cats as the Ragdoll, their descendants have become the gentle Ragdolls that we know and love today.

The Ragdoll is one of the largest cat breeds, weighing from 10 to 20 pounds. They have heavy muscular bodies with a slightly bushy tail that tapers at the end. Their heads are somewhat round and their ears are small and rounded. They have large eyes that have a brilliantly blue color.

This breed does not come in a wide range of patterns or colors. There are actually only 4 colors recognized by the CFA (Cat Fancier's Association), and they are Seal, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac. These colors can be found in mitted, bicolor and pointed patterns.

The calm demeanor of the Ragdoll is perfect for families. This breed is almost doglike in behavior. They greet family members at the door,follow them around throughout the house and snuggle down beside them on the couch. If you do not want to de-claw your cat, you should consider purchasing a scratching post. Some Ragdoll owners say their cat learned to use a scratching post much more readily than other cat breeds.

This breed does not need the company of other pets and prefers to spend much of its time with family members. However, it doesn't have a problem if it has to live with other cats. This may be because the Ragdoll is so much larger than most cats. But more likely than not, it is because the Ragdoll is so sweet natured.

So, if you want a relaxed, sweet tempered, family oriented cat, the Ragdoll might be the ideal cat breed for you.