About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 43-53 cm

Height range  : 23-28cm

Weight range : 3.6-9.1kg

Coat : Longhair|semi-long|silky|soft|plush|abundant guard hairs|minimal undercoat

Life expectancy years : 12-17

Colors: seal|blue|chocolate|lilac|red|cream|frost|bluecream|tortie|lynx|pointed patterns with white.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Birman|Persian|Balinese|Maine Coon|Siberian

 

History

The breed was developed in the 1960s in California by Ann Baker from carefully chosen domestic longhairs including the white foundation cat Josephine. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1993 and advanced it to championship status in 2000.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Affectionate

Personality

affectionate|docile|placid|calm|gentle|loving|relaxed|friendly|intelligent|sociable

Needs

Needs regular interactive playtime , weekly or more frequent brushing or combing , nail trimming , dental care , weight monitoring , secure outdoor or indoor enrichment.

Social Needs

Sociable and dependent cat that usually gets along well with children and other pets including dogs and often stays close to people.

Grooming 

Regular combing at least once or twice a week is advised by CFA while other sources suggest daily brushing from kittenhood because the coat can mat during seasonal changes. Nail trimming and dental care are also part of grooming.

Nutrition

Every cat needs balanced carnivore nutrition and the breed should be fed to maintain ideal body condition. Fresh clean water should be available daily and portion control is important because the breed may love food and be prone to obesity.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard describes a medium to large blue-eyed pointed cat with a large modified wedge head , vivid blue oval eyes , medium ears , long rectangular body , heavy boning , long plume tail and moderately long coat with abundant guard hairs and minimal woolly undercoat. Full size and weight may be reached around four years and full coat color around two to three years.

Did you know?

Ragdolls are slow-maturing and many may learn to fetch or follow people around which contributes to their puppy-cat reputation.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Urinary tract issues including FLUTD, Hairballs, Obesity, Polycystic kidney disease

 

Symptoms

1. Many cats may show no signs for years
2. Lethargy , hiding , reduced appetite , rapid or labored breathing , open-mouthed breathing and hind limb pain or paralysis from thromboembolism may occur

1. Difficult or painful urination , increased frequency , crying out while urinating , blood in urine , inappropriate urination , genital licking and little or no urine with blockage may occur

1. Gagging , hacking , retching , vomiting cylindrical hair masses , lethargy , repeated unproductive retching , inappetence or blockage signs may occur

1. Loss of waistline , round sagging belly , difficulty feeling ribs or spine , reduced play , trouble jumping and greasy or matted coat may occur

1. Increased thirst and urination , weight loss , poor appetite , nausea , vomiting , lethargy and unkempt coat may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Genetic predisposition is present from birth
2. Clinical signs or diagnosis often appear in young to middle-aged adults around 2-6 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. High and described as a major hereditary risk in the breed

Urinary tract issues including FLUTD

1. Can occur at any age
2. Most often seen in young to middle-aged cats around 2-7 years according to the text

Probability Of Onset:

1. High according to the supplied text especially in large indoor neutered males and cats with low activity or stress

Hairballs

1. May begin after the adult coat develops around 1+ year
2. May become more frequent during heavy shedding and later life

Probability Of Onset:

1. High because long-haired breeds may be at greater risk and this is a common management issue

Obesity

1. Weight gain often begins after maturity and neutering around 1-2 years and may become more significant by middle age

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high and described as an extremely common management challenge without strict owner control

Polycystic kidney disease

1. Cysts are present from birth
2. Clinical kidney failure signs often appear around 3-10 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low in cats from responsible breeders because DNA testing may greatly reduce the risk

Reasons

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

1. This is a genetic disease rather than a deficiency
2. Taurine is described as critical for feline heart muscle function

 

Hairballs:

1. Water and dietary fiber may be lacking and keratin in swallowed hair is indigestible according to the text

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

1. This is a genetic disease rather than a deficiency
2. Taurine is described as critical for feline heart muscle function

Hairballs:

1. Water and dietary fiber may be lacking and keratin in swallowed hair is indigestible according to the text

 

Urinary tract issues including FLUTD

 1. Water may be lacking and concentrated urine may allow crystal formation
2. Stress is a major non-chemical trigger according to the text

Obesity

1. The issue is excess calories especially from carbohydrate-rich dry food and the text suggests physical activity may be lacking

Polycystic kidney disease

  1. 1. This is a genetic disease
    2. Management may involve low phosphorus , low sodium and controlled high-quality protein

Normally Treament Methods

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. 1. Echocardiography may be used for diagnosis
    2. Ongoing monitoring and medications may help manage heart rate , congestion and clot risk
    3. There is no known cure

 

Urinary tract issues including FLUTD:

  1. 1. Wet food , more water , therapeutic urinary diets and veterinary pain management may help
    2. Urethral blockage is a medical emergency and catheterization may be needed
    3. Additional urinary acidifiers are not recommended without veterinary guidance

 

Hairballs

  1. 1. Daily brushing may help prevention
    2. Laxatives may help only with veterinary supervision
    3. Severe obstruction may require clinical care or surgery

 

Obesity:

  1. 1. Portion-controlled high-protein diet , no free-feeding , daily interactive play and veterinary calorie planning may help

 

Polycystic kidney disease:

  1. 1. DNA testing of breeding cats may reduce risk
    2. Supportive care may include renal diet , fluids and related symptom management. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy :

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for cardiovascular support
    2. Taurine can, might be helpful for heart muscle support
    3. L-Carnitine can, might be helpful for heart muscle energy and function
    4. Coenzyme Q10 can, might be helpful for cellular energy support
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Urinary tract issues including FLUTD

  • 1. Glucosamine can, might be helpful for bladder lining support
    2. L-tryptophan can, might be helpful for stress-related components
    3. Zylkene can, might be helpful for stress-related components
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Hairballs

  • 1. Fiber can, might be helpful for moving hair through the digestive tract
    2. Probiotics can, might be helpful for digestion and motility
    3. Hairball gels can, might be helpful for lubrication
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Obesity

  • 1. L-Carnitine can, might be helpful for fat metabolism and lean muscle support
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for inflammation support
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Polycystic kidney disease

  • 1. Phosphate binders can, might be helpful for dietary phosphorus control
    2. Potassium can, might be helpful if retention is reduced
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for kidney support
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