Are Tortie Ragdoll Cats Rare?

If you’re a cat lover, you probably know many breeds of cats. Like dogs, there are dozens of breeds. But have you ever heard of a tortie ragdoll cat? 

Let’s take a closer look at this particular breed and what makes it different from other types of cats.

What Is a Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdoll cats have long, soft hair and distinctive coloring, and they’re known for their blue eyes. They’re large with surprisingly quite a bit of muscle under all that fur. And they have long, bushy tails that give them a luxurious look.

The breed was developed in the early 1960s by a cat breeder in California. Anne Baker, the breeder, paired an Angora male with a solid black female cat to create what’s known today as the ragdoll. Known for being sweet and laid-back, ragdoll cats like to cuddle versus being active. The loving breed is an excellent addition to any household.

What Is a Tortie Ragdoll Cat?

Tortie is an abbreviation for tortoiseshell because their pattern resembles the shell of a tortoise. The coat of the tortie ragdoll cat has a distinct pattern variation and looks similar to a calico cat. Not one tortie is the same; each has a distinct marking pattern.

Ragdoll cats come in various colors: seal, white, orange, chocolate, black, blue, lilac, red, and cream. The torties are very unique ragdolls because each often has multiple colors. The tortie variation appears in several ways, with oranges, browns, and creams mixed into these more standard colors. The tortoiseshell mottling usually appears on the head, paws, ears, and tail.

In folklore, tortie cats are believed to bring good luck. Specifically in Ireland, the United States, and Japan, these cats are viewed favorably.

Also, a fun fact, 99% of torties are female. The chromosome that carries the orange or black coat color market is the X chromosome. Males can only have one X chromosome, so they can only be orange or black, not both colors. However, in very rare cases, 1 in 3,000 male cats to be exact, are born with two X chromosomes. That’s why only one-percent of tortie are male. And along with their rarity, they usually have health issues and are born sterile.

What Does a Tortie Ragdoll Cat Look Like?

Tortie ragdoll cats are about 9 inches to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. They have a lifespan of about 13 to 16 years. Families or singles who long for a lovable, affectionate cat will find tortie ragdoll cats an ideal pet.

Even though the markings will eventually be particolored, all ragdoll cats are born white. The recognizable tortoiseshell colors don’t appear until maturity, which is around age two or three. So you won’t know you have a tortie ragdoll until well after you bring that adorable kitten home.

Another feature of ragdoll cats is the position these cats take once picked up. Because they usually go limp when being held, ragdoll cats have earned their name with the impression and stature of a ragdoll.

Looking for a new cat to add to your family? Here are the best places to start your search.

What Are the Ragdoll Tortie Types? 

There are four specific types of ragdoll cats. Almost all of them will have bluish-colored eyes and two different colors other than white. And their patterns help identify if they’re a tortie.

Seal-Tortie Point

The seal-tortie point has a pale fawn to cream body with lighter shading on its stomach and chest. The points of the ears, the tip of the tail, and the ends of the paws are seal-brown with red and cream colors mixed in. 

This cat also gets its name from its seal brown nose with coral pink mottling.

Chocolate-Tortie Point

A chocolate-tortie point’s body is ivory, and the points of the ears, the tip of the tail, and the ends of the paws are a chocolate brown with red and cream colors mixed in. Its paw pads and nose are cinnamon with coral pink mottling.

Seal-Tortie Lynx Point

The seal-tortie lynx point resembles lynx points more than tortie points.

It’s cream or pale fawn with shading to the lighter color on the stomach and chest. Their ears are seal brown with a paler thumbprint in the center. And they have variable mottling of red or cream overlays on their markings. These cats have blue eyes and a specific nose pattern of seal brown, pink edged in seal brown, or flesh or coral pink mottling. Their paw pads are seal brown or seal brown mottled with flesh or coral pink.

Chocolate-Tortie Lynx Point

The chocolate-tortie lynx point has an ivory body and resembles a lynx point more than tortie points. Its points may be warm chocolate with variable mottling of red or cream overlays. The eyes are blue and the nose is cinnamon, pink edged in cinnamon, flesh, or coral pink. And the paw pads are cinnamon or cinnamon mottled with flesh or coral pink.

Are Tortie Ragdoll Cats Rare?

Tortie ragdoll cats aren’t particularly rare. But males are extremely rare. In fact, only about one in 3,000 torties are male. 

Tortie ragdoll cats are almost always female because the chromosome that carries the orange or black coat color marker is an X chromosome. Males only have one X chromosome, meaning their coat is either orange or black, but not both. Tortie ragdoll cats have both, which is why a male is rare. 

In the rare instance that you find a male, it will be sterile.

The rarest ragdoll cat color is believed to be the cream-colored ragdoll. These nearly all-white cats have ivory points on their head, paws, and tail.

What Illnesses Are Ragdoll Cats Prone To?

Male tortie ragdoll cats suffer from health issues, such as a shorter lifespan, and are born sterile. Females generally have good health and long lifespans. 

One common condition of ragdoll cats is a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a serious condition that isn’t really preventable. Symptoms of this disease include a decreased appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, fainting, and paralysis of the legs due to blood clots. A good diet and plenty of exercise will help keep your pet healthy.

Other minor conditions that ragdoll cats are prone to are bladder stones and hairballs. Because bacteria can easily travel from the urethra to the bladder, female ragdoll cats are susceptible to urinary tract infections. Because of the long coat, this breed has a higher risk of swallowing hairballs and causing digestive problems.

What Lifespan Does a Ragdoll Cat Have? 

Although there are always exceptions to the rule, most tortie ragdoll cats have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. But their quality and length of life are greatly affected by the care given. Ragdoll cats require lots of love and attention. Their temperament is calm and friendly, and they thrive on human interaction. 

If you want an independent cat to have around the house, don’t get a ragdoll cat. Unless you can give them the affection needed to promote a long and healthy life.

Ever wondered if indoor-outdoor cats live longer than indoor cats? Find out here.

Are Tortie Ragdoll Cats Difficult or Are They Worth It?

You could say that tortie ragdoll cats are high maintenance only because of the amount of attention they require. They’re almost like dogs when it comes to their social nature. They also tend to eat a lot because they’re a larger domestic cat breed. And, of course, that long hair sheds.

But if you’re willing to put in the effort to develop a loving relationship with your pet, a tortie ragdoll cat is a great choice if you can find one. They’re sweet, gentle creatures who love their owners.

Have you ever heard of a tortie ragdoll cat? If they’ve piqued your interest, check out where you can get one.