Since breeder Ann Baker developed the breed in California in the 1960s, Ragdolls have been selectively bred over time to display a total of six different colors and three different patterns. The possible color varieties are chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, and cream. The most common patterns are mitted, color point, and bicolor. Notably, there are also the more rare Lynx and Tortoiseshell pattern variations. Both patterns can be present in any color. Interestingly, all purebred types of Ragdoll cats are born solid white. They have a particular genetic mutation that causes their coloration to begin to gradually appear only once they reach a certain body temperature. Since Ragdoll kittens are kept very warm while they’re in their mothers’ wombs, their specific colors and pattern don’t begin to appear until they are around two months old. As they age, their coat color and pattern become more vibrant and pronounced. Let’s take a look at some of the different color and pattern combinations included in the diverse rainbow of Ragdoll cats available today!
1. Chocolate Point Ragdoll
Chocolate color point Ragdolls are one of the more popular variations of the breed, perhaps in part because their unique brown and cream coloration makes them resemble Himalayan cats! These handsome kitties are a combination of the chocolate brown color and color point pattern. The chocolate point Ragdoll typically has a base body color of an off-white, cream color. Meanwhile, its color “points” around its face, ears, and tail are a rich, chestnut brown. The dark brown points around this particular cat’s face and ears contrast its icy blue eyes beautifully. This is partially what makes this type of Ragdoll cat such a desired variation amongst cat lovers.
2. Lilac Bicolor Ragdoll
The lilac bicolor Ragdoll is, as you might have guessed, a combination of the lilac coat color and bicolor pattern. This particular feline has a light purplish or pinkish grey “mask” covering its eyes and cheeks with an upside-down, white “V” shape extending up its nose and white around its whiskers. The cat’s color points also usually extend down its back in a “saddle” shape. In addition to this distinct mask pattern, the lilac bicolor variation of the Ragdoll has the same pinkish-grey color around its ears and tail with a rosy pink nose. The rest of the cat’s body is a soft off-white shade.
3. Flame Point (Red) Ragdoll
As their name suggests, the flame point Ragdoll is a combination of the red color and color point pattern. These strikingly beautiful cats have mostly off-white bodies with orange or light red points around the ears, face, tail, and paws. As kittens, the color points typically begin to present around the cats’ noses at around 8 to 10 weeks. The points spread out gradually and darken to their true auburn color as the cats age. Notably, flame point kittens tend to be one of the more rare and expensive varieties of the breed on the market. If you’re looking to adopt one of these types of Ragdoll cats, expect to spend anywhere from $800 to well over $1,500 per kitten!
4. Seal Mitted Ragdoll
The seal mitted Ragdoll is a combination of the seal color and mitted pattern. Mitted Ragdolls are fairly similar in appearance to those with the color point pattern. However, the mitted Ragdoll’s points also extend down their legs, stopping just before they reach their paws. As a result, the cat will have what appear to be white or cream-colored “mittens” on its paws. Meanwhile, the seal color variation is usually a deep, very dark brown with an off-white base body color. The color variation is named such because the points make the cat’s face resemble an ocean-dwelling seal’s face. Similar to the chocolate color point variety, the seal mitted Ragdoll’s distinct points contrast its bright blue eyes very handsomely.
5. Lilac Point Ragdoll
Lilac point Ragdoll cats’ coats possess a combination of the lilac color and color point pattern. The result is a mostly white or slightly off-white cat with very light pinkish-grey or purplish-grey points around its face, ears, paws, and tail. A dark pinkish-grey or black nose is also common. These adorable types of Ragdoll cats tend to appear as if they’re wearing white eyeliner! These graceful felines are also in fairly high demand amongst cat lovers. Expect to do some searching and saving up if you plan on adopting one of your own!
6. Lynx Point Ragdoll
The lynx point variation is a truly unique one that has become quite popular amongst breeders and cat enthusiasts. This type of Ragdoll cat has tabby points, similar to a wild lynx! Their markings typically appear as thin, dark stripes around the cat’s eyes, cheeks, and sometimes its tail. These particular Ragdolls can present in any color, though the lynx/tabby stripes are always dark and pronounced. In addition to these extraordinary traits, lynx point cats often look like they’re wearing subtle white eyeliner due to the placement of their color points and stripes. The distinct stripes are caused by what is known as the “agouti” gene. This gene “turns on” the pattern and causes the stripes to gradually appear as the affected cat ages.
7. Seal Tortoiseshell (Tortie) Ragdoll
The tortoiseshell Ragdoll (also affectionately known as “Tortie”) is a strikingly beautiful cat, with mottled, patchy markings. These markings can present in a variety of colors, from red to brown to orange and black, though the base body color is the usual cream or slightly off-white. For seal tortoiseshell Ragdolls in particular, you can expect their stripes and other markings to be mostly dark brown or almost black. Fascinatingly, Tortie Ragdolls are almost always female. This is because only X chromosomes can carry the marker for orange and black coat colors. Since males must always have at least one Y chromosome, they can be orange or black, but almost never both. Tortoiseshell cats generally have both orange and black colored coats, so they must have two X chromosomes.
8. Chocolate Bicolor Ragdoll
The chocolate bicolor Ragdoll is a blend of the chocolate coat color and bicolor pattern. The resulting cat generally has a cream-colored body with a deep, rich chocolate brown “mask” around its face and a similarly brown tail. At a glance, they somewhat resemble the aforementioned chocolate color point cats. Unlike the chocolate point variety, though, the chocolate bicolor type of Ragdoll cat lacks dark brown on its paws and often has some lighter brown fur in a “saddle” shape extending down its back.
9. Cream Point Ragdoll
This type of Ragdoll cat almost looks solid white or off-white from a distance. However, upon closer examination, you’ll notice cream point Ragdolls actually have a stunning range of creamy beige, yellow, and even light orange shades throughout their coats. Generally, the cream point ragdoll has a white or cream-toned base body color with slightly darker points around its face, ears, paws, and tail. Because their points are so light and subtle, it can take a bit longer for cream point Ragdoll kittens to fully display their color points compared to other varieties of the breed.
10. Blue Mitted Ragdoll
Although you’d assume the blue-mitted Ragdoll has a vibrant blue coat, its true color is actually closer to a bluish platinum silver or light grey. While its base body color is the typical cream or off-white, blue mitted Ragdolls have beautiful grey-blue pops of color around their faces, ears, tails, and legs. As is typical with mitted patterned Ragdolls, the blue mitted has silvery-blue legs and solid white “mittens.” This particular bluish shade of silver complements this cat’s trademark blue eyes stunningly, which makes it a popular choice amongst fans of this breed.
