It’s hard not to be enchanted by a Himalayan Ragdoll cat. These majestic felines are quickly becoming one of the most popular designer breeds for a good reason. Just seeing one will surely fill your heart with joy, so I’m not surprised that you’re thinking about blessing your life with this lovely fluff.
Their beautiful long coats, piercing blue eyes, and cute faces aren’t the only characteristics that make these kitties so popular. With their wonderful personalities and loving nature, they truly are a full package! Considering their parents are wonderful Himalayans and Ragdolls, I’d be surprised if it was any different.
Because this is a relatively new breed, the information that you can find may vary depending on the source. Still, there are some things we’re absolutely sure about. These kitties are friendly, loyal, and a perfect choice for active families.
If you plan on getting a Himalayan Ragdoll cat, it’s good that you’re trying to learn more about this breed. No matter how beautiful it is, it’s definitely not for everyone, and you should think well before you decide to bless your home with this beauty.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to share all the details about these majestic fluffs and help you make the right decision. If you decide to get one for yourself, there’s one thing I’m certain about – she’ll make your life a lot more interesting, and filled with love.
Himalayan Ragdoll cat: a short history lesson
First bred in 1998 by Dr. David MacNab, the Himalayan Ragdoll is a relatively new breed, yet it’s been capturing the hearts of many for two decades now. It combines two wonderful felines: the Himalayan and the Ragdoll, resulting in a kitty that is sure to take your breath away.
Both of these breeds are among the most popular in the world. Because the Himalayan Ragdoll is a relatively new mix, the best way to understand it is by looking at the character and health of its purebred parents.
Developed in 1930, the Himalayan cat is also a mix of two breeds – Persian and Siamese. Because they look alike and have similar personalities, the Cat Fancier’s Association started recognizing the Himalayan as a type of Persian.
The other breed we’re interested in here is Ragdoll, which was developed back in the 60s. Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder, decided to mix free-roaming kitties. She bred a long-haired white kitty with other cats she had. After selecting the right characteristic, she ended up creating the lovely Ragdoll.
Himalayan Ragdoll cat: appearance
When you see a Himalayan Ragdoll cat, the first thing that will make you fall in love with her is the way she looks. Although both of her purebred parents have unique blue eyes, their facial features are quite different.
Both Himalayan and Ragdoll cats have beautiful coats, so your mixed fluff will be the softest cuddle buddy you could ask for. Although the appearance of your Himalayan Ragdoll cat will depend on whose genes they inherit, she’ll definitely have a fluffy coat and eyes that will take your breath away.
To better understand what you can expect your fluff to look like, let’s see what are the most common characteristics regarding her size and coat.
1. Size
Ragdolls are known as one of the largest kitties you can find. They usually measure around 20 to 24 inches in height, with males weighing up to 20 pounds, while females generally weigh in at around 10 to 15 lbs.
Himalayans, on the other hand, are medium-sized, with both males and females being around 9 to 14 inches in height. Depending on their family lineage, they can weigh anywhere between 7 and 15 pounds.
It’s hard to tell how big your Himalayan Ragdoll fluff will be. This purely depends on whose genes she takes after. Talking generally, these mixed fluffs are around 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 13 lbs.
2. Coat
Considering that both of their parents are similar in colors, your Himalayan Ragdoll cat can have one of the following coat colors: seal, chocolate, blue, red, lilac, or cream.
Her parents might pass down some cool coat patterns, too. If your kitty is more like her Ragdoll parent, she might have mitted, colorpoint, and bi-color patterns. From her Himalayan parent, she can inherit tortoiseshell, tabby, or even lynx coloring.
Himalayan Ragdoll cat: personality
One thing’s for sure – Himalayan Ragdolls have quite a purrsonality, just like their purebred parents. They’re known as super friendly and affectionate kitties who like socializing. They’ll get along well with your other pets, if you happen to have any, but can be quite loud when they want your attention.
Your Himalayan Ragdoll fluff will be your best buddy. They love being around their favorite humans and they’re super loving toward their parents, which is why your kitty might want to spend quite a lot of time with you. They hate being alone, so make sure you’re able to keep her company often.
Just like her parents, your fluff will probably be super curious, too. Himalayan Ragdolls love to explore new places, even as indoor cats. You can take your kitty out for walks and she’ll absolutely love it! Plus, being as energetic as they are, they’ll enjoy some exercise, as well.
They’re divas and they want diva treatment. Himalayan Ragdolls absolutely love attention and if they don’t get enough of it, they can become pretty frustrated. Luckily for you, they’re super gentle and love every form of affection, so you’ll have a cuddle buddy that adores snuggling with you!
Although they’re pretty intelligent, you might have to put in some extra work when house-training your kitten. But, once they can understand what you’re asking them to do, they’re quick learners!
Overall, they’re a great addition to an active family and a filled home. They love people and get along well with pets and children. They’re sure to bring plenty of love and laughter into your home, and maybe even turn it into their playground from time to time. You’ll never be bored!
Himalayan Ragdoll cat: health and care
Although it mostly depends on genetics, mixed breeds are often considered a lot healthier than purebred kitties. To make sure you’re getting a healthy kitten, make sure you ask the breeder about her parents and any possible conditions they might have. More often than not, your fluff might inherit them, too.
For example, the Himalayan breed frequently suffers from breathing issues due to their flat faces. On top of that, they often deal with kidney and heart conditions. Ragdolls, on the other hand, are relatively healthy, but some of them are also prone to heart issues.
The Himalayan Ragdoll kitties have a pretty long lifespan, ranging between 12 and 18 years! If you choose the right breeder, and healthy parents, and provide your fluff with good care – she’ll be with you for a long time.
When it comes to care and grooming, Himalayan Ragdolls can be quite demanding, just like any long-haired fluff. Their parents have very different coat types, which is why their grooming requirements will depend on whose genes they inherit.
If she’s anything like her Ragdoll parent, you’re in luck! Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat, which is why they don’t shed a lot. In fact, you’ll only have to brush her coat once or twice a week!
Himalayans, on the other hand, are a lot more demanding. If your kitty inherits a Himalayan coat, she’ll have long, luxurious fur that requires daily brushing. She’ll also shed a lot, but regular grooming will help you keep that in check.
How much do Himalayan Ragdoll cats cost?
Himalayan Ragdolls are designer cats, which is why you’ll pay quite a hefty price for your luxurious fluff. Still, its price mostly depends on the breeder, location, and the parents of your kitten.
Another reason that these wonderful furbabies are so expensive is the fact that there are no set breed standards. Because of that, breeders usually use this to their advantage and charge as much as someone is willing to pay.
To avoid this, look for responsible and experienced breeders who are not here just to make money. Luckily, Himalayan Ragdoll cats aren’t the most expensive designer breed out there, no matter their parents or the breeder.
Although they might be a bit harder to find, you can look for them in shelters, where the adoption fee is around $400. Unfortunately, there are quite a lot of Himalayans in the shelters due to their active nature that some people can’t keep up with.
Finding a Himalayan Ragdoll cat might not be the easiest task, but it’s definitely worth a try! Not only will it be a lot cheaper, but you’ll also make your fluff happy by providing her with a new furrever home and a loving family.
Having a cat is quite expensive, so make sure you’re ready to pay for her toys, grooming, vaccines, wellness checks, and more. Provide her with good care, safety, and protection, and she’ll bless your life with plenty of love and affection you’ll remember forever.
Read more: Maine Coon Himalayan Mix: The Life Of Every Party
