Are Ragdoll Cats Friendly?

Before I got my Ragdoll cat, I thought cats were all aloof little judgmental ninjas. You know, the type who look at you like you’ve said something offensive just by existing. Then came Mochi. And that furball flopped into my life like a marshmallow with trust issues—zero fear, full love.

So, are Ragdoll cats friendly?

Oh, absolutely. But let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t just scream “I’m a cat person and I want you to be one too.”

What Makes Ragdolls So Friendly?

Ragdoll cats didn’t just wake up one day and choose violence. They chose affection. Here’s what sets them apart:

1. They Go Limp When You Pick Them Up

That’s where the name Ragdoll comes from. Most cats wriggle like they’re being kidnapped. A Ragdoll? They melt. It’s like holding a living, purring plush toy.

2. They Follow You Around

I call Mochi my shadow. I walk to the kitchen—he’s behind me. Bathroom? Front-row seat. The day he didn’t follow me to the laundry room, I thought something was wrong. Turned out he just got distracted by a sock.

3. They Like Being Held

Most cats: “Don’t touch me unless I initiate.”
Ragdolls: “You stopped petting me for 4 seconds. Are we fighting?”
They genuinely enjoy being cradled like a baby. My neighbors think I had a child. I don’t correct them.

4. They Greet You at the Door

Dogs might have some competition. I come home, and there he is, sitting at the door like a tiny doorman with fur. No bark, just a silent judgment if I’m late.

By the way, if you're into Ragdoll stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: How Big Do Ragdoll Cats Get?

Personality Snapshot: Friendly Meter

Here’s how Ragdolls stack up in friendliness compared to other breeds:

BreedCuddle LevelPeople-FriendlyDog-FriendlyDrama Potential
Ragdoll10/1010/109/102/10
Siamese7/109/106/109/10
Persian6/107/105/106/10
Bengal3/106/107/1010/10
Maine Coon8/108/108/104/10

Note: These are based on personal experience and some bold generalizations. Your cat might be plotting your demise as we speak.

Oh, and speaking of Ragdoll, here’s another one you might like: How to Identify a Ragdoll Cat (Without Asking Its Birth Certificate)

My Life with a Ragdoll in Bullet Points

  • He insists on sleeping next to my face. Not near. Next to.
  • He watches me eat like I owe him something.
  • He’s never hissed in his life but will whine if I take too long to pet him.
  • He gets along better with dogs than I do.
  • He once tried to comfort me during a sad movie. I cried harder.

Also, just throwing this in—this Ragdoll post is a fun read too: How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live?

Are There Any Downsides?

Okay, friendly doesn’t mean perfect.

  • They can be clingy. If you’re looking for an independent cat, this might feel like a codependent relationship.
  • They don’t do well alone for long hours. Mine sulks if I go on a weekend trip.
  • Because they’re so friendly, they sometimes lack fear. That means walking up to strangers like, “Hello, will you be my new mom?”

Final Thoughts

Ragdolls are like the golden retrievers of the cat world—friendly, floppy, and full of love. If you want a cat that acts part dog, part teddy bear, and part emotional support animal, a Ragdoll is your soulmate in fur.

Just don’t expect privacy. They’ve never heard of it.