In this fascinating comparison, we look at Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin cat breeds.
Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats are both adorable, beautiful breeds, but which would be the purrfect pet for you?
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin – which pet to choose!
When it comes to Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin, choosing can be a real dilemma!
They’re both gorgeous cats with super temperaments, and both make wonderful family pets.
Both are large breeds that can live up to 17 years of age.
However, there are a few subtle differences that may influence your decision on which would make the perfect pet for your situation.
What is the difference between Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats?
Ragdolls and Ragamuffin cats share many common traits because they are related, but there are subtle differences too. Ragdolls all have marked points, whereas Ragamuffins have a variety of colors. Ragdoll coats are higher maintenance, but they are also more playful, with Ragamuffins making calmer companions.
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin coats
The Ragamuffin was created in the 1960s by cross-breeding Ragdolls with other long-haired domestic breeds. In 2011, the Cat Fanciers’ Association awarded the Ragamuffin full breed status.
Both breeds have long, silky coats. However, the Ragamuffin’s coat is less likely to mat or tangle.
Ragamuffin coats come in a wide variety of both solid and patterned colors, from orange and chocolate, through to black and lilac.
Ragdolls are all born white. As they grow older, their coats change in color to be chocolate, blue, lilac, or seal. They also have markings called “points”, similar to Siamese cats.
Both breeds have gorgeous big eyes, the Ragamuffin’s eyes are round, whereas the Ragdoll are oval-shaped. Also, Ragdolls only have blue eyes, but a Ragamuffin can have eyes of any color.
One major difference to note is that many Ragdolls actually go completely limp when picked up, whereas Ragamuffins generally do not. It is thanks to this odd quirk that the Ragdoll was given its funny name!
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll size
If you take on a Ragamuffin or a Ragdoll kitten, be prepared for a big kitty cat when he’s fully grown.
These cats take a while to reach their full size – around four years old – but that’s because they’ve got a lot of growing to do!
These breeds are powerfully built cats, typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds.
Female cats are generally smaller than males.
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin cat grooming
Ragdolls and Ragamuffins have similar grooming requirements, although the Ragdoll is slightly more demanding.
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You will need to groom a Ragdoll at least twice every week.
Use a steel comb to remove any bits of debris that have become tangled in their coat.
This is especially important if your cat spends some of his time outside, wandering through the shrubbery in your garden!
A friend of mine had a Ragdoll who enjoyed hunting in the hedge at the bottom of her garden.
One day he appeared crying plaintively at the back door, clearly in some distress. The cause of his consternation was a length of bramble that had become tangled in his tail!
Every time the poor cat tried to sit down, he sat on a whole bunch of prickles – no wonder he was crying!
The Ragamuffin’s coat is similar to the Ragdoll’s but is usually not as long and is less prone to tangles.
A weekly grooming with a steel comb should be sufficient to keep your pet’s coat in pristine condition.
Ragamuffin cat vs Ragdoll shedding
Both Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are rather prolific shedders.
Both breeds molt on a very regular basis, and you’ll quickly find your furniture and bedding upholstered in soft, silky fur!
Groom your pet at least once a week with a steel rake to get rid of the loose hair, and go over your kitty afterwards with a rubber mitt to remove any stray hairs you’ve loosened during the first pass.
Getting rid of your cat’s loose hair is extremely important, as both these breeds are fanatical groomers and can be prone to hairballs and their associated health problems.
In addition to a good set of cat grooming tools, you’ll also need to purchase an efficient vacuum cleaner that copes well with animal hair!
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll cat temperament
When choosing any family pet, temperament is a major influencing factor in your decision.
Ragdoll or Ragamuffin, both have very kind and affectionate natures. However, according to the Cat Fancier’s Association, the Ragamuffin may be a better choice if you have young children in your family.
Ragamuffins tend to be very placid and calm, with patient personalities. This makes them ideal to have around young kids and other family pets.
Also, Ragamuffins don’t mind having their routines changed, so they adapt happily to the arrival of a new baby or other pet.
Ragdolls are also pretty laid back, but are not quite as chilled-out as Ragamuffins are around children.
For either breed, their attitudes to children will be influenced heavily by their experiences in kittenhood. Early socialization with children and other animals will go a long way to shaping confident, sociable adults cats.
Both these breeds are very intelligent and can be taught to come when called and even learn a few simple tricks.
They both have a reputation as being the “cat that thinks it’s a dog”, thanks to their desire to be in the company of people.
