British Shorthair

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

The British Shorthair Cat Club

European Shorthair and British Shorthair Club (Germany)

The International Cat Association (TICA)

British Shorthairs are sturdy, medium‑large cats with round faces, dense plush coats and many colours, best known in blue with copper eyes. Calm, quietly affectionate and suited to indoor or apartment life, they mature slowly and need moderate play, grooming and weight control.

SE Britessa är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Skövde i Sverige.

SE*Britessa

Siberian Forest

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)

The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

Sverak - The Swedish Cat Club

Felis Britannica

The Siberian Forest cat is a strong, medium‑large Russian breed with a thick triple coat and many colours. Loyal and people‑focused, it is playful, athletic, intelligent and enjoys training and vertical space. Generally robust, it may face HCM or PKD and needs regular grooming and interaction.

SE Fazette's är en uppfödare av rasen Sibirisk katt med bas i Hofors i Sverige. Katter från uppfödningen har varit representerade vid officiella kattutställningar.

SE*Fazette's

SE Amber Ice är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Åby i Sverige.

SE*Amber Ice

SnowKitten

SE Bergsgläntans är en uppfödare av rasen Sibirisk katt med bas i Skogås i Sverige.

SE*Bergsgläntans

SE SnowflakeVelvet's är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Löddeköpinge i Sverige.

SE*SnowflakeVelvet's

Persian

GCCF - Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (UK)

The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.

Royal Veterinary College (UK)

The Persian is a calm, people‑oriented pedigree cat with a compact body, flat face, and large eyes. It has a long, dense coat in many colors that needs daily grooming and eye care. Suited to quiet indoor homes, Persians are gentle, quietly affectionate, and form close bonds with their owners.

SE Darling Angels är en uppfödare av rasen Perser med bas i Göteborg i Sverige. Uppfödningen har erfarenhet av rasen sedan 1979, men verksamheten har inte bedrivits oavbrutet under hela perioden. Den är småskalig och burfri, och katterna lever som familjemedlemmar. Inriktningen omfattar enfärgade, bicolour- och smokefärgade perser.

SE*Darling Angels

Saga

SE Lindhouse är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Värmdö i Sverige.

SE*Lindhouse

## Quick Facts

- Deeply people oriented, the Burmese often chooses one favorite human and follows them from room to room like a shadow  
- Medium sized yet surprisingly solid, this is a muscular “brick wrapped in silk” rather than a delicate lap cat  
- Known for a soft, husky voice, Burmese cats are talkative but usually less loud than many oriental breeds  
- Short, satin-like coat in rich solid colors that needs very little grooming but shows off every curve of the body  
- Generally playful and kittenish well into adulthood, making them ideal for owners who enjoy interactive cats

---

## Appearance & Coat

The Burmese is a medium sized cat, but anyone picking one up for the first time is usually surprised by the weight. Under the smooth coat lies a compact, muscular body with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters. This is not a fine boned, fragile cat. Instead, the Burmese looks and feels sturdy, rounded and athletic, similar in impression to a small, very fit dog. The overall outline should be smooth and curved rather than angular, with rounded head, rounded ears, and large, expressive eyes that give the face an open, almost human expression.

The head is one of the Burmese cat’s defining features. The breed has a short, broad wedge with full cheeks, a strong, well developed chin, and a distinct break in the profile at the nose. The muzzle should not look pointed. Instead, it blends softly into the rest of the face, giving that characteristic “soft” Burmese look. The ears are medium in size, set well apart, and tilt slightly forward as if the cat is listening to you. The eyes are large and luminous, usually in shades of gold or yellow, with a very alert, curious expression that many owners find irresistible.

The coat is short, fine, and lies close to the body. Many people describe the texture as satin-like because it feels incredibly smooth and almost polished when you run your hand along the cat’s back. Unlike some other shorthair breeds, there is no heavy undercoat. This is one reason why the coat is so easy to care for and why the Burmese often feels especially warm to the touch.

Traditional Burmese colors include rich sable (a warm dark brown), chocolate, blue, and lilac, as well as red, cream, and tortoiseshell variations in some registries. The color should appear even, with a slightly lighter shading on the underparts and inside the legs, but without clear tabby markings. Kittens are often lighter and may show faint ghost markings that usually fade as they mature.

