The Ragdoll is a cat of extraordinary gentleness - large, soft, with a tendency to go limp when picked up and a temperament that makes most dogs look high-strung. The semi-long coat, the pointed pattern inherited from their ancestry, the vivid blue eyes shared by all true Ragdolls - all of it makes the breed one of the most beautiful and most naturally suited to portraiture of any cat in existence.
Patterns and colours
Ragdolls come in three patterns - colourpoint, mitted and bicolour - across six point colours: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream. All Ragdolls have blue eyes. This consistency of eye colour means portraits can always emphasise the vivid blue that is one of the breed's defining features.
Seal colourpoint - the most classic Ragdoll pattern - has dark seal points against a pale, warm body. Oil painting renders the depth of this contrast with extraordinary richness. The large, soft body of the Ragdoll suits portrait styles that emphasise mass and softness rather than sharp outline.
Blue colourpoint has cooler, blue-grey points against a pale body - one of the most elegant Ragdoll varieties and one that suits watercolour above almost any other style. The coolness of the blue palette gives these portraits a serene, almost meditative quality.
Bicolour Ragdolls have the most striking pattern - the white inverted V on the face, white paws and a lighter body than the colourpoint varieties. The graphic quality of the bicolour pattern suits oil painting and impressionist styles.
Recommended styles for Ragdolls
Watercolour - the soft, flowing coat and gentle expression suit the softness of watercolour beautifully. Oil Painting - renders the depth and weight of the Ragdoll's large, soft body with warmth. Impressionist - the soft, flowing coat and relaxed posture suit impressionist looseness well. Soft Pastel Portrait - for the Ragdoll's characteristic gentleness. Old Masters Portrait - the large, dignified Ragdoll suits formal portraiture with surprising ease.
Photo tips
The Ragdoll's most characteristic quality is softness - in coat, expression and posture. Capture the cat in a relaxed position rather than alert or tense, as the Ragdoll's gentle nature is part of what makes the breed so distinctive. The blue eyes should be clearly visible and sharp. The semi-long coat is best captured in natural light that picks out the individual layers of the coat. A neutral or warm background allows the pointed pattern and the mass of the coat to read clearly.