Welcome To Your Complete Guide To The Adorable Ragamuffin Ragamuffin Cat Breed!
Ragamuffin cats are as cute as their name.
Known for their thick, luxurious coat and friendly disposition, these are beautiful and playful companions.
They are also known to be extremely loving and affectionate.
To find out more about this popular breed, read on!
This complete guide to the Ragamuffin cat breed will offer information on the cat’s personality, health, history and more.
You’ll find out how to find Ragamuffin kittens, Ragamuffin cat colors and what to ask Ragamuffin cat breeders.
This is where you’ll find all the facts to help you decide whether a Ragamuffin cat is right for your household.
What is a Ragamuffin cat?
A Ragamuffin cat is a breed of domestic cat, first recognised as a separate breed in 1994.
Prior to that, Ragamuffins were lumped in with Ragdolls, their parent breed that was created by California breeder Ann Baker in the 1960s.
Ragamuffins were created by breeding out Ragdolls with other long-haired domestic breeds.
Today they are prized for their sweet temperament, expressive eyes and beautiful fur.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) gave the breed full championship status in 2011 and now it wows crowds in cat shows around the world.
Ragamuffin cat personality
Ragamuffins are one of the most sweet-natured cat breeds.
Thanks to their docile and cuddly personality, Ragamuffins are often described as teddy bear cats.
Ragamuffins love to shower their owners with affection, and get plenty of petting in return.
Ragamuffin cat temperament
Ragamuffins are the ultimate people pets, forming strong bonds with their families.
They are brilliant with children, being calm, patient and ready to play.
And Ragamuffins are also generally fine with other animals.
Given their trusting nature, Ragamuffins should be kept indoors and not allowed to stray.
They are an intelligent breed. Some owners have even reported teaching them tricks.
Ragamuffins have been known to play ‘fetch’ and ‘beg’.
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Ragamuffin cat weight
Typical Ragamuffin cat size can vary. But generally males weigh 12 to 20lbs and females 8 to 15lbs.
They are a medium to large-sized breed with a stocky body and substantial bone structure.
According to the CFA breed standard, both females and males are muscular with broad chests and shoulders.
Ragamuffin cat colors
Ragamuffin coats come in all colors and patterns.
There is a lot of variation within the breed – making them very unique. Some have white markings, while other coats are one solid color.
You can even have a black Ragamuffin cat, a white Ragamuffin cat and a black and white Ragamuffin cat all from the same litter.
It’s also possible to have an orange Ragamuffin cat. Other coat colors include chocolate, lilac and fawn.
The Ragamuffin’s coat is one of its most striking features.
With thick, medium-long hair, this is a cat with a very plush coat. It’s similar in feel to a rabbit’s fur and, despite its length is relatively low maintenance.
A Ragamuffin cat’s fur is unlikely to clump or mat, and is smooth and soft.
Ragamuffin cat health problems
Unfortunately health issues can arise in any purebreed cat.
The Ragamuffin, however, is considered generally healthy, with no reported genetic diseases.
If buying from a breeder, they should be able to provide information on the cat’s genetic history and health. Be sure to ask about any potential issues before purchase.
As standard, breeders should screen for Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken and is the most common cause of heart disease in cats.
The Ragdoll cat, precursor to the Ragamuffin breed, has shown a tendency towards HCM [1].
Luckily, you can diagnose the condition with a simple DNA test, so breeders are able to screen for the disease and limit it from litters.
Ragamuffin cat eye problems
There is no evidence to show that the Ragamuffin breed is prone to eye disease.
However, it helps to be aware that the breed’s genetic cousin, the Ragdoll, commonly suffers from Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis.
This is a condition which can affect the connective tissues around the eye. [2]
Thankfully cats can be screened for this disease so don’t be afraid to ask your breeder if you’re concerned.
Ragamuffin cat life expectancy
Ragamuffin cats are fully mature at four years of age and enjoy a long life expectancy.
As is common with indoor cats, most Ragamuffins live between 12 and 16 years
Ragamuffin cat price
Purchasing a pet is a big commitment, and sometimes it’s worth spending top dollar.
If you see a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is. Less reputable breeders will try to sell you a bargain, without investing in the necessary health checks and pedigree certification.
