Likewise smoke black & solid black, the black and white Ragdoll cats, mainly known as the tuxedo ragdoll, are a pretty adorable, though controversial breed. They are incredibly affectionate and easily go limp when picked up, which is characteristic of the Ragdoll breed.
Interestingly their coloration can occur in both purebred Ragdolls and mixed-breed cats. Most of the tuxedo ragdoll cats have a predominately black coat with white markings on the chest, neck, face, and paws.
We’ll share these laid-back companion info, history, care, and phenomenal facts, along with the answer to whether they’re officially recognized by feline registration authorities.
Tuxedo Ragdoll Cat Breed Overview & History
As a long-time feline aficionado, we’ve always had a fascination with the stunning bicolor patterns found in certain cat breeds. Although the “tuxedo” look is not an official breed on its own, it’s a distinctive marking that could appear in ragdoll cats and other mixed-breed kitties. Perhaps the most famous example is Tuxedo Ragdolls.
In brief, black and white ragdoll cats share the same base color and white markings as their tuxedo counterparts but with the added perk of the Ragdoll’s famously relaxed temperament. The original Ragdolls, in fact, first developed in California in the early 1960s, were the result of breeding a longhaired white cat with a Persian.
This unique pairing resulted in a cat that was similar in appearance to the Turkish Angora, but with a truly distinctive way of going completely limp when picked up – hence the “Ragdoll” moniker.
Interestingly, tuxedo patterns have been spotted in cats since ancient Egyptian times, Tuxedo black and white ragdolls only started appearing more recently. These charming “bicolor” felines have since gained a devoted following for their striking looks and affectionate nature.
Are Tuxedo Black & White Ragdoll Cats Classified As Purebred?
Well, surely, there is such a thing as a tuxedo black and white ragdoll cat but they are so far not officially recognized. Due to their coat color, they are not part of purebred ragdolls as described by major feline registration organizations such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA). or, The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA).
The formally recognized colors for ragdoll cats by the referred organizations are:
- Lilac
- Chocolate ragdoll cat
- Red
- Seal
- Blue
- Cream
Equally important, this clearly doesn’t signify not buying or raising ragdoll cat tuxedo. They’re pretty smart, adorable, and renowned. Think of bicolor black & white cats featured in movies, sitcoms & cartoons as a playful character.
Black and White Ragdoll Cat Personality & Temperament
We’re not dipping into the ragdoll breed standards here, but more about what tuxedo ragdoll cats are like personality-wise and how you can care for them. Let’s take a closer look!
Like all ragdolls, bicolor black and white ragdolls do possess a gentle amiable demeanor and a docile personality. With their distinct “tuxedo” markings and regal appearance, these felines have a captivating presence that commands attention.
They easily adjust to big, small, and families with kids and love to fetch, cuddle, and engage in interactive play. Despite their aloof appearance, tuxedo Ragdoll cats are sociable, too, which means they are not so picky when it comes to meeting new people or pets.
Genetic Secrets of Tuxedo Ragdoll Cats’ Coat Colors
Black and white ragdoll’s unusual appearance (black & white markings) stems from a complex interplay of genes. The Siamese gene, mainly called the colorpoint inhibitor gene, is responsible for the pointed coloring in ragdoll breeds by limiting pigmentation to cooler parts of the cat’s body.
Here’s the interesting part, what actually happened in the case of black and white ragdoll cats, there’s a sporadic mutation in the gene that causes white spots to appear on the black coat points (chest, neck, face, and paws).
It’s the genetic rarity that particularly makes tuxedo Ragdolls so sought after. The white-spotting gene essentially “hides” the black coloring in certain parts and the cat looks like it’s dressed for a formal event.
How To Care Black & White Ragdoll Cats – Tips!
- Naturally, the majority of tuxedo ragdoll kittens can reach over 20cm in height so, they do need large portions of food as they grow to fill up their nutrition intake needs. Give them canned food (low in carbs with high moisture content) instead of dry food, since canned food perfectly meets their hydration needs.
- For proper grooming, we suggest brushing them at least twice a week with obviously the best ragdoll brushes, regularly trimming their claws, and bathing them monthly with cat-friendly shampoo that suits their coat.
- Large size means more weight, and that’s perfectly normal until obesity risks become apparent. Assign their spare time to healthy playful activities (Might be indoor or outdoor), and to that so, you could buy them interactive ragdoll toys like scratching pads, hunting toys, mice, or plush balls.
Top 5 Mindblowing Facts About Black And White Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls Are Born White
It’s a sight to behold – every Ragdoll kitten starts off completely white! After about two weeks, you’ll start seeing some colors coming in. The final adult color only becomes fully visible around 2 years old.
Tuxedo Ragdolls Are More Intelligent
There’s a popular belief that tuxedo Ragdolls are more intelligent when it comes to picking things compared to their solid-colored counterparts. However, we have to be honest – there’s no scientific evidence to back this up. It could just be a coincidence or a case of confirmation bias. Still, it’s an interesting theory!
The Tuxedo Pattern Is a Genetic Lottery
The striking tuxedo coat isn’t bred intentionally – it’s the result of a random interaction between two genes during embryonic development. One gene imparts white coloring, while the other determines the base color.
They’re Among the Largest Domestic Cat Breeds
Ragdolls are included among the largest domestic cat breeds. A female tuxedo Ragdoll can weigh up to 15 lbs, while males can reach 20 lbs. Height-wise, females average around 23 cm, with males reaching up to 28 cm. They’re gentle giants, sharing the size category with breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats.
Variety In Coat Colors & Patterns
You might think the tuxedo black and white ragdoll cat only comes in this color, but in reality, it absolutely doesn’t. Likewise, chocolate ragdoll breeds further partition, the tuxedo pattern can also appear with other base colors like orange, grey, silver, and brown.
FAQs
How Rare Is The Tuxedo Ragdoll Cat?
Mix-breed tuxedo cats are relatively easy to find, but purebred tuxedo Ragdoll cats are quite rare due to their classic pointed patterns. And that’s what makes them pretty expensive. From a reputable breeder and with the right knowledge, you can get a legitimate black and white ragdoll cat.
Does a Tuxedo Ragdoll Cat Make a Good Pet?
Tuxedo Ragdolls are known for being one of the most laidback cat breeds. They’ve docile personalities, are extremely affectionate, and quiet, and thrive in family environments so easily! You hardly ever hear them meow overly, act picky, or get aggressive.
Can Ragdoll cats be tuxedos?
There is such a thing as a tuxedo ragdoll cat. They’ve got black coat color with white markings on their chest, paws, neck, and face. Because of their coat color so far, they’re not identified as purebred ragdolls as described by major feline registration authorities (FCA, TICA & ACFA).
Summary
All in all, black and white ragdoll cats might not be officially recognized by the big feline registries, but that thing shouldn’t stop you from loving them! We didn’t think this registration matters until you had to deal with cat shows or breeding. In this regard, you can go with any of the six (Lilac, Chocolate, Red, Seal, Blue, Cream) officially recognized ragdoll colors & patterns.
The allure of tuxedo black and white ragdoll cats lies not only in their unique appearance but also in their charming and easygoing personality. We absolutely reckon you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything if you decide to bring one into your home.
Written By: Usman Malik | Reviewed By: Ali Abbas | Fact Checked By: Aqib Zulfiqar
