Ragdoll cats predominantly have type B blood, with a very small number having type AB. Cats have three blood types: A, B, and AB. There's no positive or negative distinction like in human blood types, and there isn't a universal donor blood type. A cat's blood type is also linked to its breed.
In cat blood genetics, type A is dominant, while type B is recessive. The AB gene acts as a recessive gene when paired with A, and a dominant gene when paired with B. Unlike humans, the AB blood type in cats is independently inherited.
Theoretically, a Ragdoll's blood type isn't related to its temperament. Over 90% of cats have type A blood, whereas Ragdolls mostly have type B. If blood type dictated personality, cats of the same breed would all have similar personalities. In reality, a Ragdoll's personality is heavily influenced by its parents' personalities and the environment it grows up in with its owners. Cats raised in different households often have quite different temperaments.
Ragdolls are classified into two lineages: single and double lineage. A single lineage Ragdoll means one parent has a distinguished pedigree and has been certified, which indicates that one parent is a purebred Ragdoll. A double lineage Ragdoll means both parents are certified and of excellent quality.
Determining a Ragdoll Cat's Purebred Status
There are several ways to assess the lineage of a Ragdoll cat. Here are key physical characteristics to look for:
1. Head
A purebred Ragdoll has a large, broad head with balanced proportions and a V-shaped face. Adult males typically have jowls, and you can observe the facial bone structure by smoothing the whiskers and hair back. Ragdolls have bright blue, large eyes that are slightly slanted to complement the V-shaped face. The ears are medium-sized, set apart, and extend along the V-shaped facial lines. The ear base is broad with rounded tips that tilt slightly forward. In profile, the Ragdoll has a slightly curved silhouette and a well-developed, strong chin that aligns with the nose and upper lip. The best Ragdolls may also have a thick ruff of fur around the neck.
2. Body
Ragdolls have long, large, broad, and sturdy bodies with strong bone structures. The body is rectangular, with similar width in the chest, shoulders, and hips. Their build should be muscular rather than fat, though a slight tummy is normal. Female Ragdolls may be slightly smaller than males.
3. Legs and Tail
Ragdolls have strong, medium to long legs, with the hind legs being longer than the forelegs. The fur on the forelegs is shorter, while the fur on the hind legs is longer, resembling full, flowing pants. Their paws are large, round, and proportional to the body with tufts of fur between the toes. The tail is long and bushy with full, fluffy fur.