Ragdoll Cat Breed Origins
Ben Harper
The history of the Ragdoll cat breed is filled with controversy and myths. This cat's origins often contradict itself depending on who tells the story and some of the Ragdoll's story is simply ridiculous. Some of the breed's history is factual, for example we know the breed was founded in California during the 60s. The breed was started by Ann Baker, an eccentric woman that loved her cats. The very first Ragdoll cat belonged to Ann Baker and was named Josephine.
Baker saw a characteristic in the cat Josephine that became the hallmark of the breed. When Ann held Josephine the cat went limp in her arms like a rag doll. Ann Baker named the breed for this limp trait and filed for a trademark so she could collect royalties from anyone to breed her cats. She started a registry for breeding Ragdoll cats but lost control because of wild behaviors and story telling.
Ragdoll cats do indeed go limp when held; however, Ann Baker had wild explanations for why the cats do this. Her stories go back to the night Josephine was hit by an automobile. Baker claims she rushed to a local University seeking treatment for Josephine's injuries and the University changed her cat's DNA. As a result of this genetic manipulation the Ragdoll cat breed was born.
Another wild claim made by Ann Baker was that her cats were impervious to pain. She said her cats were genetically altered not to feel pain and were actually alien feline hybrids. Watch out Fox Mulder; there have been alien hybrids roaming the earth since the 1960s. Ann Baker made other bizarre claims stating her cats had no fears or allergens and were in fact perfect for pet owners that suffered from cat allergies. When it comes to the beginnings of the Ragdoll cat breed, Ann Bakers stories truly are stranger than fiction.
If you?d like to read to find out more on http://www.ragdollcats.info/ ragdoll cats, visit Ben Harper's http://www.ragdollcats.info/ ragdoll cat website, discussion form and read the ebook, Ragdoll Cat Secrets.
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