Ragdoll Tabby Mix: Is This the Right Kitty for You?

Thanks to their cuddly coats, playful personalities, striking blue eyes, and an even temperament, Ragdolls are loved across the planet.

Since they were developed by Ann Baker in the 60s, these felines have become popular among cat lovers.

Currently, the breed holds the second position in the list of popular American cat breeds according to the Cat Fancier’s Association.

 In particular, their medium-length coats make them incredibly beautiful. Unlike other cats that don’t like being petted and held, Ragdolls thrive as lap cats.

Ragdoll mixes are even better. They essentially offer the benefits of two cats in one.

 If you particularly love tabby cats just as much as you do ragdolls, you can get the best of both worlds.

 But before you take this route, you need to know if this mix is right for you or not.

What Does A Ragdoll Tabby Mix Look Like?

As you might already know, a ragdoll tabby mix is a cat that results from breeding a ragdoll and another tabby cat breed.

Because of this, the outcome will heavily depend on the parent breeds.

 If she takes on most of the ragdoll genes, expect a medium-sized kitty with a plush coat.

Weight ranges from 10-20 pounds and height 9-11 inches. However, because of her coat, she appears bigger than she actually is.

This adorable lap cat has a long body, heavy bones, a cute plush coat, and a striking long tail.

Her triangular head is moderately-sized and her face large. Medium-sized ears are set high on the head to complete its triangular look.

The mix also has long and strong legs, blue oval eyes, and a well-developed chin.

This cutie is available in many colors including white, ebony red/black, silver, beige, lilac, chocolate, and brown.

She is color-pointed with contrasting light and dark color points in her body. The tabby coat patterns may take on most of the body or some parts of it.

Temperament and Personality

This big designer cat is nothing but a bundle of joy. If you have always dreamt of owning a cat that deeply loves human company, this one will make your dreams come true.

 She is very friendly, docile, and tolerant of being picked up. For people with young kids at home, having such a kitty is a major plus.

Children are known for being a little rough with cats. If they come across those that cannot tolerate such behaviors, things can get nasty.

Another way to describe this beauty is that she has cat-like characteristics. She will follow you from room to room just to be close to you.

If you are okay with it, she will love sleeping with you in bed. When watching a movie, she will cuddle next to you. Don’t choose her if you want a more independent cat.

A ragdoll tabby mix is a quiet and affable kitty. If you live in an apartment and don’t want a noisy pet, this cat is great for you.

Unless she’s in deep pain and distress, people will barely know she’s around.

 The only downside to this trait is that your cat may not even make any noise when she’s unhappy. You’d have to monitor her closely to know if she’s okay or not.

Maintenance

While a ragdoll tabby mix is incredibly friendly and affectionate, she requires moderate-high grooming needs.

As mentioned before, her coat is dense. If you want to keep enjoying petting her when you come home, you have to put in the work to keep her coat looking neat and cuddly.

Since this mix has long fur, she sheds more than most cat breeds. She needs regular brushing to keep the coat from getting mats.

A wide-toothed comb is great for this. If the mat gets extremely matted, you might have to shave your furbaby.

 Lucky for you, this kitty doesn’t have an undercoat. That means shedding is not that bad. Also, the breed is relatively (not completely) hypoallergenic, thus great for people with allergies.

Besides combing the coat, this tabby mix will need occasional baths. Finally, trim her nails and brush her teeth a few times a week to ensure fresh breath and keep oral diseases at bay.

Training and Exercise Requirements

Ragdoll tabby mixes are flexible, curious, and moderately active cat breeds. They are not the most active cats around but they can play from time to time.

Often, they will lie around taking naps and get bursts of activity in between the naps.

Indoor toys and other cats keep them busy when they are not cuddling or following you around.

Unlike most cats, they don’t enjoy climbing high spots. If you get a cat tree at some point, ensure it is low to the ground.

Training these cats is easy. They respond well to positive reinforcement.

Expect yours to learn to come to you when called. Feel free to teach her to retrieve toys, use the scratching post, litter box, and other fun cat tricks.

Health Risks

A ragdoll tabby is a healthy cat that enjoys a long life of about 13-18 years. However, if she overeats, she will become obese.

Blame it on her low energy and love for lying around and cuddling.

You need to keep a close eye on her diet lest she gets obese.

The greatest health risks for this breed include urinary tract issues and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Is Ragdoll Tabby Mix right for you?

Well, the ragdoll tabby is right for you if…

• You love affectionate and friendly cats that prioritize human company over everything else.

• You want a social pet that loves everyone and gets along with humans and animals

• You prefer a less active cat over an active one.

• You tolerate a cat following you around and sleeping next to you.

• You can handle heavy grooming requirements including daily brushing, de-matting of the coat, nail trimming, and teeth brushing.

• You are into cats with long silky coats

The mix is not right for you if…

• You don’t have the time and energy to groom your cat endlessly. If you are too busy to take brush her coat, bathe her, brush her teeth, and trim her nails, look for another breed.

• You’d rather have an energetic feline over a laid-back one.

• You don’t want the hassle of monitoring your pet’s diet so she doesn’t become obese.

• You cannot deal with the glaring reality that your kitty may get urinary tract issues and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Closing Thoughts

Big, friendly, and social, a ragdoll tabby mix is an amazing cat to own.

It’s pretty difficult to get over her dense silky coat, beautiful eyes, and all the other physical characteristics.

Her well-mannered and stable temperament is also great, to say the least.

There are a few challenges of owning her but if you know how to maneuver around them, you’ll be rewarded with a sweet cat for a friend.