Last week someone DM’d me: “Hey, do you know where I can get a Ragdoll Shorthair? I love Ragdolls but hate brushing.” I had to laugh. Because I’ve been there. I love the Ragdoll personality too. The floppy, dog-like, follows-you-to-the-bathroom vibe. But I also don’t want to spend 20 minutes with a brush every other day. So I went looking for a “Ragdoll Shorthair.” Spoiler: it doesn’t exist. Not officially. But here’s the thing. People still search for it 2,000+ times a month. And some cats look and act like ragdolls but with short hair. So let’s talk about the myth, the reality, and what you can actually get instead.
What Is A Ragdoll Shorthair?
Short answer: There is no recognized “Ragdoll Shorthair” breed.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association and International Cat Care both list Ragdolls as semi-longhair only. The breed standard requires that silky, rabbit-like coat.
So where did “Ragdoll Shorthair” come from?
3 places:
- Mislabeling: Shelters label any big blue-eyed cat as “ragdoll mix.”
- Breeder scams: People trying to sell a short-haired mix as “rare Ragdoll Shorthair”
- Wishful thinking: Owners who want Ragdoll personality without Ragdoll grooming
A real Ragdoll cannot have short hair and still be a Ragdoll. It’s like a Husky with short fur. It’s just not a Husky anymore.
Why People Want A Ragdoll Shorthair
I get it. The personality is addictive. Here’s what makes people google “ragdoll shorthair” at 2 am:
1. The Personality
Ragdolls are called “puppy cats” for a reason. They go limp when you pick them up. They follow you room to room. They’re calm, quiet, and obsessed with people. Read our full Ragdoll guide if you want the deep dive.
2. The Looks
Big body. Blue eyes. Color points on ears, face, paws, and tail. That teddy bear face.
3. But Without The Grooming
Real Ragdolls need brushing 2-3x per week. During shedding season, it’s daily. For people with allergies, busy jobs, or just laziness… that’s a lot.
So people think, “Give me all the Ragdolls, but none of the fur.”
The Hard Truth: Genetics
You can’t just “shave” a Ragdoll and make a shorthair. The long coat is in their DNA.
Ragdolls have a recessive longhair gene. Two short-haired cats can’t make a Ragdoll. Two Ragdolls can’t make a shorthair.
If someone is selling you a “Ragdoll Shorthair kitten” for $2000, run. It’s either:
- A mix with no Ragdoll in it
- A Ragdoll that was shaved
- A completely different breed
5 Cats That ARE Like A “Ragdoll Shorthair”
Okay, so the breed doesn’t exist. But these 5 breeds/mixes DO have Ragdoll-like traits + short hair:
1. Ragamuffin Shorthair Mix
Ragamuffins are literally “Ragdolls 2.0.” Same founder, same personality, but more colors. Still long-haired, though.
Ragdoll-like: Floppy, calm, dog-like
Difference: Still needs brushing. But coats are a bit less dense.
2. Birman Shorthair Doesn’t Exist… But Burmese does.
Burmese cats have that same sweet, people-oriented personality. They’re 8-12 lbs, have a glossy short coat, and follow you around.
Ragdoll-like: Affectionate, social, quiet
Difference: Smaller, no blue eyes, solid colors. Check out our friendliest cat breeds list.
3. British Shorthair
If you want “big, calm, and chill” in a short coat, this is it. They’re not floppy, but they’re couch potatoes.
Ragdoll-like: Calm, not destructive, good with families
Difference: More independent. Won’t follow you to the bathroom.
4. Domestic Shorthair “Ragdoll Mix” From Shelter
This is where most “Ragdoll Shorthairs” actually come from. A DSH with blue eyes and color points.
I adopted a cat like this. We called him “Fake G Doll.” 14 lbs, blue eyes, seal points, and the chillest cat ever. Zero pedigree.
Ragdoll-like: Personality lottery. Some are dead ringers.
Difference: You won’t know until they grow up. Cost: $100 vs. $2500.
