Seal point Ragdolls are large cats with thick coats. They also have piercing blue eyes, and they come in tons of different patterns. But what exactly does “seal point” in Ragdolls mean?
Moreover, what genes are responsible for the color of a seal point Ragdoll cat? Are these cats rare? Most importantly, is a seal point Ragdoll the perfect pet for you?
These are just some of the things we’ll talk about in this guide. So if you are interested in learning all about seal point Ragdolls, stick around until the very end!
What Is a Seal Point Ragdoll Cat? What Does “Seal Point” Mean in Ragdolls?
The seal point Ragdoll is a cat with a dark brown coloration on the tip of its fur. “Seal” refers to the darkest shade of brown in cats. Meanwhile, “points” refer to a type of coloration characterized by light-colored fur with dark-colored tips.
Simply put, the term “seal point” is used to describe a cat with seal-colored tips on its fur. The term is not exclusive to Ragdolls; in fact, other cats exhibit this coloration as well.
Similarly, the points of a cat may be other colors such as blue, red, and lilac. If this is the case, the cat is called “blue point,” “red point,” and “lilac point,” respectively. Cats with this kind of coloration are collectively called “colorpoints.”
Other than their coat color, seal point Ragdolls are known for other things. For starters, these cats are one of the largest domesticated cats. Plus, they are also known for their piercing blue eyes.
Seal Point Ragdoll Appearance: What Does a Seal Point Ragdoll Cat Look Like?
For the most part, the appearance of a seal point Ragdoll is comparable to other Ragdolls. These cats are about twice as large as the average house cat, and they sport long voluminous coats.
Moreover, the seal point Ragdoll cat comes in many different patterns. Some exhibit the tabby “M” shaped marking, while others patterns sport the “reversed V” marking.
Let’s explore the different patterns of a seal point Ragdoll cat!
Lynx Seal Point Ragdoll
The lynx seal point Ragdoll has an M-shaped marking on its head. This marking is a staple feature of lynxes and tabby cats. Aside from their M-shaped marking, lynx Ragdolls may also sport striped patterns on their legs.
Mitted Seal Point Ragdoll
The seal point mitted Ragdoll is basically a seal point Ragdoll with a set of mittens! The telltale features of these cats are the light-colored hair on their paws and their white chin.
These cats are also called the colorpoint mitted Ragdoll or the seal mitted Ragdoll.
Bicolor Seal Point Ragdoll
If you see a seal point Ragdoll with an “inverted V” marking on its forehead, that’s a bicolor seal point Ragdoll! A unique feature of these cats is the white fur on their faces and light-colored noses.
Blazed Seal Point Ragdoll
The blazed seal point Ragdoll, also known as the Ragdoll with a blaze, has one of the most unique patterns.
Their forehead sports a diamond-shaped patch of white color on their hair. On some occasions, the pattern may also appear like an hourglass.
Tortie Seal Point Ragdoll
Photo by @debussytheragdoll (IG)
Tortie seal point Ragdoll cats have calico patterns on their coats. These cats usually have split-color fur on their faces. Interestingly, only female Ragdoll cats can exhibit the tortie pattern.
Mixed Pattern Seal Point Ragdoll
The seal point Ragdoll on the photo above has a tortie pattern as well as mittens. Because it exhibits a combination of patterns in Ragdoll, this cat is known as a mixed pattern seal point Ragdoll!
Seal Point Ragdoll Size and Weight: How Big Do Seal Point Ragdolls Get When Fully Grown?
Seal point Ragdolls grow anywhere between 10 and 13 inches in height and eight to 20 pounds in weight. These cats are considered as one of the largest domesticated cats in the world!
For reference, an average Ragdoll is larger than a Siamese but a tad smaller than a Siberian cat. Moreover, these cats are shorter than the Savannah cats but significantly heavier than them.
Some Ragdolls grow to an enormous size that they become comparable to the Maine Coon — the largest domesticated cat breed. Seal point Ragdolls and Ragdolls, in general, are chunky, thick-coated, and fluffy.
The gender of a seal Ragdoll also plays a role in its full-grown size. Typically, male Ragdolls are heavier and taller than their female counterparts.
