Ragamuffins stand out with their long, fluffy hair, large bodies, and affectionate personalities. The Ragamuffin is one of the cuddliest cat breeds you can find. If you’re looking for a feline companion that loves to snuggle up next to you, this is your breed.
You’ll constantly be tempted to run your fingers through your Ragamuffin’s silky coat, and they’ll be more than happy to receive your pets. Ragamuffin cats aren’t just sought out for their looks, but for their friendliness and adaptability. They are great family pets because they love attention and are tolerant of children.
Though similar to their cousins, Ragdoll cats, the Ragamuffin is a distinct breed and just as lovable. To learn more about the origins of the Ragamuffin, their personalities, and caring for this gentle giant, continue reading.
| Ragamuffin cat | ...at a glance |
|---|---|
| Personality | Loving, sweet, adaptable |
| Life expectancy | 12-18 years |
| Weight | 8-20 lbs |
| Coat & colors | Long, silky; various colors & patterns |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Affection level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Shedding level | Medium |
| Required grooming | Medium |
Overview of the Ragamuffin cat
The Ragamuffin cat is considered to be a medium- to large-sized cat, with long fur, large eyes, and a large head. If you want a cat that’s the equivalent of a big teddy bear, you’ve come across just the one.
These cats are filled out and heavy-boned, not fully maturing until around 4 years old. You’ll watch for years as your Ragamuffin grows… and grows… and grows…
Weight
In general, male Ragamuffins will be larger than female Ragamuffins, but not by much, and size can vary. Males can weigh between 12 and 20 pounds, while females weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.
Don’t be surprised when they grow so big that you can barely pick them up anymore!
Length
Not only are Ragamuffins solid cats, they also are lengthy. The Ragamuffin cat can be as long as 33 inches from the tips of their noses to the end of their tails. Though not the longest cats ever (the Maine Coon still has them beat), they are hard to miss as they slink past you.
Coat
The coat of a Ragamuffin is typically notably long and very silky to touch. Their fur is thick and dense, making for a great cuddle buddy. The Ragamuffin also comes in a variety of color and pattern combinations.
Ragamuffin kittens are all born white. As they mature, their color and pattern begins to develop. It’s exciting to see your blank canvas of a kitten blossom into a beautiful and unique-looking cat! Some patterns and colors you might see on a Ragamuffin include tabby, tortoiseshell, solid, bicolor, white, black, blue, cream, red, brown, lilac, and… the list goes on!
Life expectancy
Ragamuffins are typically very healthy cats that can live a long life with you if properly cared for. In general, this long-lasting companion can live for 12 to 18 years.
History of the Ragamuffin
When you first heard of the Ragamuffin, you might have actually envisioned the Ragdoll cat. “Ragamuffin” sounds like a cute nickname for the Ragdoll, but that isn’t the case—this stunning cat is a breed of their own.
Ragamuffins originated when there was the desire to create more genetic diversity and color combinations for the Ragdoll breed. This was done because the original breeder of the Ragdoll cat had strict requirements to uphold the pointed coat.
Ragamuffin breeders bred Ragdolls with Himalayans, Persians, and Domestic Longhairs to create a larger breed with a long, silky coat and variations of coat colors and patterns.
The Ragamuffin was established as a separate breed from Ragdolls. The name came from a joke that one of the breeders made—and the name stuck because the official breed registration couldn’t be changed. Luckily, the name truly fits the personality and looks of these cats!
Differences between Ragamuffins and Ragdolls
It’s almost easier to recognize the similarities between Ragamuffins and Ragdolls because there are so many of them. Most importantly, when you hold them in your arms, both the Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats will go limp like a ragdoll.
They have similar builds, fur lengths, and personalities, yet their incredible differences set them apart!
Ragdolls only come in colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor patterns with blue eyes, whereas Ragamuffins were created to encompass all variations of color and pattern. Ragamuffin cats can have different coloring, patterns, and eye colors and still be classified as a Ragamuffin.
Ragamuffins also have larger heads and rounder eyes than the Ragdoll. They are noted as large cats in height, weight, and length, but Ragamuffin males are often bigger than Ragdolls.
Characteristics of the Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are large-sized cats that take up even more space with their large features and long hair. They are muscular and strong, with round heads and ears. Their tails are typically very long and plumed, which adds to their overall length.
These cats mature slowly over time, meaning they grow for years. They are unlikely to remain on the smaller side and can seem more like a small-sized dog.
Personality and behavior
When it comes to the personality of the Ragamuffin, you really couldn't score a friendlier or more loving cat. Ragamuffins enjoy being loved on by their family members and crave attention from their humans. They are super cuddly and personable; they’ll get along great with all members of your household and can adapt easily to meeting new people.
These cats are gentle and relaxed, with little motivation to get into quarrels. You’re likely to find them lying in a sunny spot, waiting for their humans to come and give them attention. And they’ll receive attention whenever they can get it. If you offer it up, they’ll graciously accept.
Ragamuffins are also very smart and enjoy mental stimulation. They are happy to learn new tricks for delicious treats and want to impress the people around them. They also make a great companion for other furry family members in the house. Whether it be another cat, a dog, or even a pet bird, the Ragamuffin is always happy to make a new friend.
Caring for a Ragamuffin
When you adopt a Ragamuffin kitten or cat, you will be extremely pleased to find that they are generally healthy animals. If they receive proper nutrition and enough exercise, they can live long and happy lives. These cats don’t require intense physical activity and are pleased to play for an hour a day, followed by lots of sunbathing and pets.
If you have kids in the household, know that your Ragamuffin will befriend them easily, as long as they know how to be respectful of animals. Ragamuffins will chase down toys and accept scratches as long as they are being loved.
You’ll want to ensure that your Ragamuffin has a clean litter box to do their duty so they become comfortable in their space. Like all cats, Ragamuffins prefer a clean litter box—and rather than cleaning the box after every use, you can invest in a self-cleaning litter box.
Litter-Robot 4 keeps your cat’s space fresh and clean, so you don’t have to worry about scooping or finding accidents outside the box. Now, your only worry is which picture frames your Ragamuffin might knock over next.
Grooming
Ragamuffins’ coats aren’t too difficult to manage. Their fur is long and silky but does not tangle easily. They do shed, so you must brush them a few times a week to avoid hairballs and lots of loose fur around the house.
Health-related issues
Ragamuffins are typically healthy, but routine veterinary check-ups are a must. These are strong and resilient cats that will let you know if something is wrong.
Regardless, the Ragamuffin is still capable of experiencing some medical conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This is when multiple cysts develop on the kidneys and can put your cat at risk of developing bacterial infections.
Like other cats, Ragamuffins also are prone to developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the muscles around the heart thicken and cause problems with breathing and blood flow to the heart. Chances of other health problems, like obesity, can be reduced with proper exercise and healthy cat food.
Loving a Ragamuffin kitten or cat
When you take home a Ragamuffin kitten or cat, you are taking home your new best friend in the cat world. You will be greeted with love and adoration at your door every time you come home, and will always have someone willing to cuddle up next to you on the couch.
This cat is a true gentle giant and the epitome of a lap cat. You will not be disappointed by all the love and memories you two share together!
Sources:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease In Cats | VCA Hospitals
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- CAT IDENTIFICATION | University of Florida
- Ragamuffin | VCA Animal Hospitals
