Answer: No. There is no truth to that implication. Human blood is different from that of felines’. It is nearly impossible to even perceive this. Additionally, the Ragdoll breed was started in the 1960’s . . . . and back then, unlike today, genetic engineering was just a "dream" inside a science fiction book. It would have been impossible to do then and it’s impossible to mix human genes with felines’ . . . even today!

Question: Who is Ann Baker?

Answer: Ann Baker was a breeder in California who introduced the Ragdoll breed to us. She made up her own cat association known as IRCA (the International Ragdoll Cat Association). She is fully credited with developing these wonderful cats.

Question: Why are they called "Ragdolls?" Answer: The name "Ragdoll" derives from the cats’ ability to become totally relaxed when picked up (like a child’s toy ragdoll). This characteristic is real. It is more prevalent in Ragdolls that are fully matured than in kittens.

Answer: The Ragamuffin cat is a spin-off of the Ragdoll. They are not the same breed. Ragamuffins were started by early Ragdoll breeders. After the original breeders under Ann Baker broke off from her, a select few out-crossed their Ragdolls and this enabled them to produce different colors and patterns to what was a Ragdoll. The temperament for which Ragdolls are known for was lost along the way, and Ragamuffin breeders are not held responsible for proving their litters’ pedigree records beyond a couple generations.

Answer: You can't. The only way to know for sure that you have a real Ragdoll, pedigree cat, is to have the bloodline history and papers from a Ragdoll breeder. Looks and temperament alone do not certify a rescued or adopted cat as a legitimate Ragdoll. Only pedigree papers can do that.

Question: Are all Ragdoll cats loving, calm, and docile? Answer: No. Every Ragdoll kitten has its own personality. Occasionally, there may be an aggressive type in any litter. However, that is not common - and the chances of getting an aggressive Ragdoll cat is minimized when dealing with a reputable breeder. The very first 12 weeks of a kitten's life shape how it will behave in later years. Kittens raised with their moms and in a friendly atmosphere - within those crucial first 12 weeks - are more likely to turn out with the best dispositions and temperaments.

Answer: False. Ann Baker claimed to have mixed skunk into her cats to improve their tails supposedly. She named this new breed, the "Honeybears." There are no facts to substantiate her claim & the scientific community does not accept this as being possible in any way.

Question: Is it true that you cannot use clumpable litter with Ragdolls? Answer: That is false. You can use clumpable litters with Ragdolls, like you would any other breed. The allegations that they cause urinary tract infections is simply not true. Clumpable litter should not be used with very young kittens. But that holds true for any breed, not just the Ragdolls.

Answer: False. Ragdoll cats are special in their temperaments and in their beautiful ways and grace. However, they are still felines. They are still cats. That fact remains. And, people who suffer from cat allergies will experience the same reactions with Ragdoll cats.

Answer: False. Ragdolls do indeed shed. However, their coat is like that of a rabbits’ and sheds considerably less than other medium-long haired cats. Grooming is usually needed once per week with a Ragdoll. Persians, on the other hand, require grooming daily to avoid mats. Ragdolls do not mat.

Answer: Ragdolls are no different than any other cats when it comes to life expectancy. With proper care, a Ragdoll can live to be anywhere from 15 to 25 years old.