Seal Point Ragdoll Cat Color Genetics: What Causes the Seal Point in Ragdolls?
The coat genetics of seal point Ragdolls is quite a tedious topic. Luckily, it doesn’t take an expert to understand the basics.
For starters, the Ragdoll coloration mainly depends on gene combinations. The two types of genes that are responsible for the pigmentation of a Ragdoll are the “B-gene” and “D-gene.”
The B-gene controls the black pigmentation of a Ragdoll, while the D-gene controls the dilution of the color. Both the B-gene and D-gene have two possible alleles.
For B-genes, the possible alleles are “B” and “b.” Meanwhile, for D-genes, the possible alleles are “D” and “d.”
One way to think of it is that “B” turns on the black color of the coat while “b” turns on the brown fur color. On the other hand, “D” intensifies the color while “d” dilutes the color.
A Ragdoll must carry a D-D or D-d in combination with B-B or B-b for it to have a seal coat color. According to a genetics guide from Ragdoll Queen, the highest chance of getting a seal Ragdoll is by breeding two seal Ragdoll cats.
Breeders also have a high success rate in getting a seal Ragdoll when blue or chocolate is bred with seal. Interestingly, breeding blue with chocolate can also result in seal Ragdoll cats.
Are Seal Point Ragdolls Rare?
Seal point Ragdolls are pretty common cats. There are plenty of breeders who breed and sell these cats. Even in shelters and rescues, the seal point Ragdoll is a pretty familiar face.
While there is an abundance of seal point Ragdoll cats, some patterns are more common than others. So depending on which pattern you are eyeing, your search for a seal Ragdoll might vary in difficulty.
However, if you do not have a preference in terms of pattern, your search will be a bit easier. Also, make sure to check out some of the best sources for seal point Ragdolls in a later section of this guide.
That said, if you are looking for a rare Ragdoll, take a look at the lilac point Ragdoll and the flame point Ragdoll. These two colorations are known as the rarest Ragdoll colors.
Seal Point Ragdoll Temperament and Behavior: Are Seal Point Ragdolls Good House Pets?
Seal point Ragdolls have the same temperament as other Ragdolls. These cats are gentle, calm, and loving. Seal point Ragdolls are also known for their dog-like loyalty to their owners.
One telltale behavior of a Ragdoll is its floppy nature. These kitties are so laid back that they tend to go limp whenever they are picked up. This trait earned them the title “floppy cats.”
As house pets, Ragdolls are arguably one of the best. They are not destructive; they are neat, and they are highly trainable.
If you decide on getting a Ragdoll kitten, be ready for lots of playtimes because Ragdoll kittens are very playful!
They love to retrieve toys and play catch with their owners. Their early years are the best time to train them and bond with them.
One thing to note is that Ragdolls tend to refuse cuddling at times. While these kitties are affectionate most of the time, there are times when they are not happy to be held.
In general, seal point Ragdolls make wonderful pets. If they are socialized well at an early age, these cats can quickly get along with other pets and kids.
Seal Point Ragdoll Lifespan and Health Issues: Do Seal Point Ragdolls Have Health Problems?
In general, Ragdolls are healthy cats. These kitties have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
If you give ample exercise and healthy food to your Ragdoll, it has a good chance of living a long life. However, there are still some health issues to watch out for.
Here are some common health issues of seal point Ragdoll cats:
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD occurs when cysts develop in a cat’s kidney. This health issue is linked to an inheritable genetic abnormality. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for PKD. Depending on how it affects your cat, treatment options range from a special diet to oral medication.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A seal point Ragdoll with HCM experiences thickening of the heart. Usually, this condition results in limb paralysis, hypertension, and other health issues. HCM has no known cure. This condition is only managed through symptomatic treatment.
Hairballs: Ragdoll cats have long hair, which makes them prone to hairballs. Hairballs are literally the balls of hair inside a cat’s stomach. These balls are usually the build-up of hair they ingest when grooming themselves. Treatment for hairball includes laxatives and specialized cat food.
