It would be more accurate to name this page "Mystery of Breed"
as in all the years of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) there
has never being a Breed surrounded with more mystery, then the Ragdoll.
A lady named Ann Baker, a breeder in Riverside California in the
early 60’s, first created the breed.
The myth is that her white female Angora cat by the name of Josephine,
became victim to a terrible car accident. After this accident she
recovered and was bred with a colorpoint male that had white mittens
like the Sacred Cat of Burma. Three kittens were born to these two
cats. These kittens were said to not feel pain and be extremely
relaxed and floppy due to the fact that Josephine's accident induced
this trait in her kittens. Of course, that is only a beautiful myth,
as all cats feel pain.
What is known is that this breed was selectively bred over many
years for desirable traits such as large size, gentle demeanor,
and a tendency to go limp when picked up, as well as the striking
pointed coloration and large blue eyes.
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