Tortie Ragdoll Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Tortie Ragdoll is a Ragdoll cat that exhibits the tortoiseshell markings. She was first developed in California when Ann Baker bred a white stray female with other stray cats. The resulting breed was a docile and charming cat that became known as the Ragdoll. The breed gets its name from its tendency to go limp and slack when it is being held, and this unresistant submission is one of the reasons that Ragdoll owners love the breed so much.

The Ragdoll is a large cat breed. They have a very soft coat that is reminiscent of rabbit fur, and when the breed is born they have white fur and will only develop markings as they age. By the time the Ragdoll reaches full maturity, at the age of 2 or even 3 years old, they should have their full coat markings. Tortie Ragdolls are always female.

Owners looking for an aloof and independent cat should look elsewhere. The Ragdoll, regardless of its coloring, is a demanding cat that will require attention from its owner if she is to be happy and fulfilled.

Tortie Ragdoll Kittens – Before You Bring One Home …

3 Little-Known Facts About the Tortie Ragdoll

1. Tortie Ragdolls Are (Almost) Always Female

Your Tortie Ragdoll cat is almost certainly female. The chromosome that carries the orange or black coat color marker is an X chromosome. Because males only have one X chromosome, they can only be orange or black, not both, which means that tortoiseshell cats are female. There are very rare instances where this is not the case. Approximately 1 in 3,000 male cats are born with two X chromosomes and one Y. Not only is this rare, but male cats with two X chromosomes tend to have significant health issues, suffer a very short lifespan, and are born sterile.

2. Ragdolls Go Limp When Held

The Ragdoll cat gets its name from the position it takes when it is picked up. This loving and affectionate breed will usually go limp when being held, giving it the impression and stature of a ragdoll. With that said, the floppiness and loving nature of the breed may be a likely trait, but it is not guaranteed to be present in every example of the breed. You may end up with a cat that displays the sassiness of the tortoiseshell. Studies have been conducted to determine whether the marking of a cat can determine its likely nature, and most of these have proven inconclusive, but owners still swear that tortoiseshell cats tend to be sassy and can even be a little bit aggressive.

3. They’re Born White

There are different Ragdoll color points, including tortoiseshell. But regardless of their eventual markings and coat, all Ragdoll cats are born white. They will develop their markings over time, but considering the breed may not reach maturity until it is 3 years old, it can take some time before you start to witness their distinctive tortoiseshell color. Another common physical attribute of the breed is that all Ragdolls have blue eyes, although they may be different shades of blue.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Tortie Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is known to be affectionate, loving, and soft. They are playful and tend to be absolutely devoted to their human owner. However, like any other breed, there is no guarantee that your Ragdoll will turn out this way. These are likely characteristics, but they are not guaranteed traits of your cat.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

The Ragdoll is generally considered to be very friendly with all family members. They are not only accepting of children but welcoming of them, and you will often find your Ragdoll curled up enjoying some time with and attention from the kids in your house. They are also equally happy to lay on the lap of senior owners, which makes them a great companion pet for owners of any age and physical capability.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Ragdoll doesn’t just get along with its human owners. She is known for being friendly with other cats and will get along with dogs and other animals, too. As ever, the best way to ensure that your Ragdoll does get along with other animals is to introduce them at a young age, gradually, and with plenty of patience.

Things to Know When Owning a Tortie Ragdoll:

The Tortie Ragdoll is usually considered a friendly and loving pet. However, while this breed is known for getting along with human and animal family members, she may not be the best choice for you. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when adopting or buying this popular breed of cat.

Food & Diet Requirements

Ragdolls do not have any specific dietary requirements. You should ensure that you feed them an appropriate amount of food according to their age and activity level. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the majority of the protein they receive should come from animal sources. Cats should not be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. Wet foods are preferred by some owners because, while they do spoil more easily than dry foods, they contain plenty of moisture and can help your kitty stave off kidney infections and other illnesses that are caused or exacerbated by dehydration.

The Ragdoll does have long hair, and this may cause your cat to suffer from hairball build-up. Certain types of food can help to prevent this build-up, ensuring that your cat can continue to enjoy a comfortable life. Ask your vet for suggestions if you notice your cat suffers from hairball issues often.

The Ragdoll is a large breed, and like most cats, they enjoy eating. Ensure that you don’t overfeed them. Determine the amount you should feed, take into account your choice of dry or wet food, and halve the amount of each if feeding a combination, and then weigh out their food to maintain a healthy daily regimen.

Exercise 🐈

Ragdolls can be kept as indoor or outdoor cats. They do require some exercise to ensure that they stay fit and healthy, but they are not the most demanding of cats in this respect.

The breed is playful, though, so it is easy to encourage them to play and exercise. They are also a large breed, and if you feed too much without providing any form of exercise, obesity can become a serious problem. Overweight cats are more likely to suffer ill health and illness, so weight management should be considered an important part of owning one of this breed.

Training 🎾

One of the most common attributes of the Ragdoll breed is that they are incredibly affectionate and they dote on their human owners. They are also intelligent animals, and this combination means that they are easier to train than a lot of other breeds. Use positive reinforcement, offer treats when your cat does perform the desired task, and be patient. If you reward your cat with a lot of affection and attention for successfully completing a task, they will likely reward you with some tricks. Training can be especially useful to encourage your kitty to scratch the scratching post rather than the furniture, and as a means of litter training. It can also be used to teach tricks and as a means of bonding as you teach your kitten to perform new behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

This breed has long and luscious locks. When kept in good condition, the Ragdoll’s coat is something to be proud of. She has medium to long hair, and while it doesn’t easily become matted, it can become knotted and difficult to manage. Expect to brush your Ragdoll at least twice a week, and potentially more often if she goes out and sits in the bushes or trees. While her coat doesn’t get matted easily, it does attract leaves and grass.

You will also need to check your cat’s teeth and gums regularly because they can’t brush their own teeth. If you are unable to properly remove tartar and other buildup on your cat’s teeth, your vet may need to do this for you. Similarly, they may need to trim your cat’s claws, especially if you keep her as an indoor cat. Outdoor cats have some opportunity for their claws to naturally grind down when walking on hard surfaces: indoor cats do not enjoy the same benefit.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Ragdoll is a generally healthy cat with a good life expectancy. However, this breed can suffer from bladder stones and they are more prone to a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There is no guarantee that you can prevent your cat from developing any particular health complaint, but offering a good diet and ensuring that your Ragdoll gets a decent amount of exercise will go a long way to ensure a long and healthy life. The following are some of the complaints that this breed is more susceptible to:

Male vs. Female

All Tortie Ragdolls are female, except in very limited cases. Male examples of this breed are likely to be ill and have a very short lifespan, although there are always exceptions to these rules.

Final Thoughts

The Tortie Ragdoll is a Ragdoll cat with a tortoiseshell marking. They are considered healthy, affectionate, and friendly animals, are relatively easy to train, and they will get along with all people and animals in your family, making them an excellent choice for a family pet.

They like affection and attention, and they may well demand it. The breed’s long hair, striking eyes, and lovable nature mean that they are popular as a pet, but they are also popular for showing and exhibiting at cat fairs and shows. Their price is a testament to this popularity.

Featured Image Credit: JFunk, Shutterstock