Why Are Ragdolls Called ‘Puppy Cats’?

Anyone who’s met a Ragdoll can attest to their reputation — cuddly, affectionate, fluffy — and those big, blue eyes. The breed is known for their dog-like behavior, including typical fondness of children and other pets (they even do well when introduced to dogs). Put simply, a Ragdoll is the cat every dog person wants. 

You can find them greeting their parents at the door after work, following people around the house, and even occasionally playing fetch. Thanks to their popularity, you may even be able to find Ragdoll cats for adoption at shelters or rescues. If you’ve ever wanted to walk your cat on a leash or convert the non-cat-lovers in your life, we’ll break down what you need to know about these docile cats.

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About Ragdoll domestic cats

The Ragdoll cat breed is a fairly new addition to the cat breed community. The breed was developed by Californian Ann Baker in the ’60s after she noticed some desirable traits prominent in cats with the colorpoint gene. That coloring and affectionate personality traits originally went into forming the breed standard. Here’s a quick breakdown of some Ragdoll facts.

So, why are Ragdolls called ‘puppy cats’?

If you’ve ever seen a Ragdoll trot behind their human like a tiny shadow, or flop onto their back for belly rubs, you may understand their “puppy cat” nickname. Unlike many of their more aloof cousins, Ragdoll domestic cats are known for:

• Following their humans around

• Greeting you at the door

• Learning tricks

• Playing with enthusiasm

• Adapting to leash training

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These behaviors are typically more associated with dogs than cats, making Ragdolls especially appealing to pet parents who enjoy both cats and dogs. They may also be a great fit for someone who is typically a dog person but doesn’t have a lifestyle suitable for a dog. The Ragdoll’s go-with-the-flow attitude makes them a great fit for many situations.

Ragdoll cat personality traits

A Ragdoll’s personality stands out as much as their physical appearance. Here’s just a little of what you can expect if you bring home this puppy cat.

• Active: Although not hyperactive, Ragdolls enjoy a lot of playtime — especially with mentally stimulating toys such as puzzle feeders and feather wands. They’re also known for enjoying a good game of fetch.

• Highly social: Ragdolls crave attention and connection. They often seek out company and don’t love being left alone for long stretches. 

• Excellent with kids and other pets: Their patient, tolerant nature makes Ragdolls a solid choice for families of all sizes. They’re fairly easy to introduce to other cats and dogs. The breed is known for being gentle and rarely uses their claws in play.

• Affectionate: A Ragdoll enjoys physical closeness. If you’re looking for a cat to sleep on your lap or curl up next to you in bed at night, they’re a great choice. 

• Adaptable: Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet neighborhood, Ragdolls tend to adjust well as long as they get enough love and play. 

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Caring for a Ragdoll cat

Before adopting a Ragdoll, it’s worth knowing what goes into their care. Although they’re relatively easygoing, they do have some specific needs. Keep in mind that many of these points apply when adopting a kitten or cat of any breed. 

Exercise

Daily play is essential to prevent boredom and maintain a healthy weight. Ragdolls love to cuddle, but they also need plenty of play and activity time — games, perches, scratching posts, and cozy hideaways keep them curious, happy, and thriving.

Grooming

Luckily, their silky coat doesn’t mat easily. But Ragdolls still require weekly brushing to reduce shedding and hairballs. Keeping up with their grooming not only tames loose hair but also helps prevent pesky hairballs and keeps their coat soft and shiny.

Nutrition

Like most cats, Ragdolls require a high-protein diet that supports joint health and lean muscle. Because they enjoy a lot of lazy cuddles, it’s important to ration their food to help avoid weight issues. Stick to scheduled meals instead of free feeding, and keep treats in check to help them stay healthy and happy.

Litter box maintenance

Ragdolls are known as exceptionally clean cats with impeccable self-grooming habits. Because of their cleanliness, they tend to expect a clean litterbox. Keeping up on litterbox maintenance will make for a happier cat and help prevent any issues with accidents. 

Health concerns

Around 30 percent of Ragdolls have a genetic predisposition for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes thickening of the heart walls. Regular vet checkups will be important to stay on top of their health and detect any issues early, whether you choose to adopt an older cat or a kitten. Luckily, this condition can be managed with treatment. However, it’s important to consider potential medical needs when looking at how much cats cost.

Ready to adopt?

There are tons of cats sitting in shelters and rescues, all ready to kick off their next chapter with someone who gets them. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a kitty out there who’s the perfect fit, just waiting for the chance to meet you. Start your search on Adopt a Pet, where you can filter cats by age, color, breed, and more.

Commonly asked questions

What two breeds make a Ragdoll cat? 

The Ragdoll breed originated from Josephine, a white, domestic longhaired cat with the colorpoint gene. She was bred with other domestic longhairs based on temperament and additional criteria. This resulted in the Ragdoll breed’s characteristic colorpoint and ultra-friendly personality.

Why are they called Ragdoll cats?

The original Ragdoll, Josephine, was said to be so calm that she went completely limp when picked up — just like a Ragdoll. The breed is known for their docile nature and gentle personality. 

Are Ragdoll cats good for first-time pet parents? 

Ragdolls can be great for first-time pet parents. Their gentle nature, affectionate personality, and low-maintenance coat make them a solid choice for someone new to cats. 

Do Ragdoll cats meow a lot? 

Ragdolls are known as a quieter breed, but they may vocalize with you socially through chips and trills when you get home or play.  

References

“Genetics: Ragdoll Cat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).” Veterinary Hospital, 2024, hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu/services/small-animals/genetics/ragdoll-cat-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm.

Mills, Georgina. “Ragdolls and Their Common Health Complaints.” The Veterinary Record, vol. 197, no. 10, Autumn 2025, pp. 400—401, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41236509/, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70083.

“Ragdoll - Cfa.” Cfa, 15 July 2024, cfa.org/breed/ragdoll.

“Ragdoll - TICA - the International Cat Association.” TICA - the International Cat Association, 25 Oct. 2024, tica.org/breed/ragdoll.