Bladder Stones: Feline bladder stones occur when minerals crystallize inside a cat’s bladder. A Ragdoll with bladder stones will suffer from impaired bladder function and excruciating abdominal pain. The only treatment for bladder stones is surgery.
These are some of the most common health issues in seal point Ragdoll cats. Fortunately, most of these issues are preventable, or at the very least, manageable.
If you want to spot the early signs of these health issues, the best way is to visit the vet regularly. A monthly check-up will go a long way in ensuring the health of your Ragdoll!
Seal Point Ragdoll Grooming Needs: How to Groom a Seal Point Ragdoll?
Grooming a seal point Ragdoll is pretty basic. Despite having long and beautiful coats, Ragdolls do not require much in terms of grooming. In fact, these kitties can keep themselves tidy!
That said, it is still helpful to groom your seal point Ragdoll from time to time. For starters, it is best to establish a grooming routine early on.
To do this, brush your cat’s hair every day. The goal is to make your Ragdoll comfortable with grooming at a young age. Once you’ve established this routine, grooming your Ragdoll cat will be a lot easier!
Keep in mind that you should brush your cat’s hair gently. Avoid areas around its genitals, and be careful brushing the fur on its face. If your cat has cuts or abrasions, you should also avoid those areas.
In terms of bathing, there is no one-size-fits-all schedule for Ragdolls. More often than not, a seal point Ragdoll will not require baths at all. The only time you should bathe your cat is when it gets dirty from the outdoors.
If you want to bathe your Ragdoll, you may do so monthly. However, make sure to keep bathtime quick yet gentle; Ragdoll cats find baths stressful!
Watch this insightful video on how Ragdolls are groomed by a professional groomer:
Ragdoll Cat - Bib Trim<a href="https://youtu.be/B_Z_EOr0yF8" 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%2FB_Z_EOr0yF8%2F0.jpg" alt="Ragdoll Cat - Bib Trim" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Is a Seal Point Ragdoll? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
The average cost of a seal point Ragdoll cat is somewhere between $800 and $2,500. However, a show-quality seal point Ragdoll from a reputable breeder will run you at least $3,000.
Some factors affecting the price of a seal point Ragdoll cat are its age, quality, and lineage. The pattern of a seal point Ragdoll may also affect its price. Usually, tortie Ragdolls and lynx Ragdolls are the most expensive among the bunch.
If the price of a seal point Ragdoll is a little steep for you, you can adopt one instead. Check out the next section in this guide for the best places to find seal Ragdolls.
But before that, let’s talk about other expenses in owning a seal point Ragdoll.
Here are some expenses you need to consider for a seal point Ragdoll cat:
As you can see, you need to prepare around $355 for the initial supplies of your Ragdoll cat. However, keep in mind that this is exclusive of vaccine shots and other recurring costs such as cat food, treats, and vitamins.
For the vaccine shots, expect to pay a total of $50 to $150 for a complete set. Meanwhile, recurring costs will set you back around $45 to $70 monthly.
When shopping for your cat’s essentials, it is recommended to invest in high-quality items. Try to pick the ones with the best material and build that fits within your budget. This way, you will only need to buy them once.
Alternatively, you may also resort to DIY to save a bit of cash. Your Ragdoll cat will surely appreciate some homemade cat scratchers or homemade cat houses. You just need a bit of creativity to make these cost-effective alternatives!
Another way to save some cash is by adopting a seal point Ragdoll cat instead of buying one. The adoption fee for a Ragdoll cat ranges between $100 and $200.
Places to Find Seal Point Ragdoll Kittens for Sale or Adoption
Finding a seal point Ragdoll kitten can be a tough job, especially if you are looking for a particular pattern. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable breeders who offer a wide selection of patterns.
That said, we have rounded up the best places to find seal point Ragdolls. Make your search a little easier by going through the sources listed below!
Here are a few places where you can find Seal Point Ragdoll kittens for sale:
KFBear Ragdolls – KFBear Ragdolls is a New York-based cage-less cattery. This breeder mainly sells lynx Ragdoll and tortie Ragdolls, but they also have other seal Ragdolls occasionally. The price of a Ragdoll kitten from this breeder ranges from $1,200 to $5,000.
