When you see a grey Ragdoll cat, it’s not hard to get mesmerized by its unique mystifying looks. On top of this, this cat is also known to have a sweet and kind nature. These qualities make this feline a crowd favorite and a fascinating pet.
Grey Ragdolls have a lot to offer besides their trademark color and appearance. In this article, I will not only shed light on their color genetics and physical characteristics, but I will also cover their behavioral traits and more.
So if you fancy a grey Ragdoll or want one as a family pet, read along and find out more about this feline! Hopefully, this article will help you decide if a grey Ragdoll is the perfect furry friend for you.
What Is a Grey Ragdoll Cat? Can Ragdoll Cats Be Grey?
The grey Ragdoll is a purebred Ragdoll cat with a distinct light grey color as its main feature. Although its coat appears as a grey color, this cat is often referred to as a blue Ragdoll. This color is a dilute of more dominant colors, seal and chocolate.
Technically speaking, grey Ragdolls are classified as blue Ragdolls when it comes to breeding standards and registration. Even fancy cat lovers also call them that.
Just like any other variations of the Ragdoll breed, there’s a particular genetic code that makes up the grey Ragdoll’s grey coat. This will be discussed in detail later on.
The grey or blue Ragdolls are the second most popular variation of the Ragdoll breed, coming close with the most sought-after seal point Ragdoll.
Generally, these Ragdolls have excellent temperaments like any other color variation of the breed.
Grey Ragdolls are typically registered as blue Ragdolls. These cats are recognized by different feline clubs and registries like The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Are Grey Ragdoll Cats Rare?
Grey Ragdolls are not rare. Even though it may not be so common to see a Ragdoll with almost a full grey coat, it’s still not as rare as lilac Ragdolls or flame point Ragdolls.
Grey or blue Ragdolls are still considered a popular variation. You will find that plenty of cat breeders produce and sell grey Ragdolls.
Although, much like other purebred cats, the chance to spot a grey Ragdoll in shelters and rescues still varies. It also depends on your preferences and if you are particular with certain coat color patterns.
Searching for a pet, even if it’s not a rare type, is not an easy task. So expect that it’s even harder to find felines of lesser-known cat breeds that have grey color.
Don’t fret, as I will provide some sources you can check out in a later section of this article.
Grey Ragdoll Cat Appearance
In general, the overall appearance of grey Ragdolls is comparable to other Ragdoll variations. Except for their coat colors, grey Ragdolls share the same size, weight, and proportions as other Ragdolls.
In other words, grey Ragdolls weigh around 8 to 20 pounds and have a height of about 10 to 13 inches. They are fairly large cats especially compared to common house cats.
Ragdolls are known for their chunkiness and fluffiness. Grey Ragdoll cats usually have thick coats with deep grey or blue points or bluish-white fur colors.
Their grey coats make their stunning blue-colored eyes pop even more. Their nose leather and paw pads can be slate grey or other colors, depending on their specific pattern.
Typically, the grey shading gradually turns white around their chest and tummy areas. This grey color may vary from a light grey to a blue-like, dark grey with a full shine.
Grey Ragdoll Cat Color Genetics
Generally, there are two basic colors in felines which are black and red. These are called the dominant colors. There is a dilute for each color, and for black, the dilute is blue, which appears mostly as a grey color.
Dominant colors produce both dominant and dilute kittens. Meanwhile, a dilute color bred with another dilute color can only produce dilute-colored kittens.
Seal point Ragdoll is often more common than a blue or grey Ragdoll because the seal is the default color of the Ragdoll breed.
For grey Ragdolls, their grey color is a product of a particular genetic recipe. When the seal color interacts with a special dilution gene, it produces a bluish or grey color.
The grey Ragdoll cat also expresses a gene for temperature-sensitive albinism. This gene blocks the pigment production in the coat, which then causes the color point pattern.
For grey Ragdolls that have the mitted pattern, this is caused by white spotting genes. It’s believed that there are a series of white spotting genes, and each of them causes bigger white patches than the previous one.
If these patches were larger, the grey Ragdoll cat is considered to have the blue bicolor pattern.
Grey Ragdoll Cat Temperament and Personality
Much like other Ragdoll variations, grey Ragdolls are also loving, sociable, and gentle. They are known for their loyalty and good nature. These felines are also neat and highly receptive to training, making them amazing family pets.
Grey Ragdolls are also affectionate and devoted. On top of this, they are not demanding, and they have a laid-back personality. They can also become more affectionate as they mature.
These cats love to show their affection through their own adorable ways. They’re known for trailing behind their owners and wanting to be near them as often as they can.
These cats are also naturally playful, so they are also suitable for families with children. These grey Ragdolls can get along with other pets, too. The key to this is early socialization and training.
They are also versatile and adaptable. Their curious nature makes them physically and mentally active. During training, giving treats will motivate them to learn quickly.
Do you wonder how a grey Ragdoll cat behaves? Take a look at this video on Youtube showing a day in the life of a grey Ragdoll cat:
A day in the life of a Ragdoll cat- what do they do all day?<a href="https://youtu.be/usVbYRhlsGE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FusVbYRhlsGE%2F0.jpg" alt="A day in the life of a Ragdoll cat- what do they do all day?" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Grey Ragdoll Cat Lifespan and Health Issues
Generally, just like other Ragdolls, grey Ragdolls are relatively healthy felines with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
To ensure that your grey Ragdoll lives a long, healthy life, you should give it the proper care and nutrition it needs. It’s also important that you’re aware of any health issues common to these felines so you can be more prepared.
