Ragdoll cats are a fairly popular breed, recognized by the major cat fancy associations. While these felines are a feast for the eye, they are famous above all for the trait which gave the breed its name: when held in one's arms, the Ragdoll is said to go as limp as, well, a ragdoll doll, showing no signs of struggle.

There is even a common myth surrounding the origins of this breed: it is said that the foundation cat had been involved in a car accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis, somehow producing the aforementioned floppiness in her and her future kittens.

Of course, car accidents, or any other external event, do not bring about a genetic transformation. This story is nothing but fanciful breed lore. Moreover, going limp while being held is not even a breed requirement in Ragdoll cats. That said, they are bred for certain personality traits, so you can expect a purebred Ragdoll to be extra docile and affectionate.

Ragdolls are beautiful cats. They are fairly large and muscular, with a large head and round blue eyes. Their coat is semi-long, soft and does not tend to mat. Most Ragdoll cats display the colorpoint coat pattern (like Siamese or Himalayan cats), but they can also have white mittens and a white "facial mask". Some of them are bi-colored so that the lower part of their body is white.

Well, as with everything else, it depends.

Let's start with this question: Is a cat a good choice for you?

Are you committed to taking care of a cat for the next twenty years or so? Adopting a pet is a bit like a Catholic marriage in my book. You should be willing to see your cat through any health and behavioral issues that may come up. That includes dealing with litter boxes, furniture scratching issues and lots more. It means vet bills, even if only in spaying/neutering your cat, getting vaccinations and routine checks done.

If you're sure about adopting a cat, you should consider a Ragdoll if, and only if -

Your household is relatively peaceful.

You're looking for a docile yet affectionate cat.

You're looking for a longhair cat that doesn't require a lot of grooming.

You're committed to keeping your cat indoors-only at all times.

You're willing to spend time finding the right breeder and enough money on purchasing a cat from him or her.

Still not sure? Check out this video where the owner holds up her sweet Ragdoll and tells you about life with a Ragdoll cat:

You can buy a Ragdoll from a breeder. Make sure you are dealing with a professional and ethical breeder and avoid backyard breeders. The breeder should be registered with one of the cat fancy associations. A good breeder will insist on your pet cat being spayed/neutered, never declawed and generally provided with good home. Expect to sign a contract that includes these and other terms.

Like other purebred cats, some Ragdolls end up abandoned in shelters. You could try these Ragdoll Rescue associations to see if they have cats currently in need of a home:

Ragdoll Rescue USA

Ragdoll Rescue NorthWest

Last, but not least, with so many cats looking for good homes, whatever you decide, please make sure you spay and neuter your cat - purebred or not.