Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp When You Pick Them Up?

Ragdolls have a unique claim to fame in the feline arena. These adorable, cuddly kitties are famous for going floppy when you handle them… hence their name! So why do Ragdoll cats go limp when you pick them up?

The limp / floppy trait leaves many cat lovers with more questions than answers. So if this is something you’re curious about, read on to understand why it happens.

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A Brief Background on Ragdolls

These beautiful cats’ social, loving, and calm nature make them a popular breed. The nickname “puppycat” offers the perfect description of the spunky Ragdoll personality. You can even train Ragdolls to play fetch and come when you call them. They love cuddling, thrive on attention, and adore being held by their owners. 

The Ragdoll origin story began in Riverside, California, in the 1960s. Persian cat breeder Ann Baker bred a long-haired white Persian/Angora cat named Josephine with Birman or Burmese suitors.

Josephine’s kittens had a tendency to be unusually docile. Ann Baker noticed this pleasant side of the personality and adored the colorpoint fur they had, so she continued breeding Josephine’s offspring. 

She dubbed this new breed “Ragdolls”, going to great lengths to protect the exclusivity of these cats. Baker must have known their floppy, relaxed temperament would soon become a big hit among cat lovers. Over the decades, their popularity grew, and Ragdolls entered the global cat breed stage.

Find out more What Are Ragdoll Cats

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Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp?

Now that you understand the origins of this breed, it’s time to dig into the science behind their famous flop. While their ultra-relaxed character is partially a product of their parent breeds, Persian and Birman, there’s more to the story.

The Ragdoll flop is partially due to hormones. All kittens have special hormones that cause them to go limp when picked up. These hormones are oxytocin and prolactin, and they help the mother easily carry her kittens by their scruffs. However, this natural phenomenon usually disappears after six months. 

Ragdolls, on the other hand, always maintain this reflex. If they know the person petting them or picking them up, these hormones cause them to relax instantly. There’s a bit more to this story, though, which you’ll find below!

Floppy Muscles

Ragdolls have lower muscle tone levels than other cats, which contributes to their floppiness. This unique muscle tone stems from a condition called ataxia, which affects cats’ muscles and movements. As a result, they seem extra relaxed and even clumsy. 

A few types of ataxia exist, but the kind of ataxia that causes ragdolls to go limp when picked up is a genetic form of cerebellar ataxia. It’s specific to the Ragdoll breed, caused by a recessive gene. This gene type means that for a cat to have the condition, it must inherit the gene from both parents.

The genetic ataxia condition is unique to Ragdolls, setting them apart from their fellow cat breeds. Notably, this limpness doesn’t mean they’re ill or injured: they don’t feel any pain or discomfort from it.

Ragdolls are generally very healthy cats, and this limpness is just a part of who they are.

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

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Do All Ragdoll Cats Go Limp?

No two Ragdolls, or their flops, are exactly alike. The extent to which a Ragdoll goes limp depends on her individual character and personality.

Just like humans, Ragdolls exhibit unique traits and tendencies. Some Ragdolls go limp the entire time you pet or hold them. Others only ever get slightly floppy or only flop when they’re lounging by themselves. 

A Ragdoll’s age may also affect her tendency to flop. Kittens have more energy and are more active, so they may not actually flop as much as adults. As they mature and become more relaxed, they may start flopping more.

Some Ragdolls may not be in the habit of flopping due to discomfort or unease. If you’ve recently changed your environment or presented new people or furry friends in a Ragdoll’s home, she may not feel as secure as before.

Make sure your Ragdoll has a stable, familiar space where she can relax and feel comfortable. No matter what, be sure to respect your Ragdoll’s boundaries and only pick her up or pet her if she’s okay with it.

Are Ragdoll Cats Friendly?

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Summary – Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp When You Pick Them Up?

In summary, Ragdolls go limp when picked up due to their relaxed nature, hormones, and lower levels of muscle tone.

The Ragdoll flop is a unique feature of this adorable breed, and their floppiness is just one of the many traits that makes them such beloved pets.

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Do you own a Ragdoll? What’s your experience of them going limp when you pick them up? Please tell me about it or ask a question in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

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