The History of the International Ragdoll Congress really begins in Chicago in 1996, at a Ragdoll Congress for Championship Ragdolls hosted by Kathy Cassidy. There were over 50 Ragdolls entered in the show, it might well have been the largest number of Ragdolls ever entered in a show up until that time.

Lorna Wallace from the British Ragdoll Club brought a number of the books "Definitive Guide to Ragdolls" that she had co-authored to the show. At this show Lorna, Charlie Myers and RFCI President Wain Pearce got to talking about putting on an International Ragdoll Congress. Out of this conversation the plans for a true International Ragdoll Congress began to come together.

During 1997 it was determined that the First International Ragdoll Congress would be held in Secaucus, NJ on April 3-5, 1998. To say that the show was a success would be an understatement, there were 109 Ragdolls entered in the show, it set the all time record for the largest number of Ragdolls entered in a single show. There has been 4 other International Ragdoll Congress held since then, and the 6th International Ragdoll Congress will be held in Chicago IL on March 28-30, 2008.

Previous International Ragdoll Congress
1st International Ragdoll Congress------Secaucus, NJ--------1998
2nd International Ragdoll Congress-----Las, Vegas NV-------2000
3rd International Ragdoll Congress-----Denver, CO-----------2002
4th International Ragdoll Congress-----Germany--------------2004
5th International Ragdoll Congress-----Sacramento, CA-----2006

One of the first decisions that was made, was that it would be a non-partisan Congress open to all Ragdoll breeders, and ALL Ragdoll Clubs would be invited to participate at what ever level that they chose.

What really makes the International Ragdoll Congress unique is that it is a worldwide Congress bringing together Ragdoll breeders from around the world. It is a 3 day event with a Educational Seminar, a Breed Seminar, and it has congresses for all three classes. The International Ragdoll Congress is primarily for the education of the Ragdoll breeders, both in the Ragdoll Standard and in Cattery Management.

I believe that what gives these International Ragdoll Congresses a truly International flavor is the tremendous contributions and cooperation of the many Ragdoll Clubs from around the world, as well as the International breeders who help with contributions of prizes, trophies and sponsorships.

We try to make these congresses as much fun and as enjoyable as possible, while at the same time making you a better breeder with the Educational and Breed Seminars.

A big THANK YOU to all those who have helped over the years in making the International Ragdoll Congresses the great success that they have become, and to all those who have participated in them.