Ragdolls Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1960s

There is some confusion between sources as to whether the breed was registered in 1965 or 1966. Ann Baker took the step of trademarking the name of 'Ragdoll' and attempted to set up a franchising system, leading to conflict with people who bought breeding stock from her. She is a controversial figure in the history of the breed due to this and other actions.

Answer: Josephine

Josephine was a white cat of uncertain breed - like many elements of the Ragdoll's early history, there is conflicting information about her. She was potentially a semi-feral animal who may have been owned by one of Ann Baker's neighbours. In one story, Josephine was hit by a a car, but after this accident, Baker claimed her personality changed with her increased placidity and calmness leading to Baker deciding to breed for those traits.

Another Ragdoll site claims that Baker alleges that Josephine underwent genetic enhancement after this accident, possibly influenced by the Government.

Answer: Raggedy Ann Daddy Warbucks

Some sources state that 'Daddy Warbucks' was the brother of Blackie, one of the cats that Ann Baker used as part of her breeding program, while others claim that 'Daddy Warbucks' was the offspring of Josephine and Blackie. Regardless, he is considered influential in the development of the breed.

Answer: Light and dark

The Dayton family, who established the 'Blossom Time' cattery, were primarily responsible for the establishment of the classic Ragdoll features and colour lines. They carefully bred from the 'light' and 'dark' stock leading to the four main coat patterns - bi-color, van, mitted and colourpoint which exist today.

Colourpoint Ragdolls have classic pointed markings with no white anywhere in their coat.

Mitted have white paws, a white chin and belly stripe. They may also have a blaze, star or hourglass shaped patch of white on their forehead and nose.

Bi-colours have more white with their four paws, their underbodies, chest, and an upside-down 'V' marking on their faces white, while their tails, ears, and the outer part of their masks having darker markings.

In the van pattern, only the top of the mask, ears, and tail, and some spots on the body show darker markings.

Answer: Kyoto

Kyoto was a male seal pointed mitted Ragdoll, with markings similar to those of Siamese and Burmese cats. He was one of the first four Ragdolls to be officially registered.

Answer: Placidity

Ann Baker claimed that after Josephine's accident she became a more relaxed and tolerant cat. She noted that her litters shared these characteristics including the tendency to become limp when being handled. It was this calm nature that attracted Baker to developing the breed.

Answer: Blue

It is a characteristic of the breed that they have large, striking blue eyes, one of the few similarities that they share. Otherwise their colouring and markings are diverse.

Answer: White

At around two weeks, breeders can normally identify which of the colour groups a Ragdoll kitten will belong to.

It is speculated that in the foundation group of cats that Burmese, Persian and Birman bloodlines may have been present, but this has been difficult to confirm. This speculation is partially reflected in the colour patterns known to the breed: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream. Points may be solid, lynx, tortie, or torbie (tortie and lynx).

Answer: Fetch

Ragdolls are often compared to dogs, partly for their ability to be taught tricks such as 'fetch' and 'rollover' and partly because of their affectionate natures. Ragdoll owners often speak of their pets following them from room to room and waiting for them at the front door.

Answer: Four years

Ragdolls are a slow maturing breed. They can weigh up to 10 kilograms, making them one of the largest cat breeds. This size can be enhanced by their long haired coats.