Meet TICA’s Newest Ragdoll Breed Cherubim
Discover the stunning Cherubim cat, a newly recognized breed by TICA that comes in 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. They beautifully combine the beloved temperament of Ragdolls 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 large and substantial felines that take their time reaching full maturity, similar to a fine wine. Most of them will not reach their full size until they are around four years old. They have a gracefully muscular build throughout their bodies. A distinctive feature of this breed is the small fatty pad on their lower abdomen, which many people find charming. Both males and females are sizable cats, although females typically remain smaller than males. Despite their impressive size, Cherubim cats move through your home with surprising grace.
Head and Face
The face of a Cherubim is a harmonious blend of gentle curves and elegant lines. They have a broad, wedge-shaped head that rests on a medium-sized skull. Their large, oval eyes dominate their expressive facial features. A well-defined chin adds strength to their profile, while a medium-length muzzle, pleasantly rounded, contributes to their sweet expression. Their straight nose showcases a subtle concave curve, forming a graceful profile that is 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 has made Ragdolls famous worldwide while adding their unique charm. Their sweet and gentle nature makes them a joy to live with. These highly social cats thrive in family environments and actively seek human companionship throughout the day. Children and other pets will find Cherubim cats to be patient and accepting friends. They combine intelligence with a calm, easy-going personality, making them adaptable companions. Perhaps their most endearing trait is their ability to form strong, lasting bonds with their humans. Cherubim cats often follow their favorite people from room to room, always eager to participate 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
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.
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.