One of the ragdoll cat’s trademark looks is its white fluffy fur – but can they come in the color black?
It’s a question many would-be owners want the answer to, especially those who want a ragdoll that stands out from the crowd.
So, is there such thing as a black ragdoll cat?
Yes, black ragdoll cats exist, however they are unlikely to be purebred. To produce a black ragdoll cat, you would need to cross a standard ragdoll with a breed that’s traditionally black in color – such as a Maine Coon or a Chantilly-Tiffany. This should only be done by professional breeders.
Technically, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, black ragdolls aren’t actually defined as ‘ragdolls’ due to them not meeting the proper breeding color standard.
Under this standard, ragdolls should have one of, or a variation of, the following six coat colorations:
Seal point: The body should be even pale fawn to cream, warm in tone, shading gradually into a lighter color toward the stomach and chest.
Blue point: The body should bluish white, cold in tone, shading gradually to white toward the stomach and chest. The points are deep blue.
Chocolate point: The body should be ivory, shading gradually into a lighter color toward the stomach and chest. The points are a milk chocolate color.
Lilac point: The body should be white, with the points being frosty grey with a pinkish tinge.
Red point: The body should be clear white with any shading in the same tone as points. The points are bright apricot to deep red, with deeper shades preferred.
Cream point: The body should be clear white with any shading in the same tone as points. The points are pale buff cream to light pinkish cream.
Because of these reasons, black ragdoll cats aren’t very common, mainly due to breeders preferring to keep ragdolls purebred as they sell for a higher price and remain compliant with show standards.
If you are determined to buy a black ragdoll cat, you may need to put in a special request to a breeder – or potentially be open to the idea of adopting one from a shelter.
What is the difference between a black ragdoll cat and a normal one?
The biggest difference between black ragdolls and other colors ragdolls is simply their coat color. Black ragdolls have a jet-black coat with no brown or gray undertones. Their nose and paw pads will also be black. One thing to keep in mind is that black kittens are often born with a dark brown coat that gradually becomes black as they age.
Black ragdoll cats may also behave slightly differently than purebred ragdolls depending on which type of cat they have been bred with.
If they’ve been crossed with a cat with typically more active or aggressive traits, they may not act like a normal ragdoll would.
But in most cases, coloration aside, black ragdolls are exactly like any other ragdoll cat.
They will likely have the same gentle temperament, loveable personality, and low-maintenance care requirements as any other ragdoll.
Overall, black ragdoll cats are a unique and will still make great companions.
How much do black ragdoll cats cost?
The cost of a black ragdoll cat will vary depending on the breeder and the region, but generally black ragdolls tend to be cheaper than those with standard colors (anywhere between $500-$1000 USD). This is due to them likely being cross-bred to achieve the black color.
Truthfully, it’s hard to gauge the exact cost of a black ragdoll cat, mainly because they are very uncommon.
If specialised breeding is required to produce their black coat – including finding a suitable mate – that could potentially even increase the cost and make them more expensive to buy than a standard colored ragdoll.
The best advice would be to contact your nearest breeder, as they will be able to give an accurate quote.
Are black ragdoll cats rare?
Yes, black ragdoll cats are rare. The most common colors for ragdolls are seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point, red point and cream point. Because black is not one of the traditional colors for ragdolls – nor an accepted standard when showing ragdolls in competition – some breeders may actually charge more for black ragdoll kittens.
The fact black ragdoll cats are very uncommon is likely why some would-be owners seek them out, due to the ‘exclusivity’ associated with them.
However, keep in mind that black ragdoll cats will likely be a cross-breed with another cat in order to create the black coloration – meaning they’re actually less of a ragdoll cat than those that are purebred.
Because of this, there is the risk mix-breed black ragdolls may behave differently than purebreds, which are known for their docile, friendly, relaxed personalities.
How do I prove my black ragdoll cat is actually a ragdoll?
The only way to determine whether a black ragdoll cat is actually a ragdoll is through DNA testing. This will need to be conducted by a licensed breeder or veterinarian.
As the only way to create a black ragdoll is to mix a standard ragdoll with another black-coated breed, it makes it hard to know whether there is actually any ragdoll genetics present in a cat simply by looking at it.
This potentially exposes you to fraudulent breeders who may claim the black cats they are selling are ragdolls, when they actually might not be.
To avoid being scammed, I would certainly recommend commissioning a DNA test to confirm your ragdoll’s genealogy before purchasing it – or at the very least, ask the breeder to provide you some documentation that proves the cat is in fact a ragdoll.
Final message
Black ragdoll cats are uncommon, yet sought after by owners due to their different and unique appearance.
To create a black ragdoll cat, you have to breed a normal ragdoll with a black-coated cat, meaning it won’t be purebred (this will either make the ragdoll cheaper or more expensive, depending on what’s required of the breeder).
If you have your heart set on owning a black ragdoll cat, be sure to ask many questions of your breeder and, if possible, obtain proof that the cat you’re buying is indeed a ragdoll – and not just another black-colored cat.