The Late Ann Baker of California is the attributed breed founder of Ragdolls - and it is well documented that the breed began in the 1960's ( the first Ragdolls were registered in the summer of 1965) with a white Persian or Angora type cat named Josephine, mated to a Sacred Cat of Burma (Birman type cat ) whose subsequent offspring were then crossed with a sable Burmese type cat. It must be remembered that long haired cats in the sixties were generally regarded as Persians although the Persian breed is considerably different today. It is generally agreed that Josephine was a free running cat owned by Mrs Pennels, a neighbor of Ann. Josephines life took a dramatic change after she was involved in an automobile accident. At some point Josephine was hit by a car and she laid by the curb for 2 days before being found and taken to a local university hospital and nursed back to health. This accident imparted upon her kittens (according to Ann Baker ) a high tolerance for pain and the ability to go limp when held. ( We feel that it must be noted however that Ragdolls feel pain just like any other cat . Ragdolls DO NOT have a high tolerance for pain) The following is an excerpt from the definitive guide to Ragdolls--- 'At the time Ann Baker had been borrowing one of Josephines older sons to sire progeny in her black Persian breeding program. This son had the appearance of a Black /Brown Persian and she named him Blackie, and it was on one of her visits to borrow him that she saw Blackies brother. He had the appearance of a Sacred Cat of Burma, (The Birman breed). Having already established the owners trust , she was also permitted to borrow this cat to mate with her own females . She was most taken with this son of Josephine and named him Raggedy Ann Daddy Warbucks. What Ann clearly states is that Blackie and Daddy Warbucks are both sons of Josephine, but with different sires. In the *IRCA* booklet it would appear to indicate that Blackies father was a "black cat from the east', that appeared "more Persian than Burmese". During detailed questioning , Ann confirmed that no-one had ever seen the father of Daddy Warbucks and he was the only kitten in that particular litter of Josephine's. This being so, makes it difficult to take the origins of the breed further.'--- *IRCA* ( International ragdoll cat association) was Ann Bakers own association and is not recognized by the major cat associations. The temperament of Ragdolls is very similar to that of dogs, they are devoted, affectionate, out going cats that are known for their fearless nature. Ragdolls are totally non aggressive indoor cats . Although a very large cat, their meow is quiet and despite their size, they want to be lap cats. Ragdolls are slow to mature and full coat and color is not generally reached until they are two years of age and full size is usually achieved at about four years. Newborn kittens are completely white or cream and color does not start to show for about 3 or 4 days. It is quite amazing that in so short a period of time the Ragdoll has found itself to be one of the most popular breeds of cats in the world. This says a great deal for these cats. Ragdolls are known for their sweet temperament and also the tendency to go limp when picked up and held although the RFC (Ragdoll Fanciers Club) states that this tendency is not mandatory for the breed. A big plus with this breed is the fact that they shed very little, some call them a non shedding cat but low shedding would be a more appropriate description. The fur is also considered rabbit like in its silky, non matting texture. Ragdolls do not suffer with runny eyes as do some breeds and are considered a very hardy animal with no specific genetic defects and they are not prone to any specific diseases. They are a peace loving cat who, as adults, are not overly energetic thus making them the ideal apartment cat and well suited companions. They are excellent with children. Unlike most cats ragdolls love to have their tummies rubbed and will roll over on their backs and enjoy this treat. You will find that the muscle tone of the ragdolls belly is soft and unlike any cat you have felt. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have:       Donna Howe       1310 Fair Oaks Avenue       Santa Rosa, CA 95404       home: 707.575.7569       fax: 707.578.8603       e-mail: Hijinks Ragdolls