Get to know about the beautiful Cherubim cat, a newly TICA-recognized breed with mink, sepia and solid colors. As a trusted breeder of Ragdoll kittens, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Cherubim cats that combine the beloved Ragdoll temperament with gorgeous new color variations.
History and Origin
The story of Cherubim cats begins with the popular Ragdoll breed in the 1960s. Ann Baker, known for creating Ragdoll cats, had a broader vision that included several distinct breeding lines. While most cat lovers are familiar with her blue-eyed pointed Ragdolls, she was simultaneously developing what would become Cherubim cats. These cats were so special to Baker that she included “Registrar of Cherubim Cats” on every original IRCA Ragdoll registration.
The Cherubim journey reached an exciting milestone in 2024 when TICA officially welcomed them into the Ragdoll Breed Group. This recognition preserves their important connection to Ragdolls while celebrating their unique features – particularly their stunning mink, sepia and solid colors.
Physical Characteristics
Cherubim cats are large, semi-longhaired cats of moderate type, sharing many physical characteristics with their Ragdoll cousins. However, they have several distinctive features that set them apart:
Size and Structure
Cherubim cats are impressively sized, substantial felines. They take their time reaching full maturity, much like a fine wine. Most won’t reach their full size until about four years of age. Their build is gracefully muscular throughout the body. One charming feature is the small fatty pad on their lower abdomen – a beloved breed characteristic. Both males and females are large cats, though females typically stay more moderate in size. Despite their impressive size, Cherubim cats move through your home with surprising grace.
Head and Face
The Cherubim’s face is a perfect blend of gentle curves and elegant lines. Their broad, modified wedge-shaped head sits atop a medium-sized skull. Large oval eyes dominate their expressive face. Their well-developed chin adds strength to their profile. A medium-length muzzle, pleasantly rounded, gives them their sweet expression. Their straight nose features a subtle concave curve, creating a graceful profile that’s distinctly Cherubim.
Eye Colors
Unlike traditional Ragdoll cats that exclusively have blue eyes, Cherubim cats display different eye colors based on their coat type:
- Mink: Blue-Green to Green-Blue (Aqua)
- Sepia: Gold, Gold-Green (Chartreuse), or Green
- Solid: Bronze, Copper, Gold, Yellow, Green, or Hazel
Colors and Patterns
What truly sets Cherubim cats apart is their variety of colors and patterns. Unlike pointed Ragdolls, Cherubims come in three distinct color categories:
Mink
- Even, medium shade body color
- Subtle contrast between body and points
- Rich, warm tones
- Shows gradual color development
Sepia
- Body color closer to extremities
- Subtle point contrast
- Deep, rich coloring
- Mature color by age 3
Solid
- Even solid colors throughout
- No point restriction
- Full range of classic cat colors
- Rich, vibrant tones
All these colors can appear in various patterns:
- Solid
- Tortie
- Tabby
- Mitted (with specific white markings)
- Bicolor (with distinctive white patterns)
Personality and Temperament
Cherubim cats inherit the wonderful temperament that made Ragdolls famous worldwide, while adding their own special charm. Their sweet and gentle nature makes them a joy to live with. These highly social cats thrive on family life and seek out human companionship throughout the day. Children and other pets will find a patient, accepting friend in the Cherubim. They blend intelligence with a calm, easy-going personality that makes them adaptable companions. Perhaps their most endearing trait is their tendency to form strong, lasting bonds with their humans. They’ll often follow their favorite people from room to room, always ready to share in daily activities.
They make ideal companions for:
- Families with children
- Multi-pet households
- Those seeking an affectionate, indoor cat
- People who have time for daily interaction
Care Requirements
Grooming
Caring for your Cherubim cat’s beautiful semi-long coat requires regular but manageable maintenance. Plan to brush your cat 2-3 times each week to keep their coat looking its best. The good news is that Cherubims have minimal undercoat, which means less matting than many other long-haired breeds. Keep their nails trimmed regularly as part of their grooming routine. While professional grooming isn’t required, many owners find occasional visits to a groomer beneficial, especially during seasonal coat changes or if you prefer to maintain a shorter trim.
Environmental Needs
Cherubim cats thrive as indoor pets where they can live safely and comfortably. They need a well-equipped space with cat trees and scratching posts to satisfy their natural climbing and scratching instincts. Make sure to create peaceful retreats throughout your home where your Cherubim can relax and observe their domain. Keep their clever minds engaged with interactive toys that encourage play and exploration. Place fresh water sources in multiple locations to encourage healthy drinking habits. Many cats prefer their water bowl separate from their food area.
Nutrition
Your Cherubim cat deserves high-quality nutrition tailored to their life stage. A combination of wet and dry food provides balanced nutrition and helps keep them hydrated. Always keep fresh, clean water available throughout your home. Watch portion sizes carefully – while these cats are naturally large, they can become overweight if overfed. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of food for your Cherubim’s age, size, and activity level.
Health Considerations
Cherubim cats are generally healthy, but responsible breeding and preventative care are essential:
Common Considerations
- Annual veterinary check-ups
- Regular dental care
- Weight management
- Genetic health screening
Preventative Care
- Regular vaccinations
- Parasite prevention
- Early health screening
- Maintain ideal weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Cherubim cat and a Ragdoll cat?
The main difference lies in color expression. While Ragdolls are exclusively pointed with blue eyes, Cherubims come in mink, sepia and solid with varying eye colors.
How much does a Cherubim kitten cost?
Cherubim kittens typically range from $2,000-$3,500, depending on color, pattern, and show quality.
Are Cherubim cats good family pets?
Yes! Their sweet temperament and social nature make them the best family companions.
How big do Cherubim cats get?
They are large cats, with males typically reaching 15-20 pounds and females 10-15 pounds at maturity.
How to Choose a Cherubim Kitten
When selecting your Cherubim kitten, consider these important factors:
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Finding a reputable Cherubim cat breeder starts with verifying their TICA registration – a mark of professional standards and ethical breeding. A good breeder will offer clear health guarantees for their kittens and openly discuss any genetic health testing they perform. Look for transparency in their breeding practices; they should welcome questions about their cats and eagerly share details about their program. A proper socialization program is essential – your kitten should be well-handled, confident, and exposed to household activities from an early age.
What to Look For
When choosing your Cherubim kitten, pay attention to key signs of health and temperament. Look for bright, clear eyes without any discharge or cloudiness. The kitten’s ears should be clean and free from debris or redness. A healthy coat will be soft and clean, without any patches or excessive shedding. Watch for a social personality – your kitten should show interest in people and engage with their surroundings. Healthy kittens display active, alert behavior during their wake periods, showing natural curiosity and playfulness.
About Our Cattery: Posh Raggies
Posh Raggies is a small, TICA-registered Ragdoll cattery in New Jersey, just 20 minutes from NYC. We specialize in champion bloodline Ragdolls, raising our kittens with love in a cage-free home environment. Each kitten is well-socialized from birth, ensuring they’re ready to become cherished members of your family.
If you’re interested in welcoming a Ragdoll kitten into your home, we’d love to hear from you! You can submit an application or reach out to us directly to learn more about our available kittens and upcoming litters.
Article Sources
Lupo, C., Jimmink, A. and Boatwright, E. (2024) Ragdoll Breed Group Rational, Ragdoll Standard Changes. Available at: https://links.tica.org/2024/Ragdoll/Ragdoll_Standard_Changes.pdf (Accessed: 14 November 2024).