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin cat health
Both Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are generally healthy, robust breeds.
However, when buying a kitten from a breeder, always ask for health certificates for your purchase. Ensure that the kitten is fully vaccinated and wormed.
Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are very laid-back breeds. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, which is extremely bad for your pet!
Be sure not to overfeed or over-treat your cat, and invest in a good selection of interactive cat toys to keep him active and fit.
Ragdolls and HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
Ragdolls can be prone to an inherited condition called HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
HCM is an inherited condition that affects the cat’s heart.
Breeding cats can be screened for a gene known to increase the risk of developing HCM. However carrying gene does not guarantee a cat will get HCM, and being free from the gene does not guarantee they won’t.
When purchasing a pedigree Ragdoll kitten, ask your breeder for the carrier status of both parents, any family history of HCM, and a vet certificate that neither parent has the condition.
Urinary tract blockages
All breeds of cats are susceptible to urinary tract blockages that are caused by struvite crystals, but large, pedigree breeds like Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are thought to be more prone than lighter weight animals.
Struvite is formed from phosphate, ammonium, and magnesium.
The material forms hard, mineralized stones that can remain undetected in the animal’s bladder for years.
Sometimes, the stones can move out of the bladder, in the process, blocking the urethra or ureter and preventing the flow of urine.
The cat quickly becomes miserable and shows signs of being in discomfort.
He may make frequent attempts to pee. There may be blood in his pee, and he may stop eating and drinking. Often the cat’s belly is swollen, because his bladder is full and distended.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, you must seek veterinary advice immediately. The usual solution to the problem is surgical.
Is the Ragdoll or Ragamuffin cat a better pet?
When it comes to Ragamuffin cat vs Ragdoll, both these breeds have lovely temperaments and make wonderful family pets.
They both look beautiful too!
In terms of care, they’re both pretty healthy. Both require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition and to prevent hairballs. Both can quickly become overweight if overfed and not kept active!
If you have young kids who might be tempted to play with your cat, a Ragamuffin might be the best choice.
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin – which would you choose?
Perhaps you have one of these beauties already – why did you choose the breed you now own?
Tell us your story in the comments section below!
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Suzanne says
November 5, 2018 at 12:29 amI found your article while surfing the internet to understand the differences between the two, so thank you for all of the details. I have recently adopted a beautiful cat that had been left behind by neighbors who abandoned the poor girl when they moved away. Since this time she has been spade, and has had her well care checks by the vet. After reading the above information, I’m still up in the air as two what she would fall under. I’m guessing my “Brynnie” to be approximately 2-3 years of age. I mention this because she is as light as a feather. So she has a LOT of growing to do if she is going gain the poundage mentioned above. She is predominantly white with bigger black spots, to include one black ear and one white ear (RM); Her long coat seems prone to tangle or mat (RD); She has oval (RD) green eyes (RM); and She truly goes limp when picked up (RD). I’m guessing she is a mixture between the two? Regardless she is a beautiful girl and will be cared for indoors for the remainder of her life. I just thought it odd that she seems to “straddle the fence”. Unless there is another cat breed out there that fits her better?
Saundra Tilson says
February 1, 2019 at 9:26 pmMy Jazzy Girl is a Rag Muffin. I rescued her at about four months from our local shelter. She can be a little “cat” at times but her personality is very affectionate and “personal assistant”. She loves giving bumps and having face time with us bipedals!! I laughed when I read “cat that thinks it’s a dog”. She LOVES having her belly rubbed! She’ll offer up her belly and chin begging for scratches….then purr and curl her toes in contentment! I’ve always had a cat for a pet and by far she has had the best personality. She loves being groomed and will brush her own head and face if I hold the brush!!!
Maria says
March 16, 2019 at 4:13 amWe have two ragdoll cats in the family. About nine years ago I purchased two kittens for the family. We had two young children at a time. They named them Rocco and Chanel. Rocco is the big brother he’s almost 20 pounds and Chanel is the younger sister about 13 pounds. They brought a lot of joy to our family. They are the a pitta me of the description of what ragdoll cats are all about. They both think that They are dogs. We have to lock our door in the bedroom each night because they can open the door. They are so beautiful and so playful it was the best decision we ever made to have a pet.
Tommy says
April 26, 2019 at 5:58 pmI am sure that your cats are the epitome of beauty and charm. We have one that is probably a Ragamuffin and is the most charming, affectionate cat we have ever had. She is 9 years old and could easily pass for an oversized kitten!!!