Ragdoll cats are known for their affectionate nature, soft vocalization, and, of course, striking blue eyes. Many people compare Ragdolls to dogs due to their cuddly demeanor and laid-back personalities. They love human affection and prefer to be on the ground with you rather than high up like most cats.
Their striking blue eyes are a trademark, so to speak, of this loveable and cuddly ball of fur. But do all Ragdoll cats have those striking blue eyes? The short answer is that only purebred Ragdoll cats have blue eyes. Come with us to explore this loveable feline more in-depth.
How Do I Know if My Ragdoll Is Purebred?
As we’ve mentioned, only purebred Ragdolls have distinctive bright blue eyes, whereas mixed Ragdolls will have either gold or green eyes. The bright blue eyes are a distinguishing feature of a purebred Ragdoll cat, and being armed with this information will help you not get taken by a so-called Ragdoll breeder.
Are Ragdoll Cats With Blue Eyes Deaf?
Contrary to belief, Ragdolls are not deaf. Deafness is common in blue-eyed cats with white fur. Ragdolls come in many different colors but do not have the same mutation found in pure-white cats.
What Is So Special About Ragdoll Cats?
Ragdoll cats are a popular cat breed to own due to their dog-like personalities. They are terrific with children and love to hang out with their humans. The males can reach a whopping 20 pounds, and their lifespan ranges from 15–20 years. Ragdolls are intelligent, gentle, and make loving companions.
Some cats don’t like being held, but most Ragdolls don’t mind it. In fact, they usually go limp when you pick them up, hence the name “Ragdoll.” They are easy to care for and are quite sociable. Ragdolls get along with other pets and love to cuddle with their humans.
Ragdolls are not cheap. In fact, it takes careful breeding, which in turn means they are expensive when you buy from a breeder. However, owning a Ragdoll will be one of the best decisions you can make if it’s in your budget. Even though they long to be with their humans, they are not demanding cats.
Are Ragdolls a Healthy Cat Breed?
Ragdolls have few health issues and are an overall healthy cat breed. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one health condition you should watch out for with this cat breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs roughly in 30% of Ragdolls due to a genetic mutation called the MYBPC3 gene, which causes a thickening of the muscle walls of the heart. No breeder can guarantee their litters will not develop the condition, but keep in mind that only 30% of Ragdolls ever develop it.
There is no cure for HCM. However, treatment for the condition consists of a specialized care plan designed to manage the symptoms, such as controlling the heart rate, alleviating lung congestion, and preventing blood clots from forming.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Ragdoll is a rewarding experience. They are fun, sociable, intelligent, and love cuddles. Their striking blue eyes are true to the breed, and if your cat has any other color eyes, your cat is a mixed Ragdoll. Even if you have a mixed Ragdoll cat, your cat will still have the unique characteristics of a purebred Ragdoll, whether it has blue eyes or not.
Featured Image Credit By: madeinitaly4k, Shutterstock
How Do I Know if My Ragdoll Is Purebred?