Coat care is straightforward, which is one of the reasons the Burmese suits busy households. A weekly gentle grooming session is usually enough. You can simply:

- Run a soft rubber grooming mitt or a chamois over the coat to remove loose hairs  
- Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to bring out the natural shine  
- Check eyes, ears, and nails during the same session so grooming becomes a relaxed routine

Most Burmese enjoy the extra attention, so grooming can become part bonding session, part health check. During seasonal shedding, you might increase grooming to twice weekly, especially if anyone in the family is sensitive to cat hair. While the Burmese is not hypoallergenic, the short, close coat tends to shed less heavily than some longhaired breeds, which many owners appreciate.

---

## Temperament & Personality

Living with a Burmese often feels like sharing your home with a very affectionate, very curious little person. This breed is famous for its close attachment to people. Many Burmese follow their owners around the house, talk to them with soft, throaty chirps, and insist on being involved in whatever is happening. If you like a cat who keeps to itself and prefers quiet contemplation, the Burmese may not be your ideal match. If, on the other hand, you want a confidant that curls on your lap while you work and greets you enthusiastically at the door, the Burmese is hard to beat.

Burmese cats usually enjoy human company to an unusual degree. They tend to form deep bonds and do not like being left alone for long periods. This intense loyalty can feel very rewarding, but it comes with responsibility. A single Burmese left alone all day in an empty house may become bored, anxious, or destructive. Many breeders and experienced owners recommend keeping Burmese in pairs or making sure there is another friendly pet in the home if the family is often away.

With children, the Burmese is generally playful, patient, and interactive. They often enjoy games of fetch, chasing wand toys, or “helping” with homework by sitting on notebooks and keyboards. Their sturdy build helps them cope better with life in a busy household than more fragile breeds, but children still need to be taught how to handle any cat respectfully. Burmese cats usually appreciate gentle, calm handling and are more likely to walk away from rough play than retaliate, which makes them a good choice for families who can teach children basic cat manners.

Around other pets, the Burmese is typically sociable and confident. Many live happily with other cats and even cat friendly dogs. Early introductions done slowly and calmly work best. Because Burmese cats love companionship, they often welcome another active cat that enjoys the same kind of play. They are not usually bullies, but they are not pushovers either and will stand their ground if another animal crowds them.

There are some challenges prospective owners should consider. The Burmese is:

- Talkative, which some people adore, while others may find tiring  
- Highly people focused, so not a good choice for those away for long days without provision for company  
- Clever and persistent, which means they can open cupboards or investigate anything that looks interesting

They thrive in homes where there is time for daily interactive play, conversation, and cuddles. In return, you get a cat that feels like a true family member rather than a quiet background presence.

---

## Training & Exercise

The Burmese cat is naturally playful and intelligent, so training is less about making them learn and more about channeling what they already want to do. Many Burmese owners compare their cats to energetic, bright children who always look for the next game. This is excellent news for anyone who enjoys interactive play and teaching tricks, but it also means that a Burmese without enough stimulation can become bored and mischievous.

Exercise needs are moderate to high for a companion cat. The breed is athletic but not as hyperactive as some oriental breeds. Daily play sessions are usually enough to keep an adult Burmese happy and healthy. A good routine might include:

- Two or three short play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes spread throughout the day  
- A mixture of chasing games with a feather wand or fishing rod toy  
- Interactive puzzle feeders that make your cat “hunt” for treats or kibble  
- Occasional fetch games with small soft balls or toys

Because Burmese cats enjoy human interaction, they are often very trainable. Positive reinforcement is key. That means rewarding desired behaviors with small treats, praise, and play, rather than punishing undesired ones. Burmese can learn:

- To come when called  
- To sit or stand on cue  
- To walk into a carrier willingly  
- To use scratching posts instead of furniture  
- Simple agility tasks like jumping through hoops or over low obstacles

Clicker training can work extremely well, as the Burmese quickly connects the sound of the click with a reward. Short, fun training sessions help keep their mind sharp and strengthen the bond between cat and owner. Teaching your Burmese to touch a target stick, for example, can be useful when you need to move them around the house or guide them calmly in stressful situations, such as veterinary visits.

