Cherubim Cats: Meet TICA’s Newest Ragdoll Breed

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:

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 4

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)