Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp When Held? The Science Explained
The Ragdoll gets its name from a remarkable behavior: when picked up, it goes completely limp — just like a rag doll. This phenomenon, known as reduced muscle tone, reflects the breed's exceptionally low stress response threshold; they're simply wired to relax. The breed was developed in the 1960s by American breeder Ann Baker, who specifically selected for gentle, tolerant, patient temperaments. Ragdolls are one of the few cat breeds that genuinely enjoy being carried around, and they rarely scratch or bite. However, this same low stress response means they're less alert to danger — owners should be especially careful about outdoor access, as Ragdolls may not react quickly enough to threats.