Environmental enrichment is as important as formal training. Burmese cats appreciate vertical space. Sturdy cat trees, window perches, and shelves give them places to climb and observe. They also enjoy variety in their toys. Rotating toys every few days keeps their interest high and prevents boredom. Simple household items can become excellent entertainment: a cardboard box maze, a crinkly paper bag, or a ball of paper rolled across the floor.

Many Burmese adapt well to harness and leash training if it begins early and progresses slowly. Short, supervised garden walks or balcony time can be very enriching, especially for indoor cats. Always ensure the environment is safe and avoid forcing the cat outside if they appear nervous.

Because the Burmese is so people focused, they often pick up bad habits if inadvertently rewarded. For example, if a cat meows at night and the owner gets up to feed or play, the cat learns that noise brings attention. Consistency is vital. Decide house rules early, such as no counter surfing or no waking humans before a certain time, and stick to them kindly but firmly. With patience and structure, a Burmese can become a wonderfully well mannered, entertaining companion.

---

## Health

The Burmese is generally a robust, long lived breed, but there are some health considerations that responsible breeders and owners should be aware of. With good care and regular veterinary checks, many Burmese cats live into their mid to late teens, and some reach 18 or older. Understanding potential health issues makes it easier to catch problems early and support a healthy, active life.

Hereditary concerns that are known in Burmese lines include:

- Hypokalaemic polymyopathy, a condition involving low potassium levels that can cause muscle weakness. Responsible breeders test for the genetic mutation and avoid breeding affected cats.  
- Craniofacial defect in certain lines, particularly in some American type Burmese. Breeding programmes in many regions have worked to eliminate this, but it is still something ethical breeders monitor through careful selection.  
- Diabetes mellitus appears to be reported somewhat more frequently in Burmese in some countries compared to the general cat population. A healthy weight, good diet, and regular vet checks can help reduce risk and catch early signs.  
- Dental problems, such as periodontal disease, which are not unique to the breed but can affect them like any cat.

Reputable breeders usually screen their breeding cats for known genetic issues and work with veterinarians to maintain healthy lines. When choosing a kitten, it is reasonable to ask the breeder which tests they perform and whether you can see health records for the parents.

Routine veterinary care is just as important as genetic testing. Burmese cats benefit from:

- Regular vaccinations according to your local vet’s recommendations  
- Annual or twice-yearly health checks, especially for older cats  
- Periodic blood tests and urine checks from middle age onward to monitor kidney, liver, and blood sugar levels  
- Dental checks, with professional cleaning if necessary

Weight management is a practical concern with Burmese cats. Their compact, muscular build can make it harder to notice slow weight gain, and a slightly overweight Burmese may still feel “solid” rather than obviously fat. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems, and other illnesses. Feeding a measured quantity of high quality food, avoiding too many treats, and maintaining regular playtime can keep your Burmese lean and fit.

Typical lifespan ranges from 14 to 17 years, although individual cats may live shorter or longer lives depending on genetics, environment, and care. Older Burmese often stay playful and interactive, but owners should be alert to subtle changes such as:

- Drinking or urinating more than usual  
- Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite  
- Reduced activity or reluctance to jump  
- Changes in coat condition or grooming habits

Any of these signs merit a prompt veterinary visit. Early diagnosis is often the key to managing chronic conditions successfully and keeping your cat comfortable.

Pet insurance or a dedicated savings fund is highly recommended. While Burmese are not necessarily more expensive to care for medically than many other purebred cats, modern veterinary treatments can be costly. Planning ahead ensures that you can provide the best care if your cat develops a health problem.

With thoughtful breeding, good diet, a safe environment, and regular veterinary oversight, the Burmese is capable of leading a long, vibrant life as a close member of the family.

---

## History & Origins

The story of the Burmese cat begins in Southeast Asia, particularly around present day Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, and neighboring regions. Cats with rich brown coats and golden eyes were known in temple paintings and ancient manuscripts from these areas. They were often associated with monasteries and palaces, and stories described them as cherished companions with almost mystical qualities.

