Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Shorthair Ragdoll Cat: Do They Exist? Facts & FAQ
In this article
Ragdoll cats are purebred felines that have piercing blue eyes and loving personalities. Perhaps due to their elegance and gentle temperament, Ragdoll cats have enjoyed being rated as one of the most popular breeds in the world for years. They are best known for their luscious hair, so if you are wondering if there is such a thing as a short-haired Ragdoll cat, you've come to the right place.
These cats may look like they have short hair while they are kittens, but that hair grows into a medium-long coat. Mixed breeds that are part Ragdoll may end up with short hair, but you will never see a true Ragdoll with short hair!
Why Can't Ragdolls Have Short Coats?
The breed standard as recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association states that a Ragdoll must have a "moderately long coat," so to get a purebred Ragdoll, you would need two Ragdoll parents, and it is genetically impossible for two longhaired parents to have a shorthaired cat.
The long-haired gene is recessive, so the offspring needs two copies of this (one from the mom, one from the dad) to present the long hair.
The only way a so-called “short-haired Ragdoll” could exist is if another breed were introduced—often a short-haired breed like the British Shorthair. In that case, the kittens are Ragdoll mixes, not true Ragdolls.
Occasionally, breeders or sellers may also mislabel other short-haired breeds that resemble Ragdolls (such as Siamese or related mixes) to increase their value. And while spontaneous mutations are possible in genetics, they’re so rare that they don’t explain the appearance of “short-haired Ragdolls.”
In short, if the coat is short, the cat isn’t a pure Ragdoll.
The Earliest Records of Ragdoll Cats in History
The Ragdoll cat was developed in the 1960s in the United States by a woman named Ann Baker.1 She started by breeding a female named Josephine, who had several litters in her lifetime. She and her offspring are responsible for the production of what we know today as the Ragdoll cat breed. The lineage of any Ragdoll cat in existence can be traced back to Josephine and her kittens.
Ann Baker decided to forego registering her cats at an established breeding association and set up her registry instead. She trademarked the Ragdoll name and created the International Ragdoll Cat Association in the early 1970s.2 While Ann Baker passed away in 1997, her association still thrives, and Ragdoll Cats are flourishing due to her and others’ hard work and dedication.
How Ragdoll Cats Gained Popularity
The Ragdoll cat seems to have been popular from the get-go due to their striking eyes, luxurious long haired coats, and docile temperaments. As the breed developed, people throughout the community wanted a Ragdoll of their own. Their popularity caught on and has been strong ever since.
Formal Recognition of Shorthair Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll cat breed has been formally recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, which was founded in 1906 and is the most prominent cat registry in existence. This breed is also the official cat of the International Ragdoll Cat Association. The 'Shorthair' Ragdoll is not recognized, as it does not exist. If a shorthair ragdoll is presenting, it is a mixed breed, not purebred.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Ragdoll Cats
1. They Are One of the Largest Cat Breeds in Existence
Ragdoll cats might be one of the most docile breeds around, but they are not small. They are one of the largest breeds in existence, standing between 9 and 11 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 20 pounds when fully grown!
2. They Tend to Be Calm and Quiet
Ragdoll cats are typically calm, gentle, and quiet. They are more likely to be found snuggled up on the couch rather than running around the house or chasing toys. This isn’t to say that they don’t enjoy playtime, but they are more docile and calmer than the average cat breed. They also don’t meow much.
3. They Are Sometimes Likened to Dogs
Due to the loyalty and affection that Ragdolls tend to display, they are often likened to dogs by people who spend time with canines and felines. These cats are known for waiting by the door to greet their family members when they come home and playing short games of fetch on the living room floor.
Does the Ragdoll Cat Make a Good Pet?
Ragdoll cats make excellent pets, especially in households that are quiet and relaxing. They can handle the shenanigans of children if they have a quiet spot to retreat to when they need their space or feel the need for extra security. These loving animals can do well in both house and apartment settings too.
Summary
While there is no such thing as a shorthair Ragdoll cat, this breed is beautiful, smart, and easy to spend time with. If you are looking for a gentle, quiet cat who enjoys cuddling and doesn’t mind spending time at home alone, the Ragdoll might be the right fit for your household.
Featured Image Credit: Deden Alifa, Pexels
Get Hepper In Your Inbox
Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about!
Join the conversation
Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.
