Large domestic cats with blue eyes and fluffy, light-colored hair with a colorpoint pattern are known as Ragdolls.
Can a Ragdoll, however, also be black?
Yes, black Ragdolls exist, and they are every bit as lovely as their white counterparts.
However, because they don’t adhere to the Ragdoll coat standard, the main breeders’ group for Ragdolls does not recognize them.
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Are Black Ragdoll Cats Rare?
The breed standard states that black is not an acceptable color. All color distinctions, however, are pointed.
And as we now understand, temperature-sensitive albinism causes pointed coloration.
As a result, the majority of Ragdoll cats will have light coloring with a few darker spots on their limbs.
The color black is quite rare in purebred Ragdolls.
Instead of being recessive, the genes needed for the black color are dominant.
So, if you choose a mixed breed, you have a significantly higher chance of finding a black Ragdoll.
However, mixed-breed cats’ precise looks and temperaments are far less predictable than those of purebred cats.
As a result, before bringing any potential conclusion home, you must be certain that you are content with it.
What Is the Price of a Black Ragdoll?
In the world of cats, this breed is well-liked. For one black Ragdoll cat, the most reliable breeders charge between $2,000 and $2,500.
The cheapest price is between $450 and $500. Cats with white patches, black coloring, light stripes, white paws, and other black Ragdoll cat breed-specific characteristics may be given away by some adoption facilities and unregistered breeders.
But if you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to find the black, Ragdoll-distinct cat at a reasonable price or perhaps for free.
Compared to other cat breeds, it is quite unusual to locate a blue bicolor Ragdoll, a black-mitted Ragdoll, or a completely black one.
Cats without points are a wonderful find!
How Healthy Are Black Ragdoll Cats?
The average lifespan of a black Ragdoll cat is 12 to 15 years, and they are often in good health.
They might survive up to 18 years if given the right nourishment, sufficient care, and a loving environment.
Your cat’s breeder is another aspect that affects its health. Since reputable breeders often do a number of tests, including a DNA test and first immunizations, to verify their cat’s health, you are more likely to receive a healthier cat from them.
No matter the breed or how careful we may be as cat parents, a cat’s life can never be perfect.
Black Ragdoll cats could be more susceptible to certain illnesses or disorders that are connected to their genetic makeup.
Here is an outline of the typical health issues that a black Ragdoll cat could experience:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The disorder known as HCM causes the walls of the heart’s ventricles to thicken.
If it worsens to the point that heart function declines, it may be deadly because cell death may result.
HCM is very prevalent in cats, particularly the Ragdoll cat species.
Bladder Stones
Due to the organic matter’s crystallization into stones, the urinary bladder experiences discomfort and irritation.
A healthy diet can reduce the likelihood that this illness will develop in your black Ragdoll cat.
Hairballs
Hairballs are rather typical in black Ragdolls because of their long coats and propensity to groom themselves.
If the hairballs build up into a large bulk, this may occasionally cause stomach discomfort and obstruction.
Your black Ragdoll cat should visit the vet frequently and undergo the required diagnostic procedures, just like other cat breeds.
Because certain diseases are preventable, we should be responsible and fund their medical care.
What Is the Appearance of a Black Ragdoll Cat?
Black Ragdoll cats lack the pointed coloration of regular Ragdoll cats and have all-black hair.
They are frequently known as solids or non-pointed kittens for this reason. They have thick, silky hair on their thick coat.
Solid Ragdolls can be smoked or silver in addition to the common Ragdoll cats and the black variety.
Black Ragdolls lack the vivid blue eyes of purebred Ragdolls. They typically have green, gold, or amber hues.
Additionally, they are typically twice as big as other indoor cats in terms of size, standing an average of 9 to 11 inches tall and weighing between 8 and 20 pounds.
Their sizes are influenced by a number of things, including diet and parent DNA.
It is known that black Ragdoll male kittens are bigger than females.
They can jump into far higher locations than other cat breeds thanks to their large legs and body.
Black Ragdolls occasionally display some characteristic Ragdoll colorpoints and are bi-colored with white markings.
Even so, it is uncommon. In terms of look, they are also similar to solid-black Maine Coons.
How Does a Ragdoll Cat Become Black?
There aren’t many documents on black Ragdolls’ color genetics.
It should be emphasized, nevertheless, that these non-pointed Ragdolls inherited the dominant black genetic pattern from their parents.