The modern Burmese breed, however, traces back to a specific cat in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, a small walnut brown female cat named Wong Mau arrived in the United States from Burma. She was brought to a veterinary geneticist and cat fancier who was intrigued by her unusual appearance. Wong Mau did not look like the Siamese cats already known in the West, nor did she resemble typical domestic cats. Her owner decided to develop a new breed using Wong Mau as the foundation.

Wong Mau was bred to Siamese cats, and the resulting kittens showed a range of colors and shading. By carefully selecting for the richer brown coat and more compact, rounded body type, breeders gradually fixed the characteristics that we now recognize as the Burmese. Over time, this breeding programme was refined in the United States and then in the United Kingdom, where breeders developed slightly different “types.” The American Burmese tended toward a shorter muzzle and more extreme head type, while the European or British Burmese retained a slightly more moderate look. Various cat registries recognize these differences in their own ways, but all share the same Southeast Asian roots.

From its early days, the Burmese was valued as a companion cat rather than a working or hunting animal. Unlike some breeds that were developed to control vermin on farms, the Burmese was prized for its affectionate nature, striking appearance, and lively character. As the breed gained recognition through cat shows and breed clubs, it spread across Europe, Australia, and beyond.

Today, the Burmese is firmly established on several continents as a much loved pedigree cat. The breed is most often kept as an indoor or indoor with secure outdoor access companion. Many breeders and owners focus on preserving the close, people oriented temperament that made the Burmese popular in the first place, alongside the rich colors and satin coat.

Modern Burmese cats are used primarily for:

- Family companionship in households that appreciate interactive pets  
- Participation in cat shows, where their personality often wins over judges and spectators  
- Breeding programmes that aim to maintain health, type, and temperament

Despite developments and variations in type and color across different regions, the essence of the Burmese remains the same. It is a cat with ancient Southeast Asian roots, refined in the West, and cherished today for its unique blend of elegance, warmth, and character.

---

## Living with the Breed

Sharing your home with a Burmese cat is a long term commitment that brings a lot of joy, but it also requires planning and responsibility. This is not a breed that thrives on neglect or long stretches of solitude. Instead, the Burmese fits best with people who genuinely enjoy spending time with their pets and are ready to make the cat a real part of daily life.

New owners should expect a Burmese to be involved in almost everything that happens at home. Preparing dinner, working at a computer, reading on the sofa, or watching television all become shared activities. Instead of quietly sleeping in another room, your Burmese is likely to curl on your lap, perch on the back of your chair, or gently tap your hand to ask for attention. For many, this deep companionship is exactly what they are looking for. For others who prefer a more independent cat, it might feel overwhelming.

Time commitment is significant. While you do not need to entertain a Burmese every waking moment, you should set aside at least an hour a day for direct interaction. This can be broken into smaller segments that fit your routine. Morning playtime with a wand toy, a cuddle session in the evening, and a few scattered moments of conversation and petting during the day often suit both cat and owner.

Financially, caring for a Burmese is similar to other pedigree cats. Initial costs include:

- Purchase price from a reputable breeder, which will vary by country  
- Neutering or spaying if not already done  
- Vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite control in the first year  
- Essential equipment such as litter trays, scratching posts, food bowls, a carrier, and a sturdy cat tree

Ongoing annual costs will cover high quality food, routine veterinary care, booster vaccinations if advised by your vet, parasite prevention, pet insurance or a savings plan for emergencies, litter, and replacement toys or bedding. Investing in durable, well designed scratching posts and cat trees pays off in the long run and helps protect your furniture. Many homeowners find that a tall sisal covered scratching post placed near favorite resting spots quickly becomes the preferred scratching area.

Useful equipment for a Burmese household includes:

- At least one large, stable cat tree to climb and perch on  
- Various scratching surfaces, such as vertical posts and horizontal boards  
- A selection of interactive toys that encourage chasing, pouncing, and problem solving  
- Puzzle feeders or slow feeders to add mental challenge to mealtimes  
- A secure, comfortable carrier for travel and vet visits

Because of their sociable nature, many Burmese do well as indoor cats if the home environment is stimulating enough. Secure outdoor enclosures, cat proofed balconies, or supervised garden time on a harness can provide extra enrichment. Free roaming outdoors is often not recommended, especially in busy urban or suburban areas, because these trusting cats may not be streetwise and can be at greater risk from traffic or theft.

