If you live in the Pennsylvania area, you might’ve seen commercials put out by Highmark Health in the past couple of years that feature a cat. Designed as a public health campaign (with the original commercials released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic), the Highmark Health commercials feature a very judgmental kitty that reminds its owners to wash their hands and wear their masks. The health and wellness company went with a cat as their spokesman because cats are highly hygienic animals that are big on cleanliness and excellent at social distancing.
The “spokeskitty” is absolutely adorable (even if it’s judging you), so you might be wondering just what kind of cat breed it is. There’s no definitive answer to the question, as Highmark Health doesn’t seem to have released that information. However, based on the cat’s physical features, the cat is most likely a Ragdoll.
What Is a Ragdoll?
You might not be entirely familiar with the breed, but you’ve likely seen them around before as they are a popular cat. This cat breed got its name from the way they flop into the arms and laps of anyone that holds them. They were created in the 1960s in California by a breeder who was an interesting character—she claimed the Ragdoll breed was influenced by aliens and experimented on by the CIA.
The Ragdoll is a large domestic cat (one of the largest out there) and is known for having exceptionally blue eyes. The hair on their bodies tends to be a light color, while their faces, legs, and tails are darker.
This breed is well-known for its friendly demeanor and laid-back nature. They love to flop on you and snuggle, but they are also incredibly curious kitties that love to figure out how things work. The Ragdoll is also relatively quiet; they don’t meow often, and when they do, it’s a tiny thing.
And, as far as cat breeds go, the Ragdoll is fairly hardy. They are generally healthy and are only at risk for a handful of diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and cryptococcosis.
One other thing to know about the Ragdoll is that you can easily train them to fetch or come when you call (or even act in a commercial!).
Where Can I Get a Ragdoll?
There are a few places you should be able to find a Ragdoll if you decide you’d like to adopt one.
First and foremost, check with any local animal shelters to see if they have any up for adoption. This is a popular breed, so you might not find one in a regular shelter, but it’s worth a try. A quick search on Google should locate shelters near you. You might also look online at sites such as Pet Finder or Adopt A Pet to see if anything is available.
If a shelter doesn’t work out, you could try looking for a Ragdoll-specific rescue organization. These organizations may be few and far between, but they are out there. Some you might want to look at, depending on your location, include Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue, Ragdoll Rescue USA, and Ragdoll Rescue.
Your best bet at finding a Ragdoll, though, will likely be through a Ragdoll breeder—though be forewarned, this option will be pricey! However, you’ll want to ensure you’re adopting from a reputable breeder if you go this route. Otherwise, you might get an unhealthy cat or one that isn’t actually a Ragdoll.
Final Thoughts
Though it’s not 100%, it is most likely that the adorable cat in the Highmark Health commercials is a Ragdoll, as these cats are known for their blue eyes and ability to be trained. The Ragdoll is a lovely, sweet, friendly breed, making them wonderful pets for anyone and everyone. However, the Ragdoll breed is a popular one, making it challenging to find one of your own. There are plenty of places one can look for them, though, so best of luck!
See also:
- Scottish Fold Ragdoll Mix: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits
- Can Ragdoll Cats Be Calico? What Science Tells Us
- What Kind of Cat Breed Is Pusheen? The Story Behind the Popular Cat GIF
Featured Image Credit: Characters by Highmark Inc. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
What Is a Ragdoll?
