Our complete guide to the flame point Ragdoll cat takes a closer look at the genes behind flame point coloring, and whether they can influence your cat’s health and temperament.
- What do flame point Ragdolls look like?
- Are flame point Ragdoll cats friendly?
- Flame point Ragdoll health and care
- Finding a flame point Ragdoll kitten
The flame point Ragdoll cat has a creamy white body and red or orange coloring at its extremities. Flame points can be mitted, bicolor, or colorpoint, like any other Ragdoll coloring. Some flame point Ragdolls can also have tortie or lynx patterning at their points. This type of Ragdoll will have the same general friendly, affectionate Ragdoll temperament. They can make a wonderful companion in a loving family home.
About the Flame Point Ragdoll Cat
| Coloring: | Points range from pale orange to deep red. The rest of the body is creamy white. |
| Size: | Large, muscular body type. Usually between 10 and 20 lbs as adults. |
| Fur Type: | Medium to long, double layered coat that feels very soft to the touch. |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, gentle and curious. |
| Average Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years. |
| Average Kitten Price: | $1000 – $2000 |
Flame Point Ragdoll History
Flame point Ragdolls are a popular variety of the Ragdoll cat breed. They are also called red point Ragdolls, and sometimes flame tipped Ragdolls. The Ragdoll breed’s roots are found in California, when a breeder named Ann Baker combined a white longhaired cat with a seal point mitted male.
Though the breed’s origins start in the 1960s, subsequent breeders continued to develop and standardize kittens to produce the Ragdoll as we know it today. The Ragdoll cat is now recognized by all major breed registries.
What Do Flame Point Ragdoll Cats Look Like?
Flame or red point Ragdolls will have white fur on most of their bodies. But, the pointed parts of their bodies (their face, ears, tails, feet, and legs) will have a red coloring. This red shade can range from a light, dusky orange, to a deep, fiery red. And, as the intensity of pigment can vary from one flame point to the next, the disbursement of coloring can also vary.
Like any other Ragdoll cat, this variety will have medium to long fur. Their coats are double layered and silky soft to the touch. And, all flame points will have the traditional Ragdoll’s blue eyes.
Are Flame Point Ragdolls Rare?
Red is a widely accepted color for Ragdoll cats. And, flame points are quite a popular variety of the Ragdoll breed, so it can be difficult to find these cats. Pointed coloring is actually a form of temperature sensitive albinism. So, pigment levels in individual hairs vary depending on the temperature of your cat’s skin at the root. Temperature at your Ragdoll’s points is the lowest, so the hairs here produce more pigment.
The color of the pigment at your Ragdoll’s points is decided by the genetics they inherit. Red coloring is decided by the O gene, which comes in dominant (O) and recessive (o) forms. The dominant form of this gene overrides eumelanin (which produces black and brown pigment). If you’re interested in the finer aspects of cat color genetics, you can take a closer look in our complete guide.
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Are Flame Point Ragdolls Friendly?
One of the biggest appeals of the Ragdoll cat breed is their personality. Ragdolls, no matter what their coloring, are friendly, affectionate, and gentle cats. Their name comes from their tendency to flop like a rag doll, whether at your feed or in your arms.
Owners also report that Ragdolls are an extremely curious and playful breed. Some would even dub them dog-like. They love to explore the world around them, and some will even enjoy playing in water. Dedicated owners have seen success in teaching their Ragdolls games and tricks. Most Ragdolls get along well with children and other pets, as long as they are treated gently and with care.
Flame Point Ragdoll Health and Care
Ragdoll cats are generally healthy. Flame coloring in this breed has not been linked to any specific health problems. In fact, Ragdolls are known to live well into their teens with good care and regular veterinary checks. But, like any cat breed, they can be prone to certain problems. Here are some health issues that you might want to look out for:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems
You can help your Ragdoll live a longer life by ensuring they have a nutritious, balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and come from a reputable breeder who health tests their cats.
Are Flame Point Ragdolls Good Family Pets?
The Ragdoll cat breed is known for their suitability as a family pet or a companion for individuals with lots of time and love to give. Ragdolls aren’t as clingy or vocal as some breeds, but are happy to spend lots of their time with you. They’re equally happy on your lap and playing games at your feet.
Ragdolls are very curious cats that love exploring the world. But, because they are so intelligent and playful, they have high mental stimulation needs. So, you’ll have to dedicate time every day to playing with your flame point.
Despite their long fur, Ragdolls don’t have extraordinary high grooming needs. But, you will need to occasionally brush them. They’ll need a balanced, nutritious diet.
Finding a Flame Point Ragdoll Kitten
Flame point Ragdolls may also be sold under the label red point Ragdolls. So, if your heart is set on this coloring, include both terms in your searches. It’s important to choose a good breeder to reduce the chance of health problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The best breeders will complete health tests before breeding their cats.
Prices for flame points will vary on a number of factors. This includes location, demand, other colors in the litter, pedigree, and so on. As an average, prices tend to range between $1000 and $2000, but some kittens may fall slightly outside of this range.
Ragdoll kittens are all born white, but their color will start to show as they grow. By the time they come home with you, they will be showing some color, but this pigmentation will continue to develop and deepen over time.
Flame Point Ragdoll Cat
Do you have a red Ragdoll cat at home? Or, are you still choosing which type of Ragdoll you want to welcome to your family? We would love to hear about your experiences with this popular breed in the comments below!
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References and Resources
- The International Cat Association
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association
- O’Neill, D. (et al), ‘Longevity and Mortality of Cats Attending Primary Care Veterinary Practices in England’, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2015)
- Meurs, K. (et al), ‘A Substitution Mutation in the Myosin Binding Protein C Gene in Ragdoll Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy’, Genomics (2007)
- Paepe, D. (et al), ‘Prospective Evaluation of Healthy Ragdoll Cats for Chronic Kidney Disease by Routine Laboratory Parameters and Ultrasonography’, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2013)
- Borgeat, K. (et al), ‘Association of the Myosin Binding Protein C3 Mutation (MYBPC3 R820W) with Cardiac Death in a Survey of 236 Ragdoll Cats’, Journal of Veterinary Cardiology (2014)
- Paepe, D. (et al), ‘Screening of Ragdoll Cats for Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Evaluation’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2012)
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