Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits

The Ragdoll British Shorthair mix is an attractive, friendly feline with a loving personality. They are large cats, and their coats are available in many colors and patterns. If you are thinking about getting one of these cats but would like to know more about them first, keep reading as we discuss their temperament, diet requirements, grooming needs, and much more to help you make an informed decision.

Breed Overview

A Ragdoll British Shorthair mix crosses two popular cat breeds: the Ragdoll and the British Shorthair. The result is a cat with a unique personality ranging from loving and cuddly to laidback and self-assured. The mix is also known for their stunning appearance, with the Ragdoll’s semi-long fur and beautiful blue eyes and the British Shorthair’s stocky build and round face. These cats are adaptable, tolerant of children and other pets, and friendly, making them appealing companions for any household.

Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix Characteristics

Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix Kittens

Ragdoll British Shorthair mix kittens are playful, energetic, and curious and enjoy exploring their environment like most other breeds. These cats are slow to mature and will retain their kitten playfulness for up to 3–4 years. However, finding a breeder can be challenging. To get a Ragdoll British Shorthair mix, you may need to research and contact local breeders specializing in the parent breeds or the crossbreeds or consult with rescue organizations that have mixed-breed cats available for adoption.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ragdoll British Shorthair

Ragdolls have a calm, affectionate, and gentle nature, while the British Shorthair is more independent and reserved, so your cat’s temperament will likely be somewhere in the middle. They will also likely form strong bonds with everyone and enjoy being part of the family. Cats that take after the Ragdoll more will enjoy being carried, while cats that take after the British Shorthair will be more independent.

Both Ragdolls and British Shorthairs are intelligent breeds, so you can expect your mixed cat to be clever, observant, and adaptable. You can train a Ragdoll British Shorthair to respond to commands and engage in interactive play with proper techniques and positive reinforcement.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Yes, Ragdoll British Shorthair mixes can be good companions for families. Both parent breeds are generally known for their friendly and tolerant natures, which can make them suitable for households with children. The mix’s personality can vary depending on which parent they take after more. Either way, though, you can expect a loving pet and a wonderful companion.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Both Ragdolls and British Shorthairs are known for their sociable natures. They often exhibit a friendly and tolerant attitude toward other animals, and you can expect the same from your mixed cat, especially if they take after the Ragdoll more. Early socialization with other pets as a kitten can help, and it’s a good idea to introduce the animals slowly and carefully supervise them to see if they are getting along.

Things to Know When Owning a Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

Your Ragdoll British Shorthair mix will need high-quality cat food with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. Choose an age-appropriate brand, as kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Avoid brands that use artificial colors and chemical preservatives. Your cat will also need plenty of water to stay hydrated, and you will need to limit treats to no more than 10% of their calorie intake to help prevent them from becoming obese, which can lead to health problems.

Exercise 🐈

To help your cat stay more active, set time aside each day to play with them using laser pens, feather teasers, and other toys to help stimulate their mind and provide physical exercise. You can also set up vertical spaces, such as cat trees, scratching posts, or shelves, where your cat can climb, jump, and explore. A safe and secure outdoor space like a catio can enable your cat to get closer to nature.

Training 🧶

Training a Ragdoll British Shorthair mix is not hard, as they respond well to positive reinforcement. Begin training your cat as early as possible for the best chance of success, and start with simple commands. Many people have successfully trained their cats to use a scratching post instead of the furniture and to come when called. Scheduling short daily sessions will help get your cat into a routine that will make training easier.

Grooming ✂️

Fortunately, your Ragdoll British Shorthair mix will take care of most of their grooming for you. However, you will still need to brush them frequently, especially if they take after their Ragdoll parent more and have long fur. Trimming their nails regularly can help keep them from becoming uncomfortable and might even keep your cat from scratching at the furniture. You will also need to check their ears frequently for signs of dirt, ear mites, or infection and manually brush their teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste as frequently as possible.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Serious Conditions

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease characterized by the thickening of the heart muscles, which can lead to impaired heart function. It is one of the most common cardiac diseases in cats, and both Ragdolls and British Shorthairs have a higher risk of developing it. Regular veterinary check-ups, including heart evaluations like echocardiograms, can help detect and manage this condition. Signs may include difficulty breathing, lethargy, coughing, or sudden collapse. Treatment options may include medications to manage side effects and improve heart function.

Polycystic kidney disease causes the formation of cysts in the kidneys. It is more common in British Shorthairs, and genetic testing of the parent cats can help determine the likelihood of passing on the condition. As the cysts grow, they can affect kidney function, leading to progressive kidney failure. Monitoring kidney function through regular blood and urine tests is important for early detection and management. Treatment includes supportive care, specialized diet, medication, and fluid therapy.

Minor Conditions

Ragdolls and British Shorthairs tend to easily gain weight, leading to various health problems. Obesity strains the joints, increases the risk of diabetes, and can contribute to heart disease. Monitoring your cat’s weight and body condition is crucial, and providing a balanced diet with proper portions and engaging them in regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.

Dental disease in cats is a big problem, and some sources suggest that more than half of cats over the age of 3 have it. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even health problems. Brush your cat’s teeth manually as often as possible with cat-specific toothpaste, and provide dental treats or toys designed to promote oral health to help slow the progression.

Male vs. Female

There is little difference between male and female Ragdoll British Shorthair mix cats, as their appearance and size depend more on which parent they take after.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix

1. Unique Coat Variations

The Ragdoll British Shorthair mix can have a wide range of coat variations due to the combination of the Ragdoll’s semi-long silky coat and the British Shorthair’s dense and plush short coat. This mix can produce kittens with varying coat lengths, textures, and patterns.

2. Charming Eye Colors

The Ragdoll British Shorthair mix can display a wide range of eye colors. Ragdolls often have stunning blue eyes, while British Shorthairs typically have copper or gold eyes. When these two breeds are combined, the resulting mix can have eye colors ranging from blue to green or a combination of these.

3. Vocal Communication

Ragdoll British Shorthair mixes can have an interesting vocal repertoire. While Ragdolls are known for their soft and gentle voice, British Shorthairs are often more reserved in their vocalizations. The mix of these breeds can result in cats communicating through soft purrs, trills, and occasional chirping.

Final Thoughts

The Ragdoll British Shorthair mix is a wonderful cat that can fit any family perfectly. They are friendly, easy-going, and affectionate. They get along well with children and other pets and are smart enough to learn tricks. The downside is that it can be tough to find a breeder selling one, as most tend to stick to one breed or the other. However, you can still find one by researching local breeders and checking local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

See Also:

• Persian Ragdoll Cat Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
• Siamese Ragdoll Cat Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament, & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Sylwia13, Shutterstock