Prospective owners should also think about future life changes. Burmese cats can live 15 years or more, so consider whether you are ready to care for a companion through moves, changes in work schedule, or family additions. They generally adapt well to new situations as long as they feel supported by their people, but sudden long absences or major disruptions without preparation can be stressful.

In day to day life, living with a Burmese means laughter, conversation, and a sense of being closely accompanied. This breed tends to sleep in bed with its humans, join in family routines, and welcome guests with curiosity rather than fear. If you are looking for a cat that shares your life in a very active way, the Burmese can be a wonderful choice, provided you are ready to offer time, attention, and a secure, enriching home for many years to come.

Burmese

GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy)

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) UK

The Danish Cat Club

Norwegian Forest Cat Club

The Burmese is a medium, muscular cat with a short, satin coat in rich solid colors and large golden eyes. Affectionate and people focused, it often follows a favorite person, enjoys play and training, dislikes long solitude, and usually stays lively and social into old age.

SE Bygdeträsklidens är en uppfödare av rasen Burma med bas i Skellefteå i Sverige.

SE*Bygdeträsklidens

Russian Blue

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) - UK

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) - France

The International Cat Association (TICA) EU Section

Norwegian Forest and Pedigree Cat Club

Danish Cat Association (Racekatten)

Russian Blues are medium, athletic cats with a plush, silver tipped blue coat and vivid green eyes. Gentle and reserved with strangers, they are deeply affectionate with their families. Intelligent and observant, they enjoy routine, quiet homes, interactive play, and minimal grooming.

S Tsarens är en uppfödare av rasen Russian Blue med bas i Sundbyberg i Sverige.

S*Tsarens

SE Magnolia gardens är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Alingsås i Sverige.

SE*Magnolia gardens

British Longhair

The Norwegian Cat Association

Royal Veterinary College - University of London

British Longhairs are sturdy, medium‑large cats with a plush semi‑long coat and round “teddy bear” look. Calm, polite, and quietly affectionate, they suit many homes. They’re moderately active, need regular grooming, and are generally healthy when bred with attention to heart, kidney, and joint care.

S Lur Per's är en uppfödare av raserna Brittiskt korthår och Brittiskt långhår med bas i Borlänge i Sverige. Uppfödningen har förekommit i utställningssammanhang sedan åtminstone 2014.

S*Lur Per's

## Quick Facts

The Ragdoll is a large, slow-maturing and often sociable cat from the United States. The breed is commonly described as calm and curious, but its name does not guarantee that an individual will want to sit on laps or be carried. Personality, previous experiences and how the cat feels at the time always matter.

- **Size:** An adult Ragdoll often weighs around 4–9 kg. Sex, build and body condition make a substantial difference, so the number on the scale must be considered alongside body condition.
- **Maturity:** Ragdolls develop slowly and may need three to four years to reach full physical maturity.
- **Coat:** The medium-long to long, soft coat needs regular combing. A thorough check about once a week is a reasonable starting point, although a denser coat may need more attention.
- **Activity:** A calm manner does not mean that the cat can be inactive. It needs daily predatory play, places to scratch, elevated areas, hiding places and social contact on its own terms.
- **Health:** HCM is the most important breed-specific health issue to clarify before buying. The DNA test for the R820W variant and cardiac ultrasound provide different information and do not replace one another.
- **Best suited to:** A home that can offer companionship without forcing it, sturdy furnishings for a large cat, and a plan for coat care, play and weight monitoring.

## Appearance & Coat

The Ragdoll is a large, powerful and muscular cat with a long body, blue eyes and a softer overall expression than its size might suggest. Females are often smaller than males, and young cats should not be judged as if they were fully developed. It is normal for the chest, head and musculature to continue developing for several years.

The breed is pointed, which means that the face, ears, legs and tail carry more colour than the warmer parts of the body. The pigment is temperature-sensitive, so kittens are born very pale and their colour develops later. The breed standard distinguishes three patterns:

- **Colourpoint:** darker points without white areas.
- **Mitted:** a pointed cat with white paws and a white chin; other white markings are defined by the standard.
- **Bicolour:** more white on the face and body, often with an inverted white V on the face.