Additionally, they are genetically deficient in the Himalayan gene that most Ragdoll kittens possess.
Because of this, they do not often have blue eyes or the fur color and patterns associated with Ragdolls.
You should also be aware that breeding black Ragdolls with a regular Ragdoll might result in pointed Ragdolls.
Every litter should contain both pointed and non-pointed Ragdolls, however, this is difficult to anticipate.
The temperament of a Black Ragdoll Cat
The temperament of a Ragdoll is often warm, tender, and kind.
Known for their propensity to flop at your feet or in your arms like a rag doll, these cats are well-liked by families.
Ragdolls are well-known for having canine characteristics.
Many Ragdoll owners have success training their cats to do tricks, and they discover that their kittens are incredibly interested in the world around them!
A black Ragdoll cat may be a mixed breed, therefore their disposition may deviate from the norm.
You should look at the usual personalities of both parent breeds in order to better understand the temperament of a mixed breed.
If you decide to breed a black Ragamuffin Ragdoll cat, for instance, the kitten might have any mix of Ragdoll and Ragamuffin characteristics.
Why Is a Black Ragdoll Cat Not Considered to Be a Ragdoll Purebred?
In order for a Ragdoll cat to be recognized as purebred, it must exhibit the required patterns or colors indicated above.
A black Ragdoll cat does not. Ragdolls must display breed features typical of the pointed breed, according to approved standards.
The points of their body—the face, ears, nose, tail, and legs—must be lighter than the rest.
A fully black Ragdoll’s coat lacks this crucial quality because it is solid in color.
Some black ragdoll cats may have white and black patterns on their bodies.
The following varieties of Ragdoll cats are not considered breed standards:
- Solid Ragdolls.
- Mink Ragdolls.
- Sepia Ragdolls.
All Ragdoll cats must have blue eyes in order to be recognized as belonging to the actual breed, according to the official Ragdoll cat breed criteria. Instead of the typical blue hue, a black ragdoll cat might have gold or green eyes.
As a result, they are not regarded as purebred Ragdoll cats.
Discovering a Black Ragdoll Kitten
Your chances of finding a purebred black Ragdoll kitten are quite slim.
However, it’s perfectly feasible to get a black cat with the Ragdoll’s loving disposition and velvety fur if you’re OK with a mixed breed.
Despite the fact that you can’t enter a mixed-breed cat in a show, they make fantastic pets.
Priority should be given to selecting a trustworthy breeder.
Before breeding, the greatest breeders will have their cats undergo any necessary, pertinent health exams.
They’ll be more than willing to provide proof of this, respond to your inquiries, and probably ask a lot of questions of their own to make sure the kittens are going to a decent home.
It is quite rare that any breeders will provide purebred black Ragdoll kittens, so be vigilant.
The majority of black Ragdolls will inherit their coloration through mixed breeding.
A breeder may be lying about your kitten’s genetics if they sell their kittens as “unusual” or “uncommon” in order to enhance their revenues.
FAQs
How Should You Care for a Black Ragdoll Cat?
Black Ragdolls are simple to care for; all they require is a high-quality meal, lots of water, and routine checks with the vet.
To maintain a healthy coat that is free of knots and mats, they should be brushed at least twice a week using a soft brush.
Black Ragdoll cats enjoy playing and climbing, so it’s crucial that their owner provide them with toys and other distractions to keep them happy.
Are Black Ragdolls Widely Available?
In reality, only approximately 5% of Ragdolls are black, making them exceedingly uncommon.
This is so because a kitten must have both of its parents possess the recessive gene for solid black in order to be born with this characteristic.
Black Ragdolls: Do They Shed?
While all cats shed, some do it more frequently than others.
Due to their medium-length hair, black ragdoll cats shed a lot in the spring and fall as the seasons change.
It is essential to brush them every day during these periods if you want to lessen the quantity of shedding and hair around your home.
Compared to other shorthair breeds, black ragdoll cats have longer fur that is more difficult to maintain with brushing, so owners need to be prepared for a lot more hair.
Final Thoughts
Finding a purebred black Ragdoll cat is uncommon.
However, some breeders could create mixed-breed kittens with black fur and Ragdoll characteristics!
Do you have your heart set on a black cat with a Ragdoll temperament?
If you have a black Ragdoll kitten that is a mix of breeds, please let us know in the comments!
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