If you’ve spent any time exploring the Ragdoll cat world, you may have come across the term Cherubim Ragdoll. Maybe you’ve even purchased one in the past, not realizing what a special variety you had. For years, mink, sepia, and solid Ragdolls have existed quietly within the breed—cherished by their families but debated by breed purists and excluded from championship shows. That’s about to change.
As of May 1, 2025, The International Cat Association (TICA) will officially recognize these cats under a new class name: Cherubim, within the Ragdoll breed group. For those of us who’ve raised and loved these cats for years, this recognition is a long time coming—and an exciting step forward for the breed.
But what exactly is a Cherubim Ragdoll? Where did the name come from? How are these cats different from the traditional Ragdolls you may be used to—and how are they the same?
Let’s dig into the history, traits, and significance of this stunning and often misunderstood variety.
A Long-Awaited Milestone in the Breed’s History
Until April 30, 2025, mink, sepia, and solid Ragdolls are still registered with TICA as “Ragdolls,” but only allowed to show in the new traits category. This means they can appear in the show ring but are not eligible for championship titles—something traditionally pointed Ragdolls have been able to earn for decades.
That all changes on May 1.
Starting that day, TICA will register mink, sepia, and solid-coated Ragdolls as “Cherubim” within the Ragdoll breed group—but this time with their own class, making them eligible for legitimate championship ribbons. It’s a big win, especially for breeders like us at For the Love of Pete Ragdolls (FTLOP) who’ve continued our mink and sepia lines with confidence and pride.
This update didn’t come overnight. It was the result of ongoing discussion and advocacy within the TICA breed committee. As the popularity of these cats grew, and as more breeders recognized the value of their unique genetics and beauty, the breed group voted in favor of officially giving them the place they deserve.
The Name “Cherubim” Goes Back to the Breed’s Founder
Here’s what many people don’t realize: the term Cherubim isn’t new. In fact, it dates all the way back to the 1960s and the woman who created the Ragdoll breed—Ann Baker.
Ann Baker developed the Ragdoll breed in California by selectively breeding cats known for their calm temperaments and striking coats. While she’s best known for creating the pointed Ragdoll (think blue eyes and colorpoint coats), she actually bred a variety of coat types—including non-pointed kittens that didn’t fit the narrow standard.
Rather than consider them something “less,” Ann Baker referred to these cats as Cherubim. She viewed them as a natural part of the Ragdoll breeding program—not an offshoot, not a crossbreed, and certainly not something to be excluded.
So, when we refer to a mink, sepia, or solid Ragdoll as a Cherubim Ragdoll, we’re honoring the foundation of the breed itself. The lineage is real. The vision is historical. And the love is just as deep.
At FTLOP, we proudly use the name Cherubim—not as a marketing label, but as a tribute to the cats who carry forward the original creator’s intention.
What Makes a Cherubim Ragdoll Unique?
So what sets these cats apart? The answer is mostly in the details. Structurally, Cherubim Ragdolls are virtually identical to the traditional Ragdoll you already know and love. But here’s how they differ:
Body & Structure
Cherubim Ragdolls maintain the same physical standards:
- Large, muscular bodies
- Semi-long, plush coats
- Broad heads and soft expressions
- That iconic “floppy” temperament that gives Ragdolls their name
You’re not getting a different cat—you’re getting a Ragdoll in every way that matters.
Eye Color
This is one of the most visible distinctions:
- Mink Ragdolls: typically have aqua eyes
- Sepia Ragdolls: can have green, chartreuse, or gold eyes
- Solid Ragdolls: may display bronze, copper, gold, yellow, green, or hazel eyes
Traditional pointed Ragdolls are known for their vivid blue eyes, which come from the colorpoint gene. Cherubim Ragdolls have a broader spectrum of eye color, adding to their unique appeal.
Coat Type
Traditional Ragdolls are always pointed—meaning their faces, ears, feet, and tails are darker than their bodies. Cherubim Ragdolls, on the other hand, have full-body color. Their coats come in the same classic colors (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, etc.), but without the contrast between body and extremities.
The result? A rich, luxurious coat that’s evenly colored, with tones that often appear deeper and more saturated.
The Personality Remains Pure Ragdoll
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that Cherubim Ragdolls are somehow “different” in behavior. We can say with confidence—after raising hundreds of these cats—that this simply isn’t true.
Cherubim Ragdolls are:
- Gentle and affectionate
- Docile and floppy
- Loyal and people-focused
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Smart, intuitive, and easy to train
In short, they’re everything people love about Ragdolls—just in a wider variety of coats and eyes.
Why Some Breeders Gave Them Up—And Why We Never Did
When rumors of the TICA reclassification first started to spread, some breeders became hesitant. A few even phased out their mink, sepia, and solid lines entirely, worried it would confuse buyers or devalue their litters.
Here at FTLOP, we saw things differently.
Our mink and sepia Ragdolls were already beloved by the families who chose them—many of whom came back for a second or third. Their coats were stunning, their personalities consistent, and their lineage pure. Why would we walk away from that?
Instead, we doubled down. We continued investing in these lines, knowing their time in the spotlight would come—and now, it finally has. As more families learn about Cherubim Ragdolls and discover their beauty, we expect their popularity to grow faster than ever.
Common Misconceptions—Cleared Up
Let’s set the record straight on a few things we hear often:
- “Mink and sepia are crossbreeds.”
False. These coat types originate directly from the original breeding stock used by Ann Baker. Their lineage is well-documented and pure. - “Only blue-eyed Ragdolls are real Ragdolls.”
Blue eyes are tied to the colorpoint gene, not to Ragdoll purity. Just like some Golden Retrievers have darker or lighter coats, eye color in Cherubim Ragdolls is a natural variation, not a disqualifier. - “If it’s not pointed, it’s not a Ragdoll.”
The breed’s founder would disagree. The term Cherubim was Ann Baker’s own, and she used it proudly for non-pointed cats in her program.
Considering a Cherubim Ragdoll?
If you’re exploring the idea of bringing a Ragdoll kitten into your home, don’t overlook the Cherubim variety. These cats are just as affectionate, loving, and loyal—and they often stand out in both looks and personality.
We recommend asking your breeder:
- Is the kitten from mink, sepia, or solid lines?
- What are the expected eye colors?
- Are the parents DNA-tested and registered?
And most importantly—spend time getting to know the kitten. Whether their eyes are aqua or blue, their coat pointed or solid, you’ll quickly see that what matters most is their Ragdoll heart.
Cherubim Ragdolls are a beautiful, historically-rooted, and long-overlooked part of the Ragdoll breed. They bring deeper coat colors, a broader eye palette, and the same loving personality that’s made Ragdolls famous.
With official TICA recognition on the way, and the support of reputable breeders like For the Love of Pete Ragdolls, Cherubim Ragdolls are stepping into the spotlight they’ve always deserved.
And if you’re lucky enough to live with one?
Well then, you’re lucky enough.
Curious to learn more or meet one of our Cherubim Ragdolls?
Get in touch with us here to ask questions or see which kittens are currently available. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect match.
