As a darker version of traditional ragdoll, mink ragdolls are pretty prevalent, though have been the target of criticism among breeders along with feline registration authorities. In 2024, TICA, however, accepted Mink as a purebred and classified them in Cherubim (CB) instead of blue-eyed pointed ragdolls.
That’s obviously a piece of good news, and we’re extremely optimistic. Mink ragdoll isn’t a new breed type but actually a subset of the traditional ragdoll breed with a few contrasts. Read on and learn about mink cats genetics, personality, and what they have had to offer as fluffy felines.
Related Read: Traditional vs Mink Ragdoll Cats
Mink Ragdoll Breed Overview
- Weight – 10-20 lbs (6.80-9.07kg)
- Height – 23-28 cm
- Life Expectancy – 12-15 years
- Personality – Regal, easygoing, placid.
- Fits Well With – Anyone who wants a cuddly & gorgeous cat
Mink Ragdoll Genetics – The Reason Behind Their Uniqueness
Mink Ragdoll genetics has propelled ahead since Ann Baker first bred Ragdoll cats in 1960s. The big thing that sets a mink cat apart from your typical Ragdoll is what’s going on under the hood, genetically speaking. Unlike traditional ragdolls, mink ragdolls hold a combination of genes, called the mink gene (cbcs). It’s basically a mix of the pointed gene (cs) you see in regular ragdolls and the Burmese gene (cb).
In turn, you’d see their points (face mask, ear, tail, legs) are very dark as compared to the rest of the body, which is lighter in shade. When two Mink Ragdoll parents are bred, their offspring turns out to be about 50% mink-colored (cbcs), 25% sepia-colored (cbcb), and 25% pointed traditional Ragdoll (cscs).
To put it simply, for a cat to be a true Mink Ragdoll, it needs to have the cbcs gene. This unique genetic blend results in genetic traits that are different from the Sepia (actually the Burmese brown color, which is referred to as Sepia when it comes to Ragdolls) cbcb and Pointed traditional cscs ragdolls.
Distinctive Traits Of Mink Ragdoll Cat
Eye Color
A raw feature of mink ragdolls is their incredible aqua blue eyes. Both traditional and mink start out with blue eyes, whereas the mink kitten’s blue eye color gradually turns into a mesmerizing aqua blue (a blue green combo) by around 12 weeks old. Their oval-shaped eyes give them incredible gaze and are easy to spot. It’s hard not to swoon over these beautiful, soulful eyes!
Coat Texture
Mink Ragdolls boast an extra soft rabbit-like single coat with no undercoat. They are born visually darker compared to traditional ragdolls. As they grow older, their color starts spreading out evenly throughout the coat but still maintaining a contrast between the point and body fur. The coats of mink ragdolls have a satin-like sheen that adds to their regal and elegant appearance.
Personality & Temperament
People often call Mink Ragdolls “puppy-like cats” because of their large size. One thing you can count on with these cats is their loyalty. They’ll happily become your personal lap warmer and they’re really into cuddles and petting.
These pampered, affectionate, and well-mannered felines make excellent family pets. Mink Ragdolls usually get along great with your kiddos and can live peacefully with different pets. They’re not big talkers either – you barely hear incessant meowing except when they’re overly hungry.
With their chill personality and ability to adapt, they fit in well pretty much anywhere, whether you’ve got a busy household or you’re living solo. Although, don’t leave them alone for more than 8 hours since it could put them in separation anxiety.
Types Of Mink Ragdoll Cat
Mink Ragdolls belong pedigree lineage that came from the traditional Ragdoll breed. They’re easy to spot because their fur and points are fairly richer in color compared to their classic cousins. These felines come in all types of attractive colors including seal, cream, red, lilac, chocolate, tortie, and flame with colorpoint, mitted, and bi-color patterns.
Seal Mink Ragdoll
These kitties have body fur in a warm rich brown that fades to a lighter shade on their tummies and over their chest area, though. The points (face mask, ear, paws, tail) unlike fur, are more chocolaty brown. In fact, the nose leather and paw pads match the dark brown of their points.