The coat is medium-long to long, soft and silky. It can be easier to maintain than the coat of some other long-haired cats, but it is not maintenance-free. Comb through the entire coat regularly and increase the frequency if tangles start to form. Bathe the cat when its coat needs it, not according to a fixed schedule for the breed. Introduce the cat gradually to a comb, claw checks and other handling, and stop before it becomes distressed.

## Temperament & Personality

Ragdolls are often calm, quiet, curious and interested in staying close to their family. This is a useful description of the breed, but not a promise of a particular personality. A Ragdoll can be sociable without being a lap cat, and even a confident cat may want to decide when physical contact starts and ends.

The breed name comes from the tendency of some individuals to relax when lifted. It must not be taken to mean that every Ragdoll likes being carried, and the claim that the breed is insensitive to pain is false. Only lift a cat when it is comfortable with this, support both the front and hindquarters, and put it down when it wants to leave. For children, the most important rule is therefore not that the breed is “tolerant”, but that contact is calm, voluntary and supervised. A child must allow the cat to walk away and never treat it as a toy.

When meeting an adult cat or kitten, look at the actual individual. Does it seek contact after first being given space, recover after a new experience, and settle without hiding or becoming demanding? Such observations say more about daily life than labels such as “dog-like” or “perfect family cat”.

## Training & Exercise

Ragdolls need regular movement and mental stimulation, even though the breed is rarely described as intense. The goal is not a universal number of minutes but for the cat to have daily opportunities to climb, scratch, search, stalk, chase and catch in ways suited to its age and health.

Provide stable scratching furniture and resting places that can support a large adult cat. Distribute resting places, water, food, litter trays and activities instead of gathering everything in one location. Short hunting-style play sessions with a toy kept away from hands, food-search games and simple problem-solving can be varied according to the cat's response. A kitten may want more frequent and vigorous play, whereas an older cat may need lower heights, better grip and gentler movements.

Reward-based training is practical for the carrier, claw trimming, weighing and veterinary visits. Begin with a small step the cat accepts, reward calm behaviour and increase the difficulty gradually. Forced handling can make the next occasion harder. If activity changes suddenly, or the cat avoids jumping and playing, pain or illness should be ruled out rather than explaining the change as part of the breed's calm temperament.

## Health

Ragdolls can live long lives, but neither a breed name nor a single genetic test is a health guarantee. A lifespan of around 12–17 years is a broad guide, and an individual cat's life is affected by factors including inherited traits, preventive care, environment, diet and accident risk.

### HCM: separate DNA results from a heart examination

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, HCM, causes the heart muscle to thicken. Ragdolls have a documented variant, R820W in the MYBPC3 gene, that is associated with increased risk. A DNA test can show whether a cat carries that particular variant. A negative result, often written as N/N, does not rule out HCM from other causes.

Cardiac ultrasound answers a different question: what the heart actually looks like at the time of examination. Because changes can develop over time, both the cat's age and the examination date matter. Ask the breeder to show test and examination reports that identify the cat to which each result belongs. Ask which DNA tests and cardiac ultrasounds were performed, when they were performed and how the results are used in the breeding programme. A claim that a line is “HCM-free” should not replace documentation.

### Kidneys and weight

The Swedish Ragdoll club does not identify a particular kidney disorder as characteristic of the breed, but it recommends renal ultrasound for breeding cats as part of its health programme. Do not confuse a renal ultrasound with a PKD1 DNA test, and do not assume that the availability of a test in a laboratory catalogue proves a general breed risk. Instead, ask which examination was performed, on which cat, what the result was and why that method was chosen.

Because the Ragdoll is large and its coat hides the body outline, kilograms alone are a poor measure of an appropriate weight. Monitor the ribs, waist, abdominal line and muscle mass together with a veterinarian's assessment. A gradual change in weight or loss of muscle is more informative than comparison with another Ragdoll.

## History & Origins

The Ragdoll was developed by Ann Baker in Riverside, California, during the 1960s, with the white cat Josephine as an important foundation cat. This is the reliable core of the breed's early history. Many more dramatic stories were repeated later, particularly that a road accident changed Josephine's genes or made her offspring unusually relaxed. There is no support for treating that story as a genetic explanation of the breed's temperament.