My Champion Heart Ragdolls – My Champion Heart Ragdoll is a fantastic option if you need your new pet delivered to you. This breeder is one of the few that offers cat delivery or shipping. A seal point Ragdoll kitten from this breeder will run you upwards of $2,000.
Rock Creek Ranch Ragdolls – Rock Creek Ranch Ragdolls is a California-based breeder of Ragdoll kittens. This breeder has tons of positive feedback on their testimonials page, so their reliability is not a problem! You may check out their available seal point Ragdolls on their litter page.
Below are some services you can use to find Seal Point Ragdolls for adoption:
GoKitty – GoKitty is a cat-exclusive adoption website. This website has listings for all types of cats, including the seal point Ragdolls! Plus, GoKitty also has the option to narrow down your search based on your country, region, and town.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is another adoption website backed by a non-profit organization. This website has arguably the widest selection of adoptable pets in the country. Founded in 2000, Adopt-a-Pet has helped rehome millions of homeless animals. Make sure to check out their listings for a seal point Ragdoll cat!
Petfinder – Founded in 1996, Petfinder has been around for quite some time now. Petfinder partners with thousands of shelters and rescues all over the country. Their main goal is to make it easier for aspiring pet owners to find an adoptable pet. Visit their website; they have tons of seal point Ragdoll kittens available for adoption!
Whether you’re looking to buy or adopt a seal point Ragdoll cat, you will find these sources useful.
If you haven’t found your luck with any of these, a good alternative source is social media. Facebook and Reddit groups work wonders!
Other Cat Breeds With Seal Point Coloration
While the seal point coloration is a staple in most Ragdolls, these kitties are not the only ones to exhibit this look. In fact, there are a couple of other cat breeds that sport seal-colored coats with pointed markings!
Here’s a list of cat breeds with seal point coloration:
Balinese
Birman
British Shorthair
Colorpoint Shorthair
Himalayan
Javanese
Napoleon
Ragdoll
Siamese
Snowshoe
Thai
Tonkinese
The seal point coloration can be traced back to the Siamese cats. Originally, this coloration was only widely recognized in very few breeds, mainly the Siamese.
It was sometime in the 1940s and 1950s when breeders decided to mix seal point Siamese with other cat breeds such as the American shorthair. This resulted in the attractive seal point coloration we now know and love!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Ragdoll Color?
The rarest Ragdoll color is the lilac colorpoint Ragdoll. These kitties are the dilute variant of the chocolate Ragdoll. Their coats have very light shades of pink that may appear beige at times.
However, some cat enthusiasts claim that the flame point Ragdoll is even rarer than the lilac colorpoint.
Flame point Ragdolls have orange-tipped white fur. Their coat is mostly white except for the fur on their ears, face, tails, all four paws, and back.
What Is the Most Popular Ragdoll Color?
The seal point is the most popular Ragdoll color. Seal points are the most widely searched Ragdolls on the internet. They are closely followed by the blue Ragdoll and the lilac Ragdoll.
The most probable reason behind this is that seal point Ragdolls are fairly common.
The appearance of a seal point Ragdoll cat is one of the staple features of the breed. Their tipped hair is one of their most well-known features.
What Colors Do Ragdolls Come In?
Ragdolls come in six different coat colors. On rare occasions, some Ragdolls may exhibit a combination of any of these colors.
Here’s a list of all possible colors in Ragdolls:
Seal
Chocolate
Blue
Lilac
Red/Orange
Cream
Ragdolls can be classified based on their coat color and coat pattern. Interestingly, Ragdolls come in various combinations of colors and patterns!
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Seal Point Ragdoll?
Seal point Ragdolls are one of the most famous domestic cats out there. These kitties have a huge fan base in the cat community, and it’s pretty easy to see why. Seal point Ragdoll cats are smart, friendly, and eye-catching!
The seal point Ragdoll cat is for someone who wants a gorgeous cat with a sound temperament.
This cat is for you if you don’t mind having a relatively large pet that may cost thousands of dollars. If that sounds like you, then the seal point Ragdoll is the cat for you.
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