Below are some common health concerns of grey Ragdoll cats:
Respiratory Tract Disorders: Grey Ragdolls can suffer from feline flu that affects their upper respiratory tract. This can cause sneezing and a nasal discharge. While this is an incurable viral condition, it can be easily avoided by vaccination, and the symptoms are also manageable.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Grey Ragdolls are prone to this condition that can lead to heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has no known cure but can be treated with lifelong medication. This disease results in hypertension, limb paralysis, and other health issues.
Bladder Stones: Also known as uroliths, bladder stones in felines can cause inflammation and pain when the stones rub against the walls of their bladder. This leads to damaged bladder function and abdominal pain. To treat this, the cat should undergo surgery.
Hairballs: The long hair of Ragdoll cats makes them prone to hairballs. These are the clumps of partially decomposed hair that the cat spews out periodically. To treat this, specialized cat food and laxatives are needed.
Most of the health issues listed are preventable. It would be best to keep track of your cat’s health by visiting the vet regularly. Besides the check-ups, make sure to also provide your furry pet with the right nourishment and exercise.
How Much Does a Grey Ragdoll Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
Grey Ragdoll kittens from reputable breeders typically cost around $400 to $1,000.
However, if a grey Ragdoll comes from a champion lineage, the price can go up to $1,500. Some breeders even sell these cats for a whopping amount between $3,500 and $5,000.
On top of the buying price, you also need to consider the other expenses that come with owning a grey Ragdoll.
Here’s a table of the initial expenses of owning a grey Ragdoll kitten:
The cost of the Ragdoll, whichever color the feline is, is still considered fairly cheaper than other cat breeds. In general, Ragdolls are also low-maintenance compared to other cats, which can also help you save money.
Places to Find Grey Ragdoll Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Ragdolls are popular, so it won’t be too difficult to look for a grey Ragdoll kitten. However, it’s always challenging to spot a source or a breeder that can guarantee a hassle-free transaction and reliable service.
This is why we gathered some grey Ragdoll breeders to help you with your search!
Listed below are some reputable breeders where you can find grey Ragdoll kittens for sale:
Ragdollkitty Ragdolls – Located in southern California, this cattery breeds show-quality Ragdolls that are raised with optimum health conditions. They produce traditional and rare Ragdoll colors and patterns, including grey Ragdoll kittens.
NY Divine Dolls – New York Divine Dolls Ragdolls has placed Ragdolls, including grey Ragdoll kittens, in various states such as Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Located in the town of Nesconset, New York, Divine Dolls raise all their cats in a cageless and healthy environment at home.
Texas Ragdoll Kittens – This Texas-based breeder raises Ragdolls on a 10-acre ranch, where they are held and socialized from day one. They breed selectively to produce fluffy, friendly, and beautiful Ragdoll kittens, including grey Ragdoll kittens.
Ragdoll Blues – This breeder produces happy, healthy, and well-socialized Ragdolls of all colors, including grey Ragdolls. They specialize in breeding ultra-rare Ragdoll colors, too. All their kittens are TICA-registered with show pedigrees.
Meanwhile, here are some rescues where you can look for a gray Ragdoll:
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – This non-profit organization specializes in rescuing and rehoming abandoned and abused purebred cats, including grey Ragdolls in the midwest region. They have a foster-based program where cats are kept in foster homes for evaluation until they are ready to be adopted.
Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue – Based in Ennis, Texas, this cage-free and foster-based non-profit rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes Ragdolls and other long-haired cat breeds. To date, they have placed over 1,430 cats through the online pet adoption website Petfinder.
RescueCats, Inc. – Located in Georgia, this state-licensed non-profit group is dedicated to rescuing homeless and owner-released kittens and cats, including the grey Ragdoll, and placing them into new homes. All their cats are spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue – This California-based non-profit rescue is dedicated to the rehabilitation, socialization, and rehoming of purebred cats and kittens, including grey Ragdoll cats. Most of their rescued cats come from shelters, some from individuals, and at times from breeders who decided to close their catteries.
Before you decide which option you’d go for in finding your feline friend, you should do more research. Don’t be hesitant to inquire and ask for guidance or advice from other grey Ragdoll owners.
If you’re keen on getting a feline friend, you can also get lucky to spot one for free! Read our article on the different ways to find free kittens for adoption to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colors Do Ragdolls Cats Come In?
Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns. These colors include seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, flame, cream, and tortie. They also display different patterns such as bi-color, colorpoint, van, and mitted.
What Is the Rarest Ragdoll Color?
The lilac colorpoint Ragdoll is considered the rarest color. This coat color is described as the dilute variant of the chocolate color. Lilac colorpoint Ragdolls have light shades of pink that may be seen as beige color at times.
Some cat fanciers claim that there the flame point Ragdoll is even rarer. This cat has orange-tipped white fur. Its coat is mostly white except for the fur on the ears, face, tail, paws, and back.
Do Grey Ragdolls Have Blue Eyes?
All purebred Ragdolls, including grey Ragdolls, have blue eyes. However, non-traditional or mixed Ragdolls can have different eye colors. These colors could range from aqua to green and even gold.
Final Thoughts: Is a Grey Ragdoll Cat the Right Pet for You?
If you like a feline friend with unique looks and awesome temperament, you should consider getting a grey Ragdoll cat! This loyal and loving cat will make a loving furry companion for any household, with or without kids.
They’re also easy to train and playful, so if you’re moderately active and want to add joy to your home, a grey Ragdoll will surely complement your lifestyle. You won’t also have to worry if you have other pets as they are friendly, too.
These cats may be a bit costly to take care of, but if you really want one, you’d be able to find ways to save without compromising their welfare.
Whether you get your grey Ragdoll through a breeder or a rescue, make sure you provide it with a forever loving home!
Do you own a grey Ragdoll, too? Share with us your experiences with this kitty in the comments below!
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