The breed was developed further by selecting cats for the desired appearance and temperament. FIFe granted the Ragdoll full recognition in 1991, and the first Ragdoll was registered with SVERAK in 1992. The modern breed standard describes a large, pointed cat with blue eyes in colourpoint, mitted or bicolour patterns. The history therefore explains the breed's name and development, but it must not be used to predict how every individual will respond to handling.

## Living with the Breed

Ragdolls can do well in a flat or a house when the environment provides choice, movement and security. The fact that the breed is often kept indoors does not reduce its need to climb, hide, scratch and rehearse hunting through play. An indoor cat therefore needs vertical space, hiding places, scratching surfaces and multiple locations for rest, food, water and toileting. Secure windows and balconies. If the cat is to go outdoors, choose the arrangement according to traffic, predators, infection risk and the cat's experience; an enclosed outdoor area or harness can provide controlled access.

Many Ragdolls seek human company, but a safe amount of time alone cannot be calculated from breed alone. Swedish animal welfare guidance states that a cat must be checked at least twice a day, but this is a minimum level of supervision and not a promise that a sociable individual will cope well with long, repeated days alone. Observe how the cat eats, plays, rests and seeks contact. A second cat is not an automatic solution: the relationship must work, and each cat needs its own separated resources.

Introduce new animals slowly. Begin with separate safe areas and scent exchange, proceed to brief meetings through a barrier and let the cat set the pace. When introducing a dog, keep the dog under control and always give the cat a clear escape route upwards or to a dog-free room. Do not leave them unsupervised until their interactions are stable.

When buying in Sweden, check the cat's identity, pedigree, vaccination and veterinary inspection certificates, written contract and the health records cited by the breeder. A SVERAK-registered kitten is normally transferred no earlier than 14 weeks; transfer from 12 weeks requires veterinary approval under the federation's exception rule. The minimum age under Swedish law is 12 weeks when the transfer conditions are met, which is not the same as SVERAK's main rule. The cat must also be identified and registered by four months of age. Check the original documents and make sure that identification numbers, names and dates belong to the correct cat and parent animals.

Ragdoll

The British Ragdoll Cat Club

Nordic Ragdoll Club

Large, muscular pointed cat with silky semi‑long coat and vivid blue eyes that stay blue for life. Relaxed and floppy when handled, it matures slowly, is calm, affectionate, people‑focused, and suits mainly indoor life. Coat needs regular but moderate grooming.

S Raggartassens är en uppfödare av rasen Ragdoll med bas i Mariestad i Sverige. Uppfödning med stamnamnet kan beläggas åtminstone sedan 2004.

S*Raggartassens

Norwegian Forest

Norwegian Forest Cat Club (UK)

Skogkattringen - Norwegian Forest Cat Club (Sweden)

The Norwegian Forest cat is a large, muscular Scandinavian breed with a dense, water‑resistant double coat and strong climbing ability. Slow to mature, they are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent, needing vertical space, regular grooming, and play to stay healthy and content.

SE Kinnekulles är en uppfödare av rasen Norsk skogkatt med bas i Hällekis i Sverige.

SE*Kinnekulles

Birman

SVERAK – Sveriges Kattklubbars Riksförbund (Sweden)

Deutscher Edelkatzen Züchter Verband (DEKZV) e.V.

The Birman is a medium‑large, semi‑longhaired pointed cat with deep blue eyes and distinctive white “gloves.” Its silky coat is easy to maintain. Affectionate and people‑focused, it is moderately active, gentle with children and pets, and thrives on regular company and interaction.

S Tallebo's är en uppfödare av rasen Helig birma med bas i Åby i Sverige. Katter från uppfödningen har deltagit i utställningar i Sverige, Schweiz och Danmark.

S*Tallebo's

Trevino's är en uppfödare av rasen Helig birma med bas i Tyresö i Sverige. Uppfödningen har en historia med rasen som sträcker sig tillbaka till minst 1991. Heliga birmor har fötts upp i flera maskfärger genom åren.

Trevino's

SE Slånbärets är en uppfödare av rasen Brittiskt korthår med bas i Mariefred i Sverige.

SE*Slånbärets

SE Arctic Bluebell är en uppfödare av rasen Ragdoll med bas i Umeå i Sverige.

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