So what should a Ragamuffin cat cost?
And how much do Ragamuffin kittens cost?
It varies. Expect to pay around $800 to $1000 for a kitten, but much less for an adult.
The Ragamuffin kittens price should include health certificates, up to date vaccinations and evidence of registered pedigree.
It may also cover microchipping and a ‘starter pack’ of toys and food.
Ragamuffin cat breeders
When buying a pet, it’s crucial to use a reputable breeder.
A reliable and trustworthy breeder will help you choose the best kitten for you, and provide details of its parentage, health history and needs.
You should also be able to visit before purchasing and take the kitten to your own vet for a health check-up.
Ragamuffin kittens
Ragamuffin kittens are curious, playful, bundles of love.
Before you bring your kitten home, it’s important to ensure you are bringing it into a safe, stress-free environment.
Kitten-proof your house by moving all household cleaning products out of reach. Ragamuffins have been known to open cabinets so don’t store them at ground level!
Ensure all open windows are screened, and that the screens are secure.
Safely store any electrical cords, and check that your houseplants are feline-friendly. Some plants, like lillies are dangerous to cats.
When you’re ready to welcome your little furball, introduce them slowly to every member of the family.
They should be supervised when meeting other furry family members, at least until you are sure they have no issues.
Ragamuffin cat rescue
If you’re looking for your own Ragamuffin, breeders aren’t the only option.
Online rescue sites such as Petfinder.com or Adopt-a-Pet.com can help you find Ragamuffin kittens for adoption.
The Ragamuffin Associated Group runs a Ragamuffin cat rescue that links owners with adopters in their state.
And you can also browse Ragamuffins for adoption on rescueme.org
Should I buy a Ragamuffin cat?
If you have a lot of love to give, and a welcoming family environment then a Ragamuffin could be the perfect pet for you.
This cuddly, affectionate and gentle breed is not only the ideal companion, they are also one of the most handsome cats around.
Thanks to their even-temperament, they are comfortable with both kids and other pets. It’s not unlikely to see them playing tea parties with younger members of the family!
But be warned – most owners agree that one Ragamuffin is never enough.
Once you fall in love with this charming cat, you may find yourself shunning all other breeds!
References
- Meurs, K.M, et al, “A Substitution Mutation in the Myosin Binding Protein C Gene in Ragdoll Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy”, Genomics, 2007
- Aquirre, G, Stramm, L, Haskins, M, “Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis VI: General Ocular and Pigment Epithelial Pathology”, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 1983
- The Cat Fanciers Association
- The American Cat Fanciers Association
- Ragamuffin Kitten Breeders Society
- The Ragamuffin Associated Group
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Hello! I’ve recently become a foster for a Ragamuffin that has a sketchy past. He doesn’t behave like a typical ‘muffin; it’s actually kind of the opposite. I’ve likened him to a teenager. One minute he’s all lovey-dovey and the next he sinks his teeth in my calf. (Not kidding; he’s bitten me four times, but only one of those was hard). I’m not doing anything weird either. It’s as simple as petting him in the wrong spot without knowing it until after he reacts. I’ve read that they are extra trusting, so I wondered if something traumatic, like being abandoned, would affect them more than the average cat? I haven’t been able to get him to a vet yet. I was hoping maybe you had some advice in the meantime. Thanks for listening!
Hi!
It would be highly unusual to find a real RagaMuffin in a shelter situation. Do you know where the kitty came from? Frequently, shelters and rescues will label a larger, long haired cat as a RagaMuffin. So the personality trait may not match because the cat isn’t a true RagaMuffin (there are also many fraudulently sold as RagaMuffins via TICA registration).
Kitty could be in pain as well. I would recommend an extremely thorough exam with a trusted veterinarian. This way you can rule out or include pain as a precursor. Is this kitty older? So many uncomfortable problems show up just because of age like arthritis. Even if he/she had a check upon intake I would do another one. So many personality things could be signs no one had time to see at first exam.
If there is no pain or medical concern and the kitty is indeed a RagaMuffin then it may just be this kitty in particular. The breed can be genetically predisposed to having a fabulous personality. However, if someone purchases one from a breeder that does not socialize him or her well or if the kitty goes home and the family does not listen to going home instructions, then behavior issues may result.