Blue Mink Ragdoll
Blue Mink Ragdolls possess body fur in a soft blue-gray (not completely grey) fur that blends elegantly across the creamy white underbelly. The points on the ears and face exhibit a slate grey hue while the paws pad adorned with white fur, add to the overall softness of its appearance. If you’re looking for a sound cool-toned colored ragdoll with aqua-blue eyes, mink blue point ragdoll
Chocolate Mink Ragdoll
The chocolate Mink Ragdoll struts around in a luxurious ivory coat that fades to a creamy white on the chest and belly similar to blue and seal point mink cats. Their points rock a rich milk chocolate hue, entirely paired with cinnamon-pink nose leather and paw pads, like they’ve been dipped in a latte.
Lilac Mink Ragdoll
Among the rarest Mink Ragdolls, Lilac mink cats do share alike genetic traits with lilac point traditional ragdolls. Their coat looks frosty gray with a slightly pinkish hue. You’ll see the points are a lighter shade of lavender cream than their bodies. From there, it’s easy to tell they’ve got a light pink nose leather with warm peach-colored paw pads.
Flame Mink Ragdoll
Flame mink is what’s known as a “Red-Point.” Unlike traditional flame point ragdolls, these mink cats come with a caramel-colored fur that lightens to ivory. The points show off an appealing red or orange hue while their nose leather and paw pads are an even warmer shade of pinkish-red than Lilac mink cats.
Cream Mink Ragdoll
There’s a reason why cream mink ragdolls are so popular is because of their pretty high intensity of light-beige color points that go nicely with a flimsier body hue. The points on its ears and face at first glance may seem to be red, but upon closer inspection show off peachy-pink nose leather and paw pads.
Tortie Mink Ragdoll
Tortie Mink Ragdolls exhibit mottled patterns over their face with colored fur. These felines are quite stunning, and come out in either seal tortie point or cream tortie mink point.
Lynx Mink Ragdoll
If you admire something wild with tabby-like marking, overlaid on mink ragdoll base color, then go for a lynx mink Ragdoll cat. Their fur looks like it’s been printed with stripes of either red or dark brown. They are further classified into seal, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, and flame mink point ragdoll. Interestingly enough, genetics shine through making their eyes a deep aqua blue, something you wouldn’t see in traditional Ragdolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mink ragdolls rare?
Mink Ragdolls are not inherently rare, though it could be tough to find one in some ways depending on the mink type, the breeder you picked, and the area you’re living in. The idea that they are exceptionally hard to find may be a bit exaggerated or nothing less than crap. All you need is the right legitimate source (obviously a breeder), to start your search. Since only half of the litter ends up being mink when two Minks are bred together, it’s valid to say they are quite less common compared to traditional Ragdolls.
What Is the difference between traditional and mink Ragdolls?
The preliminary difference between traditional and mink Ragdolls lies in their genetics. Traditional Ragdolls carried two copies of the cs gene. In contrast, mink Ragdolls feature the cbcs gene, which makes their fur pretty smooth and gives an overall richer coloration all over the body including points. Although traditional Ragdolls are born completely white, Mink Ragdolls are born with warmer colors. Lastly, the characteristic aqua-blue eyes of mink cats make them apart visually.
Do mink ragdolls shed?
You can’t keep a Mink Ragdoll from shedding downright. They naturally shed throughout the year, like all long-haired cats, with a bit more during spring and summer seasons. Since they don’t have an undercoat, it’s easier to brush out their knots. Groom their hair a couple of times a week and it’ll help keep shedding under control.
What does a mink ragdoll cat look like?
Mink Ragdoll cats are all similar to traditional ragdolls when it comes to appearance, size, and demeanor, though differ in not many ways. They’ve got medium-sized heads with slightly rounded foreheads, full cheeks, and ears that are set wide apart with cute, rounded tips.
Summary
Mink ragdoll cats are nothing short of mesmerizing. A good thing is, they’re SBT & TICA registered. They love to go limp, layback, and be held while staring softly into your eyes, which is probably why they’re dubbed “pedigree ragdolls.” These felines inherit the same genes as traditional ragdolls with a slight alteration. The cs gene changes to the cbcs gene which in turn gives them darker fur and warmer color tones. Although they do shed, regular grooming and coat care keep them looking best. Whether you’re drawn to their regal look or their easygoing nature, Mink Ragdolls would be a delightful addition to your home.
Written By: Usman Malik | Reviewed By: Ali Abbas | Fact Checked By: Aqib Zulfiqar