5. Snowshoe
Part Siamese, part American shorthair. Blue eyes, color points, white feet, short coat.
Ragdoll-like: Social, vocal but soft, loves people
Difference: More energetic. More talkative.
Personality Comparison: Real Ragdoll vs “Shorthair Version”
| Trait | Ragdoll | “Ragdoll Shorthair” Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Floppy when held | Yes | Sometimes, in mixes |
| Follows you around | Yes | Burmese snowshoe, yes. BSH no. |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes, most alternatives |
| Grooming | 2-3x per week | 1x per week |
| Blue eyes | Always | Rare, only in mixes |
Health: What To Expect
Real Ragdolls have 2 big health concerns: HCM and bladder stones. Cornell Feline Health Center recommends DNA testing for HCM.
The “shorthair alternatives” above have different issues:
- British Shorthair: Weight gain, heart issues
- Burmese: Diabetes risk
- DSH Mix: Generally healthier due to gene diversity
Rule: No matter the breed, get pet insurance and annual vet checks.
Grooming: The Real Reason People Search This
Real Ragdoll Grooming
10 min, 2-3x per week. Steel comb. Daily in spring/fall. Nail trims every 3 weeks.
“Shorthair Ragdoll” Grooming
5 min, 1x per week. That’s it. Big difference if you hate fur on your couch.
My “fake GDoll” sheds less in one month than my sister’s Ragdoll does in one day.
Food and Diet
Big cats need big protein. Whether Ragdoll or alternative,
- High protein: chicken, turkey, fish first ingredient
- Measured meals 2x a day. No free feeding
- Wet food helps with urinary issues
Big cats + lazy personality = obesity risk. Watch the weight.
Cost Breakdown
Real Ragdoll from breeder: $1500-$3500
“Ragdoll Shorthair” from a scammer: $800-$2000. Don’t.
Burmese/British from breeder: $800-$1500
Shelter “Ragdoll mix”: $100-$300
Yearly cost for all: $600-$900 for food, litter, vet.
Home Setup
All these cats are indoor cats. They’re too trusting of the outside.
Must-haves:
- Soft bed. They love warmth
- Scratching post
- Low cat tree. Big cats can’t jump like crazy
- Puzzle toys for smart ones
If you’re gone a lot, get 2. See the best cats for families for pair ideas.
Is a “Ragdoll Shorthair” Right for You?
Get a REAL Ragdoll if you:
- Don’t mind brushing
- Want guaranteed personality + looks
- Can afford breeder + health testing
Get a “Ragdoll Shorthair Alternative” if you:
- Hate grooming
- Want similar personality for less money
- Are okay with “close enough” on looks
Don’t buy from someone advertising “Ragdoll Shorthair.” It’s not ethical and likely not a Ragdoll.
Final Thoughts
Look, I wanted a Ragdoll shorthair too. I wanted the personality without the lint roller.
It doesn’t exist. But that’s okay.
If you want the personality, go to a shelter and meet the big, blue-eyed DSH mixes. If you want the guarantee, get a real Ragdoll and buy a good brush.
And if someone tries to sell you a “rare Ragdoll Shorthair”… send them this article.
Marshmallow, my sister’s real Ragdoll, is currently sleeping on my keyboard. Worth the brushing.
FAQs
1. Can you breed a Ragdoll with a Shorthair to make a Ragdoll Shorthair?
Technically yes, but the kittens won’t be Ragdolls. They’d be mixes. And you’d lose the breed standard. Ethical breeders don’t do this.
2. Are Ragdoll Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Short hair helps with shedding, but it’s the dander that causes allergies.
3. What’s the closest short-haired cat to a Ragdoll?
Burmese for personality. British Shorthair for size and calm. Shelter DSH mix for looks and personality lottery.
4. Do Ragdolls ever have short hair?
No. If a Ragdoll has short hair, it’s not a purebred Ragdoll.
Also see: Ragdoll Breed Information | 15 Ragdoll Colors