Breeds

Ragdoll Tabby Mix Breed Overview

Have you been thinking of getting a Ragdoll Tabby Mix as your next furry companion? Let's explore the history and characteristics of this affectionate beauty.

Yani with Cat

Last Updated: February 13, 2023 | 8 min read

Ragdoll Tabby Mix close up

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The Ragdoll is one of the world’s most popular breeds of cat. So much so that cat lovers are also interested in the breed mixes. The Tabby mix can make a great furry companion if you’re considering a Ragdoll mix.

The Ragdoll Tabby mix is affectionate and friendly. They love being with people and their families. Sometimes–a little too much. They are bigger than most cats since they come from the Ragdoll genetic line. The combination of these cat felines allows the mix to inherit traits from both parent breeds.

Let’s take a deeper look into the history, characteristics, personality, and breed needs of the Ragdoll Tabby Cat mix. Please keep in mind that mixed breeds can differ from their parent lines. The information in this guide is to help cat owners know what to expect, but it is not a substitute for professional advice from your veterinarian or breeder.

Ragdoll Tabby Mix
    • weight iconWeight12-20 Pounds
    • height iconHeight15-25 Inches
    • lifespan iconLifespan19-22 Years
    • color iconColorsBeige, White, Gray with different color points and Tabby markings
  • Child Friendliness
  • Canine Friendliness
  • Training Difficulty
  • Exercise
  • Grooming Upkeep
  • Breed Health
  • Kitten Costs

Breed History

To better understand the mix of these two cats, let’s learn a bit more about their backgrounds.

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll with mouth open

Ragdolls were bred in California in the 1960s. They are most likely a mix of a long-haired Persian/Angora cat bred with several Birman or Burmese cats. Their origin story is unique. Ann Baker chose two cats with specific physical and personality traits. These cats were large with a silky coat, bright blue eyes, and classic pointed markings. Unfortunately, the Ragdoll origin story is not verifiable.

The Ragdoll breed is one of the largest breeds of cats. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, a Ragdoll cat can weigh between 12–20 pounds, with male ragdoll cats typically weighing more. These cats stand between 9–11 inches tall and are usually 17–21 inches long (excluding their fluffy tail). Their weight will depend on bone structure, diet, activity level, and genetics.

They are very social cats. They really like being around people. Ragdolls form tight attachments with their owners. They enjoy cuddling and sleeping next to their humans. They tend to follow their owners around and genuinely like to be in their presence. They even like being picked up and will go limp like a ragdoll when held.

These beautiful cats are large with a soft, silky coat. Ragdolls are a low-shedding breed but may shed more during the spring. They do not have an undercoat, so they don’t shed as much. However, they are not hypoallergenic cats. Ragdoll colors include black, white, gray, blue, cream, lilac, chocolate, seal, and red. This breed is known to have blue eyes.

Tabby Cats

Beautiful ginger tabby cat with screwed-up eyes is lying on the wooden floor

A Tabby Cat is not an actual breed. It is the unique markings such as patterns of stripes, swirls, spots, or blotches of coloration on their fur coats. They will have an “M” on the forehead, right above the eyes.

The tabby pattern can be found across a wide range of purebred cats and mixed breeds. The most familiar tabby coats are black, but variations include brown, orange, and gray tabbies. The pattern can appear in various ways, such as:

  • Classic Tabby Cat: A classic tabby has a bold, swirling pattern that looks like a bullseye. This Tabby is referred to as a blotched tabby.
  • Mackerel Tabby Cat: This Tabby is known as a tiger cat. He has narrow solid/ broken stripes that vertically run down the sides and rings around the tail and legs.
  • Spotted Tabby Cat: A spotted tabby has large or small spots all over the sides that sometimes appear to be broken mackerel stripes. 
  • Ticked Tabby Cat: Also known as an Abyssinian tabby or agouti tabby, a ticked tabby doesn’t have stripes or spots but instead has tabby markings on the face and hairs striped with alternating light and dark bands, known as agouti hairs on the body.
  • Patched Tabby Cat: Often referred to as tortoiseshell or tortie, a patched tabby usually has dark or grayish brown and red or orange patches with any of the previous tabby patterns.

Ragdoll Tabby Mix Cats

There isn’t extensive information detailing when Ragdolls and Tabby Cats were bred. Although an exact time frame is unknown for this mixed research shows that their parent breed, the Ragdoll is a relatively new breed. The first Ragdolls were bred in California during the 1960s. Additionally, Tabby Cats are not a specific breed but a category of cats with unique markings on their coats. They can be traced back to the middle ages.

Temperament

The personality of the Ragdoll Tabby is representative of the two breeds. They are gentle like Ragdoll cats and friendly like Tabby cats. They are very affectionate and social. They like being around people and making new friends. They are also good lap cats and make great companions. They are very intelligent from the tabby side. In addition, both parent breeds do well with dogs, so their mix will also get along with dogs.

Size & Appearance

Ragdoll Tabbies can vary in size. Ragdoll kitties are big cats weighing up to 20 pounds, while Tabby Cats are more on the average side, so the mix will primarily depend on the parents’ size. If smaller framed cats are bred, the offspring will likely be on the smaller side. However, their size will also depend on the dominant genes of the mixed breed. Usually, their size reflects their Ragdoll side more than the Tabby side. Additionally, Ragdolls traditionally have blue eyes, but when mixed with a Tabby, their eye color can be blue, green, or golden.

Coat & Colors

Ragdoll Tabby mixed cats come in different shades and color combinations. They can be on the lighter side of beige to a darker hue with Tabby markings and Ragdoll points. They are primarily light-colored like the traditional Ragdoll with dark points. The points are like the ones often seen on Ragdolls.

