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View 8 More +The Persian Ragdoll cat mix is a combination of two very popular cat breeds. The Ragdoll is a large cat that is known for its gentle, dog-like personality, while the Persian is known for its discerning but loving personality. Both breeds are popular with a wide variety of people, from families to singles, and they are both suitable cats for many home environments, including apartment living.
Breed Overview
Height:
9–15 inches
Weight:
7–20 pounds
Lifespan:
12–17 years
Colors:
White, blue, silver, cream, red, brown, black, lilac, chocolate, seal
Suitable for:
Singles, elderly people, families with older children
Temperament:
Laid back, discerning, gentle, affectionate
While both breeds aren’t uncommon, the combination of the Persian and Ragdoll breeds is uncommon. Persians tend to be much smaller than Ragdolls, and Persians are often more selective in their affections, giving them a more cat-like personality than the Ragdoll breed. Although different, this combination of breeds is a surprisingly solid mixed cat breed.
Persian Ragdoll Cat Mix Characteristics
Persian Ragdoll Kittens
As mentioned, the combination of Persian and Ragdoll cats is not a very common one. You may be able to find one in a shelter or rescue, as people surrender cats all the time. However, your best bet at finding one of these cats is to contact a Persian or Ragdoll breeder.
When choosing a breeder, you want to make sure they are reputable, and preferably registered through a cat fanciers’ organization. They should be able to answer all of your questions and concerns and provide health guarantees for your kitten. That being said, you may have to travel to get one of these cats or be put on the waiting list for awhile since these cats are not that common. Just make sure to stay away from kitten mills or backyard breeders, because they often sell kittens for cheap prices and the kittens aren’t very healthy.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Persian Ragdoll Cat Mix
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
The Persian Ragdoll cat mix can be a great family cat. Ragdolls are gentle giants, often showing an equal affinity to all of the members of the household, as well as being quite friendly and social with visitors.
Persians tend to be very loving, gentle cats that are social with strangers and friends alike. Persians differ from Ragdolls in that they are somewhat discerning when it comes to who they choose to interact with. They may pick favorites among household members, and some Persians may choose to avoid some people, especially noisy, rowdy children and adults.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, Persian Ragdoll mixes are often a great addition to homes with other pets. Both parent breeds typically get along with other cats well, and most of them will also become fond of cat-friendly dogs with proper introductions. They can even sometimes be leash trained and learn to comfortably interact with other animals on walks, although care should be taken if this is allowed.
Caution should be taken when introducing these cats to small animals, though. Persians have a low hunting drive compared to most cat breeds, but they will still attack small animals if given the opportunity. The curious and energetic Ragdoll will definitely go after small animals. Like with most cats, Persian Ragdoll cat mixes shouldn’t be trusted with small animals, including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Things to Know When Owning a Persian Ragdoll Cat Mix:
Food & Diet Requirements 
Ragdolls are muscular cats, while Persians tend to have a more lithe, lean build. A mix of both breeds can result in a variety of body types, so specific dietary needs can vary significantly between individual cats.
Regardless of your cat’s build, it is important to feed a high-quality cat food that meets all of the nutritional needs of your cat. Cats are obligate carnivores that require a high protein and moderate fat diet that is complete and balanced.
Exercise 🐈
Ragdolls tend to be moderately energetic cats, while Persians are often considered to be somewhat lazy cats. Games, toys, and puzzles are great tools to keep your cat engaged in physical activity, even if they are a lazy cat.
It’s important to your cat’s physical and mental health that you provide them with enriching activities and exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. More energetic cats will require more attention than this. For cats that don’t want to participate in much physical movement, food puzzles are a good way to give your cat a mental workout.
Training 🧶
Ragdolls are considered to be trainable cats, while many people who have Persians will tell you that they aren’t the brightest cats. A Persian Ragdoll mix can be very bright and trainable, or they may be a slow learner which makes training difficult. Either way, the key to training your cat is consistency.
Finding ways to keep training sessions interesting and engaging will give you the most success in training your cat. Some cats will be motivated by food and treats, while others prefer toys, and some will feel rewarded simply by spending time with you.
Grooming ✂️
Ragdolls and Persians are both cats with high grooming needs, so Persian Ragdoll mixes require a commitment to very regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. For many cats, this will require brushing every day. At the most, this breed mix should be brushed every 2–3 days.
Mats can be a serious problem that can lead to skin damage, infections, and pain, so it’s necessary to maintain the health of your cat and stay on top of coat care. For some cats, a professional grooming visit may be needed on a regular basis to maintain the health of the coat and skin.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Ragdoll cats are widely considered to be a healthy cat breed, although they are prone to some issues, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hairballs. Persians, on the other hand, are often plagued with a variety of health issues, both major and minor. This is especially common in poorly bred Persian cats, like those from kitten mills and pet stores.
- Periodontal disease
- Haircoat disorders
- Skin infections
- Nail overgrowth
- Hairballs
- Obesity
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Thromboembolism
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
- Bladder stones
Male vs Female
There are typically no extreme differences between male and female cats of most breeds, including Persians and Ragdolls. The primary difference is the size difference between males and females, especially in Ragdoll cats.
Males are often significantly larger than females, with some male Ragdolls reaching up to 20 pounds, while females are usually in the 10–15 pounds range. Male Persians can reach around 15 pounds, while females are usually between 7 pounds and 12 pounds. In Persian Ragdoll cat mixes, there is a likelihood of males being much larger than females.
There is also a possibility that female cats will be more independent, and for those cats that have more of the Persian personality traits, females may be more selective with people than males are. Male cats tend to be friendlier and more outgoing in both breeds. They also like to spend time with their people, and males are more likely to be “Velcro” cats than females.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Persian Ragdoll Cat Mix
1. Persians are a very old breed.
Persian cats were introduced to Europe in the 1600s from Persia, or modern-day Iran. It’s unclear if this breed originated in Persia, though. Nobody actually knows where the Persian breed truly originated. It’s possible they were introduced to Persia from another location.
Once introduced to Europe, this breed soared in popularity. They were one of the breeds included in the world’s first cat show, which took place in London in 1871. Even Queen Victoria was a big fan of the Persian breed.
2. Purebred Ragdolls have a specific eye color.
One of the characteristics of the Ragdoll breed is that all purebred Ragdoll cats have blue eyes. Other eye colors may happen with genetic mutations, but it is uncommon. A Ragdoll with eyes other than the color blue is likely mixed with another breed. It is possible, though, for a Persian Ragdoll mix to have eye colors other than blue.
3. Ragdolls are very large cats.
The Ragdoll breed is considered to be one of the largest domestic cat breeds. It is only smaller than the Savannah and Maine Coon breeds. Ragdolls can be smaller than Norwegian Forest cats and Siberians, but they are typically similar in size. Either way, the Ragdoll, which can weigh up to 20 pounds, is notably larger than the Persian cat, which doesn’t usually get larger than 12 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Persian and Ragdoll cats are both fabulous breeds that are full of personality and affection. The combination of these breeds is likely to result in a wonderful cat that is highly social, but this combination of breeds will also result in a high-maintenance coat.
There is a potential for obesity and laziness, so keeping your cat active and engaged, along with feeding a healthy diet, is important for maintaining a healthy body weight.
Featured Image Credit: oussama el biad, Shutterstock
