Lilac Ragdoll Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History
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Ragdoll cats are a popular large cat breed that are known for their gentle manner and strong, compact build. This breed has beautiful blue eyes, but it comes in six recognized colors and three coat patterns.
One of the loveliest colors of the Ragdoll breed is lilac, which is more similar to a grey than a true purple or blue. This is a recognized coat type in the breed, so lilac Ragdoll cats do meet the breed’s standard.
The Earliest Records of Lilac Ragdoll Cats in History
Ragdoll cats have only been around as a breed since the 1960s, so they are a relatively young breed. Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder in California, bred a large white cat that was similar in appearance to an Angora to other cats that she owned or strays she took in. Ragdolls are sometimes referred to as “daughters of Josephine,” which is referring to the original cat that Ann bred, the large white cat that she named Josephine.
Since the original breed standard, lilac has been an accepted color within the Ragdoll breed. Lilac is considered to be a frosty grey color, according to the breed standard. Lilac can be found in lilac point, lilac lynx point, lilac-cream point, and lilac-cream lynx point.
How Lilac Ragdoll Cats Gained Popularity
When Ann Baker bred the first Ragdoll cats, she was smitten with the loving and attentive temperament of the offspring. Because of the success of the breeding, she continued to breed Josephine, eventually expanding her breeding operation to develop a breed.
During this time, other people began breeding Ragdolls as well, eventually resulting in a fully formed cat breed. Lilac Ragdoll cats are one of the many popular colors within the developed Ragdoll breed. The beauty and uniqueness of this coat color do make the lilac coat color popular among many enthusiasts.
Formal Recognition of Lilac Ragdoll Cats
From the time Josephine had her first litter of early Ragdoll kittens to the time the breed was accepted as a registered breed with CFA and TICA, only a few years passed. Ann Baker began breeding Ragdolls in the early 1960s, and by 1966, the breed was registered. Lilac has been an accepted color from the beginning of the breed’s registration.
There are multiple breeds that accept lilac as a color within their breed standards, but it is a somewhat limited list compared to the large number of registered cat breeds. Lilac is also found in the Himalayan, Siamese, Burmese, American Curl, Lykoi, Oriental, Persian, Balinese, and even the Bengal. Lilac is not an overly common coat color in stray cats, like general Domestic Shorthairs and Domestic Longhairs.
However, cats with ancestry from one of the breeds that lilac occurs in may display the coat color. It would certainly be exciting to come across a lilac stray cat, but it is a relatively unlikely scenario. You shouldn’t struggle too much to find a lilac Ragdoll cat, though.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Lilac Ragdoll Cats
1. Lilac is only one of six colors that meet the Ragdoll breed standard.
These colors also include chocolate, cream, seal, blue, and red. There are multiple combinations of colors and patterns the Ragdoll breed can be found in.
2. Ragdoll cats usually enjoy being held.
Their name comes from their tendency to relax when held or go limp like a ragdoll. This behavior is very much in line with the cool-as-a-cucumber temperament of the breed.
3. Ragdolls typically darken with age.
Allowances for darker colorations are written into the breed’s standard. This includes lilac, which may shift to a darker pinkish-grey tone.
Do Lilac Ragdoll Cats Make Good Pets?
Ragdoll cats of all colors make excellent pets, especially for people who prefer cats that are more sociable and dog-like in their temperament. These cats typically love people of all ages, including strangers, and they are rarely the type of cat to spook and hide under a bed or couch when the doorbell rings. The downside to Ragdoll cats is that their coat requires frequent brushing to maintain.
Conclusion
Lilac Ragdoll cats cast a striking appearance, thanks to their unique coloration and large Ragdoll frame. This coat color is an accepted part of the Ragdoll breed standard, but it is important to ensure you find a responsible breeder if you are seeking a lilac Ragdoll. Breeders who breed for color outcomes without health testing and appropriate knowledge often create unhealthy cats that worsen the breed instead of bettering it.
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Featured Image Credit: imageBROKER.com, Shutterstock
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
