Renowned for their large bodies, extremely plush coat, and expressive eyes, the Ragamuffin is a gorgeous, generally calm, sweet, and loving cat, often regarded as the teddy of the cat fancy. It is a classic lap cat that thrives on their human’s attention and relishes being cuddled. Highly adaptable and intelligent, it is amenable to live in apartments to single-family households, be with children and other pets, making them wonderful companions for many homes.
Origin of the Ragamuffin Cat
It will be hard not to mention its Ragdoll cousins when talking about the Ragamuffin cats’ history. After breeder Ann Baker produced the first Ragdoll in the 1960s, many breeders ought to expand the breed and achieve further variety in colors, patterns, and sizes and develop its gene pool to protect it from hereditary and genetic conditions.
However, Ann Baker stringently regulated the Ragdoll’s breeding and opposed incorporating variations to the breed. Thus, forcing other breeders to create their own programs.
These breeders bred the Ragdoll cats with Himalayans, Persians, and other long-haired cats to get a larger yet distinct breed from the Ragdolls, giving birth to the Ragamuffins. What was supposed to be a joke attributing the breed that incited their existence, the name “Ragamuffin,” was officially documented in the registry and was never altered.
Today, the Ragamuffin is accepted as an official breed by the different cat associations, such as Cat Fanciers Federation, United Feline Association, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Physical Characteristics of the Ragamuffin Cat
Length: 12 to 18 inches
Weight: 12 to 20 pounds (Males), 8 to 15 pounds (Females)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Coat Color: White, blue, black, red, cream, brown, lilac, fawn, chocolate, platinum, chestnut, cameo, silver, cinnamon
Type of Coat: Long
Eye Color: Blue, gold, green, hazel, amber, odd-eyed
Ragamuffins are a muscular, hefty feline breed, which takes about four to five years to reach full maturity. They have a medium-sized head sporting heavy fur, making it appear larger. The ears are also fairish-sized that sits atop of the head, providing a triangular face look. Meanwhile, the eyes are oval. Legs are long and robust. Their conspicuous long coat is soft, silky, and super plush to touch.
Ragamuffin Cat Personality
Ragamuffins are renowned for their people-oriented personality, mellow but would crave their humans’ attention. They will be happy to follow their owners around the house, and sit on their lap whenever possible. As cuddly and huggable furballs, they would not mind being held like a baby and will feel even more relaxed in their masters’ arms.
While not overly vigorous, these felines have a fun-loving side. Playtime typically revolves on their scratching posts and toys, and never on the furniture. Being smart, they can also learn a few tricks, play fetch, or walk on a leash.
Visitors would also be fond of meeting them, as these furballs love to be part of the welcoming committee. They are highly sociable and generally do good with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and well-behaved toddlers.
Not too vocal, but Ragamuffins will not hesitate to affectionately communicate with their families should they have something essential in mind, such as telling their owners to refill their empty food dishes.
Caring for the Ragamuffin Cat
Unlike other long-haired cats, Ragamuffins’ fur is relatively easier to maintain, thanks to its tangle-resistant characteristic. Brushing them once or twice a week is enough to remove any little mats, dirt, and debris. Add to that, their coat is not overly shedding, keeping their grooming requirements at a minimum.
As with other feline breeds, Ragamuffins are vulnerable to periodontal disease. Brushing their teeth weekly can help boost their dental health. Other weekly grooming needs include eye cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trimming when necessary.
Ragamuffins may be moderately active but are very playful. They can quickly get baffled if their bodies and minds are not stimulated. Providing ample time for playing sessions each day will ensure that they are entertained. They crave attention, but are pretty easy to please, with something as simple as a paper ball can keep them amused for extended hours.
In terms of health, Ragamuffins are generally sturdy. However, they can be vulnerable to certain conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease due to their Persian ancestry, and cardiomyopathy, the thickening of the heart muscles, that affects many feline breeds. Regular visits to the vet can help monitor or detect any illness before they go out of hand.
Ragamuffins are purr-fect for families ready to treat this massive, affectionate furball like a baby. Inside their big, fluffy stature are clingy, sweet, and loving cats that delight many peoples’ hearts.