History of the Ragdoll Cat – From Josephine to a Beloved Breed

The History of the Ragdoll Cat Breed

The beautiful and affectionate Ragdoll cat began in the early 1960s in Riverside, California, with a single remarkable cat named Josephine. Josephine was a white domestic longhaired cat with an unusually gentle nature. Her kittens were striking, affectionate, and famously relaxed when held—traits that inspired the breed’s name.

Ragdoll Cat History

Early breeding centered around Josephine’s offspring, including Blackie and Daddy Warbucks, whose daughters, Fugianna and Buckwheat, became the foundation of the Ragdoll breed we know today.

Anne Baker holding one of the original Ragdolls (photo by Ragdoll Historical Society )

The breed’s founder, Ann Baker, trademarked the name “Ragdoll,” formed her own registry—the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA)—and attempted to run the breed like a franchise. She even tried to patent the Ragdoll, selling breeding rights to approved breeders under strict rules.

On February 1, 1975, breeders founded the Ragdoll Society to advance the breed and win recognition for all three patterns; Denny Dayton served as president and Laura Dayton as vice president.

In 1978, the Society became the Ragdoll Fanciers Club (RFC) and affiliated with CFF, the first association to recognize Ragdolls in all three patterns.

Through the late 1970s, RFC members worked for broader acceptance—Ragdolls were registered in NCFA, CFF, Crown, and UCF—while TICA soon accepted them for championship; CFA initially declined the breed in 1981.

In 1993, the club split: a CFF-affiliated RFC continued within CFF, and a larger group formed Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI) to operate independently across associations.

While early stories about car accidents, genetic mutations, and even extraterrestrial influence are now seen as myths, they added to the breed’s mystique.

Today, Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world—loved for their sweet, calm temperament, striking blue eyes, and luxurious, silky coats. From one extraordinary cat, Josephine, to an internationally recognized and adored breed, the Ragdoll’s journey is as unique as the cats themselves. Are you fascinated with Ragdoll Cat History?