Re: John Lennon -- Lover of Persian Cats.

[Codreanu]

>That is a gorgeous cat.
>Was this done for the American market then, who choose to imprison their four legged friends? I'm >not being facetious by the way. Is this the case?
>If it is, then that's as wicked as de-clawing. Imagine him straying outdoors and meeting the local >Thomas O'Malley.

The Ragdoll cat is something a freak, really. It was not a result of selective breeding but rather came about completely by hap. There is an "urban legend" (apparently originated with the breeder) to the effect that the cats appeared as the offspring of a traumatized pregnant Siamese that was injured by an automobile; with the reputation of a sort of "mutant cat", they were only recently recognized by the feline associations as a real breed. These cats go completely limp upon being picked up or carried (hence the name), this characteristic coupled with the fact that many will not defend themselves or even run when attacked (even meowing seldom if at all!), renders these high-maintenance (they are VERY dependant and demand attention) kitties unlikely candidates for homes with children or other pets (except, of course, other Ragdolls!).

 

[seriously flawed - not right in the Netherlands]

> The Ragdoll cat is something a freak, really. It was not a result of
> selective breeding but rather came about completely by hap. There is an
> "urban legend" (apparently originated with the breeder) to the
> effect that the cats appeared as the offspring of a traumatized pregnant
> Siamese that was injured by an automobile; with the reputation of a sort
> of "mutant cat", they were only recently recognized by the
> feline associations as a real breed. These cats go completely limp upon
> being picked up or carried (hence the name), this characteristic coupled
> with the fact that many will not defend themselves or even run when
> attacked (even meowing seldom if at all!), renders these high-maintenance
> (they are VERY dependant and demand attention) kitties unlikely candidates
> for homes with children or other pets (except, of course, other
> Ragdolls!).

Oh Well I want one then.
They sound adorable.
I thought they were sadly bred along the same lines as the infamous "American Pit Bull". You know the one kill on site, only in reverse.

If they are genuinely traumatised by lifes events, even before birth.
This has to be one of the saddest things I've ever heard.
We know nothing of this in our country.
My word, you even manage to book a slot on the Gerry Springer show for cats over there.

Are there many about?
Or rather, many left?
They really do sound adorable.

 

[Codreanu]

> Oh Well I want one then.
> They sound adorable.
> I thought they were sadly bred along the same lines as the infamous
> "American Pit Bull". You know the one kill on site, only in
> reverse.

> If they are genuinely traumatised by lifes events, even before birth.
> This has to be one of the saddest things I've ever heard.
> We know nothing of this in our country.
> My word, you even manage to book a slot on the Gerry Springer show for
> cats over there.

> Are there many about?
> Or rather, many left?
> They really do sound adorable.

They are not that common; however, there are many breeders and they are not really THAT hard to find. There was one recently at the local veterinary free to a good home.

Ragdoll cat homepage:
http://www.dlc.fi/~ashi/ragdolls/

Registered UK breeders:
http://www.tbrcc.co.uk

 

[Codreanu]

> They are not that common; however, there are many breeders and they are
> not really THAT hard to find. There was one recently at the local
> veterinary free to a good home.

> Ragdoll cat homepage:
> http://www.dlc.fi/~ashi/ragdolls/ Registered UK breeders:
> http://www.tbrcc.co.uk

One more thing: Ragdolls are a VERY large cat (males can top twenty pounds!), the largest breed methinks.