Genetics & Colors

The Science Behind Our Unique Ragdoll

At Sugar Land Specialty Ragdolls, we take pride in raising kittens with rare and beautiful color variations, including Solid, Bicolor, Cherubim, Cinnamon, and Mink Ragdolls. Our bloodlines carry a unique genetic history tied to the invention of the chocolate color in Ragdolls—a legacy that began 30 years ago.

A Special Bloodline

We are honored to have exclusive bloodlines from the breeder who first introduced the chocolate color to the Ragdoll breed. This pioneering work in feline genetics forever changed the color possibilities in Ragdolls, and we are thrilled to continue this legacy. Our male and female Ragdolls carry this distinctive genetic lineage, ensuring our kittens inherit their stunning colors and charming personalities.

The Magic of Ragdoll Colors

Ragdoll colors are influenced by genetics, specifically by variations in the gene responsible for black pigment:

  • Black Pigment (B) – This is the original gene that produces black coloring, as seen in our king, Sir Salem Purrfection. He carries one copy of the black gene, making him appear black even though he is also a cinnamon carrier.

  • Chocolate (b) – A mutation in the black gene resulted in the inability to produce black pigment, leading to the creation of chocolate-colored Ragdolls. Although Salem and Mooney do not carry this gene, our bloodline keeps this color possibility alive.

  • Cinnamon (b1) – Another mutation led to the creation of cinnamon coloring. Our queen, Miss Mooney, has two copies of the cinnamon gene (b1), making her a true cinnamon beauty. When paired with Salem, half of her kittens could inherit his black gene and appear black, while the other half could inherit his cinnamon gene and appear cinnamon.

Color Inheritance Made Simple

Every kitten inherits one gene from each parent:

  • Black (B) is dominant over both chocolate (b) and cinnamon (b1).

  • Chocolate (b) is dominant over cinnamon (b1).

  • Cinnamon (b1) is recessive, so a kitten must inherit two copies of it (one from each parent) to appear cinnamon.

For example:

  • Sir Salem Purrfection has one black gene (B) and one cinnamon gene (b1), making him appear black but capable of producing cinnamon kittens.

  • Miss Mooney has two cinnamon genes (b1), so she is cinnamon and passes on this gene to all her kittens.