Ragdoll cats are easily one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. Long-haired cats are social, affectionate, and do well with people. This breed is great with children and even other pets like dogs. Ragdolls are beautiful kittens that are front and center of quite a bit of controversy. What controversy can cats be a part of, you may ask? Oddly enough, it all has to do with coloring.
Race Overview
Suitable for:
Anyone who likes a cuddly cat!
attitude:
Kind, kind, loyal
Since Ragdolls have been formally recognized, certain characteristics and appearances have become standard. When it comes to colors, the Ragdoll standard is a pointed cat. This means that the body is meant to be lighter in color than the face. The only recognized Ragdoll colors are seal, chocolate, blue, flame, lilac, and cream. Unfortunately, white is not on the list. But does this mean there are no white Ragdolls? The answer is that no one really knows. There are white cats that look and act like Ragdolls that some consider purebred, but there are societies and breeders who say they are not.
Characteristics
The Earliest Records of White Ragdoll Cats in History
It is difficult to determine when the first white Ragdoll appeared in the history of the breed. What we do know is that the history surrounding Ragdolls is quite unique. There are at least two stories associated with this race, which no one really knows which is true. What we do know is that we can certainly thank a woman named Ann Baker for the important breed we know today.
In the early 1960s, Ann was a breeder of Persian cats living in Riverdale, California. One of Ann’s cats is named Josephine. Some stories say Josephine, a white Angora cat, was a rescue in Ann’s care while others say she and her offspring were borrowed as part of a breeding program. Either way, all Ragdolls can trace their heritage back to Josephine. It is believed that Josephine was bred by a Birman to produce the first Ragdoll kitties. Over the years, Ann worked to create the Ragdoll breed and enhance the traits she wanted to incorporate.
How White Ragdoll Cats Gained Popularity
Ragdolls became very popular in society quite quickly. Their unique beauty and tendency to collapse like a ragdoll when handled is why people want them as part of their families. White Ragdolls, however, have always been viewed as a myth or fake Ragdolls by some breeders and society. Recently, the International Cat Association began accepting white Ragdolls as purebreds. This has helped these rare kittens gain popularity ever since.
Formal Identification of White Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll breed was formally recognized by The Cat Fanciers Association in 1966 when Ann Baker officially registered her breed. When it comes to white Ragdolls, however, the CFA does not recognize them as pure Ragdolls. However, in recent years, the International Cat Association has begun to accept white as part of the Ragdoll breed standard.
Top 3 Unique Facts About White Ragdoll Cats
1. An Accident May Have Caused Ragdolls to Get Their Name
There are several stories surrounding the origins of Ragdolls. One such story involves Josephine, the mother of the race, and an accident. Ann Baker’s cat Josephine is said to have been injured in an accident where she was hit by a car. After the accident, the mother of the breed felt no pain and jumped into her owner’s arms like a ragdoll when she was picked up.
2. All Ragdolls Are Born Colorless In Their Blue
With so much controversy over what colors are accepted as breed standards for the Ragdoll, it’s strange to realize that kittens of this breed are born without any color. Pigment comes in as cats age. Most Ragdolls do not reach their true color until they are 2 years old.
3. Very Rare Cream Colored Ragdolls
Because white Ragdolls are not accepted by many, that leaves cream Ragdolls as the rarest Ragdolls out there. About 3% of Ragdoll owners are lucky enough to have one of these uniquely colored kittens in their home. The cream Ragdoll has a white body with ivory points around the face. Often, people confuse these cats with pure white Ragdolls.
Do White Ragdoll Cats Make Good Pets?
Whether they are white, cream, or any acceptable color, Ragdolls make excellent pets. These cats are very even-tempered, loving, and family-oriented. Ragdolls enjoy spending time with their families and can even be taught tricks due to their high intelligence. If you have children or other pets, a Ragdoll can be the perfect kitty addition to any family.
Conclusion
With the controversy surrounding white Ragdoll cats, it’s hard to tell if the color is true or not. Some breeders and cat associations have opened their arms to the possibility of a solid colored Ragdoll while others have not. Either way, you can’t deny the beauty and temperament of these amazing cats. If you have the opportunity to welcome one into your home, you absolutely should.
Featured Image Credit: cataliniturca Shutterstock