Grooming

Ragdoll Tabbies require moderate to high grooming needs. This mix has long fur, which could mean more shedding than other cats, but it is not too bad. This long-haired cutie will need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting. If the matting gets bad, you may have to cut the mats or shave them. A trip to the groomer can facilitate this process if it is not too stressful. Besides brushing, this Tabby mix will need occasional baths. You can also use pet wet wipes in between baths. Lastly, trim their nails frequently and brush their teeth a few times a week. Brushing their teeth regularly can ensure fresh breath and prevent oral diseases. Starting your kitty with grooming procedures at an early age will make the routine manageable and maybe even enjoyable for the kitty.

Living Requirements

A Ragdoll Tabby mix is a quiet kitty. He will make an excellent cat for an apartment for this reason. Most importantly, kitties need to feel safe and secure in their homes. They should have multiple hiding places and designated areas for their food and litter boxes. These two places should not be close to each other.

Cats are curious and love to get into mischief. Tabbies are particularly curious and have a higher hunting instinct than the Ragdoll. Be careful with items they can grab, break or choke on. Keeping your home clean and clutter-free will ensure a safe home for your kitty.

Exercise

Ragdoll Tabby mixes are moderately active. They are not the most energetic cats, but they still like to play. Like most cats, they love to nap. However, they will want to play and interact with you when they are up. Unlike most cats, they don’t like heights. You will not find them climbing on high shelves or furniture. If you get a cat tree at some point, ensure it is low to the ground.

Training

Training your Ragdoll Tabby mix is relatively easy. They respond well to positive reinforcement. They will come when called. The Tabby side is very smart, so you can teach your kitty to retrieve toys and some cat tricks.

Even if you do not train your cat to do tricks, there is some basic training that kitties need to learn. Cats should be trained to use the litter box, interact with people and other pets, and not climb on areas or furniture they should not be on.

Kitties can be skittish and fearful, but the more you introduce them to various environmental factors, the better they approach situations. Early socialization will help kitties become accustomed to being around different people and pets. Exposing them to different noises and smells will also be helpful.

Health

A Ragdoll Tabby is a healthy cat with a long life of about 19 years. They may even live up to 22 years (in rare cases). Health depends on many factors such as lifestyle, nutrition, and medical history. While both parent breeds are healthy overall, there are some predisposed medical concerns. A mixed breed of these two felines may be prone to some of the following medical conditions:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition where the heart’s walls thicken, causing the heart not to function correctly.  

Obesity:  This breed has the potential to be a large size due to its Ragdoll genes. Obesity can affect their joints and bring the onset of other health conditions. Be mindful of the food your kitty consumes so he doesn’t put on too much weight.

Nutrition

Cats are obligate carnivores that need to get their nutrients from animal protein. Like most cats, Ragdoll Tabby cats need a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Due to their large size, the Ragdoll breed can be prone to bone and joint disease as they age. Therefore, you will want to ensure their diet is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. The inclusion of omega fatty acids will also help to protect their joints. Since this is a mixed breed, it will be essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper nutritional guidelines. Additionally, maintaining your kitty at a healthy weight will prevent joint ailments. The heavier the cat, the more stress is put on the joints.  

The amount of dry or canned food you should feed your kitty will depend on their weight, age, and activity level. For example, an average 8-pound cat can eat about 6 ounces of canned food or 8 ounces of dry food per day. Consult your vet for specific quantities and the best food to feed your Ragdoll Tabby.

Breeders & Kitten Costs

The average price of a Ragdoll Tabby mix kitten is around 500 dollars. These kittens are mainly bred on demand. These cats cannot be found easily because of their rarity. Due to this, breeders can ask for higher prices.

While there may not be many breeders advertising these mixed kittens, you can start by calling and looking into reputable breeders. Reputable breeders will be willing to answer questions, provide documentation on the parent cats and allow you to see their facility. Remember to ask to see documentation, particularly about genetics and health testing. Keep an eye out for breeders who refuse to answer these questions or produce many litters yearly. This signifies a kitten mill and not a healthy, reputable breeder. The Cat Fanciers Association or Ragdoll Fanciers Club are excellent resources for finding breeders. You can also check with your veterinarian to see if they know of any breeders or kittens of this mix available.

Rescues & Shelters

Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with stray cats and kittens that need good homes. Although finding a Ragdoll Tabby mix at a shelter may be difficult, it is worth inquiring. Mixed breeds can end up in shelters for many reasons. There are numerous shelters dedicated to finding cats good homes. The Humane Society of the United States, your local shelter, and your veterinarian are reliable resources to start your inquiry.

As Family Pets

A Ragdoll Tabby mix is very friendly and docile. They love being with people and making new friends. They even do well with children as long as they are not rough. They will follow you from room to room. Ragdoll Tabby’s enjoy cuddling and being lap kitties. This kitty will love sleeping with you in bed. They are tolerant of being picked up. This mixed beauty will love to play with the family and be an active family member. This mix may not be the best choice if you want a more independent cat.

Final Thoughts

A Ragdoll Tabby essentially offers the benefits of two cats in one. They are big, friendly, and social. These affectionate and friendly cats prioritize human company over everything else. They will become your furry best friend. As with any pet, you are considering adding to your family. Learning as much as possible about the breed and their needs is best. Bringing a cat into your family is a long-term commitment. You will want to make the right decision for your family and the kitty.

Red cat looking at raw vegetables snarling.

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1 Comment

  1. Ragdoll cat is beautiful and Ragdoll tabby mix cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world because of their thick, beautiful coats and endearing gentle personality.

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