Ragamuffin Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

If you’re looking for a gentle, friendly, and affectionate feline companion, the Ragamuffin cat breed may be the perfect choice for you. These large-sized long-haired cats are known for their sweet disposition, relaxed temperament, and love of cuddling. They are often referred to as the “Teddy Bear of the cat world” due to their plush coat and cuddly nature.

If you’re considering adding a Ragamuffin to your family, it’s important to understand their unique characteristics and care requirements. These cats have a long coat that requires regular grooming, and they may be prone to certain health issues. However, with proper care and attention, a Ragamuffin can make a wonderful and loving addition to your home.

Breed Profile

The Ragamuffin is a relatively new breed of cat that originated in the United States in the 1990s. 

In the 1960s, Ann Baker, a cat breeder from Riverside, California, created the Ragdoll breed. She crossed a Persian, a Burmese, and a white Angora named Josephine to produce a cat with a distinct personality and look. The Ragdoll’s name originated from its propensity to become floppy and pliable upon being lifted, like to a kid’s ragdoll toy.

However, Baker’s unorthodox breeding practices and claims of exclusive ownership of the Ragdoll breed led to a split in the Ragdoll community. Some breeders continued to breed Ragdolls according to Baker’s standards, while others developed their lines.

In the 1990s, a group of breeders split from the Ragdoll community and began outcrossing Ragdolls with other breeds to create a new breed, the Ragamuffin. The goal was to widen the Ragdoll’s gene pool and create a cat with a more varied appearance.

The Ragamuffin breed was officially recognised by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2003. However, it is still not recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

The Ragamuffin is now renowned for its silky, velvety coat and loving disposition. Males of this huge breed can weigh up to 20 pounds, while females can weigh up to 15 pounds. A vast range of colours and patterns, such as solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and bicolour, are available for ragamuffins. 

Physical Characteristics

The Ragamuffin cat has a semi-long, plush coat that is easy to care for. The fur is soft and silky, and it does not mat easily. Ragamuffin cats are known for their plush coat, which is long and silky. The coat comes in a variety of colours, including black, white, blue, red,  cream, brown, platinum, lilac, fawn, chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, cameo, lavender and silver. 

The coat is less allergenic than some other breeds, making it a good choice for people with allergies. Ragamuffins can also have different patterns, such as tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby.

The Ragamuffin cat has a large, muscular body with a broad chest and a medium-sized head. They have a distinctive ruff of fur around their necks and a fatty pad on their lower abdomen. Ragamuffins have long, expressive eyes that can be amber, blue, green, gold, hazel, or odd-eyed. They also have large, tufted ears that are set wide apart on their heads.

Personality and Temperament

Ragamuffin cats are known for their sweet, easygoing, and gentle personalities, making them great family pets. They are even-tempered and affectionate, and they love to cuddle with their owners. Ragamuffin cats are also known to be intelligent and playful, making them great companions for children.

• Behavioural Traits

Ragamuffins are known for their relaxed and docile nature, earning them the nickname “Teddy Bears of the cat world.” They tend to go limp and floppy when picked up, much like their Ragdoll cousins. These cats also love to play but are not overly active or energetic. They may enjoy a game of fetch with their owners, but Ragamuffins generally prefer to lounge around and be near their owners.

They are not known for being independent cats, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods. They crave attention and companionship and will often follow their owners around the house. Ragamuffins are also vocal cats and will communicate with their owners through meows, chirps, and trills. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any household.

Ragamuffins tend to bond strongly with their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This is why it’s crucial to provide them with plenty of attention and affection.

• Suitability as Pets

Ragamuffin cats make great pets for families with children or for people who are looking for a friendly and affectionate companion. They are known to be low-maintenance cats, as they do not require a lot of grooming or exercise. However, they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing is recommended to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Overall, Ragamuffin cats have a puppy-like temperament that makes them a joy to be around. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, and they make great companions for people of all ages.

Health and Care

Ragamuffin cats are generally healthy cats that can live up to 15 years or more with proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. As with all cats, it is important to pay attention to your Ragamuffin’s health and well-being. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to the health and care of your Ragamuffin:

• Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet is essential for the health of your Ragamuffin. Feeding your cat a high-quality, protein-rich diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level can help to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Be sure to provide fresh, clean water at all times, and avoid overfeeding your cat to prevent obesity.

• Exercise and Play

Ragamuffin cats are active and playful, and they need plenty of opportunities to exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. Providing your cat with toys, scratching posts, and other interactive playthings can help to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.

• Grooming Needs

Ragamuffin cats have a dense, plush coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in optimal condition. Brushing your cat’s coat regularly can help to prevent tangles and mats, and can also help to distribute natural oils throughout their coat. It is also important to pay attention to your cat’s teeth and provide routine dental care to prevent dental issues.

• Common Health Issues

Like all cats, Ragamuffins are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues that affect Ragamuffins include polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Regular veterinary check-ups can help to detect these and other health issues early, so they can be treated before they become more serious.

Living with a Ragamuffin

If you are considering adopting a Ragamuffin cat, it is important to understand how they fit into your household and interact with your family members. Here are some things to consider before bringing a Ragamuffin into your home.

• Household Compatibility

Ragamuffins are adaptable to different living environments. They can thrive in apartments as long as they have enough space to play and exercise. However, they also enjoy having a playing room where they can run around and interact with toys.

They are ideal companions for families with children and other pets. Ragamuffins are known for their playfulness and affectionate nature, which makes them a great addition to any household. They get along well with other cats, especially Persians, Birmans, and Ragdoll cats.

• Interaction with Family

Ragamuffins are social cats and thrive on attention from their owners. They enjoy being part of a group and interacting with their family members. They are not the type of cat that likes to be left alone for long periods of time.

To keep your Ragamuffin happy, it is important to provide them with interactive exercise and playtime. They enjoy playing with toys and will appreciate having a designated area where they can play and explore.

When it comes to breeders, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who raises their cats in a loving and caring environment. This will ensure that your Ragamuffin is well-socialised and ready to become a member of your family.

In addition to being great family pets, Ragamuffin cats are also known for their therapeutic qualities. Their easygoing and affectionate nature can bring comfort and joy to people of all ages, making them ideal therapy animals. They have even been used as therapy animals in nursing homes and hospitals, bringing happiness to those who may be going through a difficult time.

It is also important to note that Ragamuffin cats have a longer lifespan compared to other breeds, making them a long-term commitment. However, with proper care and love, these gentle giants can bring years of joy and companionship to their owners.  

Conclusion

if you are looking for a loving and affectionate companion who will always be by your side, consider adding a Ragamuffin cat to your family.  So, don’t hesitate to bring home a Ragamuffin and experience the love and joy that they bring into your life every day. Your heart will thank you!  There is no doubt that Ragamuffin cats are one of the most lovable and gentle breeds out there. With their easygoing temperament and affection