The Ragdoll cat, originally named for its ability to go limp when picked up, is a huggable bundle of plush fur surrounding one of the most gentle and lovable of all cat breeds. However, please do not believe all the misleading hype that surrounds our wonderful breed.
The old information given out about the Ragdoll by the founder of the breed, who was a bit eccentric to say the least, was that the Ragdoll was so limp, and slept so hard that people would think it was dead. Also said, was that the Ra
gdoll felt no pain, and that the Ragdoll didn't shed.
The Ragdoll does indeed feel pain, and is a cat in every way. As kittens, they are playful and fun. As adults, the DO shed. Any animal with fur will shed. However, it's an easy fur to deal with on furniture and clothing, because it comes off with little effort. It doesn't weave its way into fabric like some cat hair does. A Ragdoll needs very little grooming, but a weekly brushing will prevent any possible knots that could form in the spring or fall shedding periods, and will help in keeping it off the furniture and floors.
Another myth about the Ragdoll is that they are hyper allergenic. They are not. I have had kittens returned to me because of allergies. Please do not 
think you can own a Ragdoll when you can't tolerate other cats. Also, coming to visit "to see if you are allergic" to Ragdolls doesn't work. Some people can tolerate one cat, but not several cats. I do have several cats, so my house is not a good testing ground for allergies.
A Ragdoll is not the breed of cat for you if you work long hours, travel a lot, and live alone. The cat would be much too lonely. Normal working hours are fine however. Ragdolls are very friendly, loving companions who insist on being with you every minute you are home. They love helping you with your work or play. They are not hyper cats, or noisy cats, but they are more
than "couch potatoes". They love your attention and have characteristics much like happy, friendly dogs. Many Ragdolls love to
fetch toys just like their canine buddies. It's not fair to a Ragdoll to subject it to an environment where it will not get the attention it deserves. There are other breeds of cats who can tolerate being alone much better than a Ragdoll.
Speaking of dogs, Ragdolls and dogs are very compatible, click on the "Ragdolls & Dogs" option in the Index on the left for pictures.