Huggable Fluffy Baby

Ragamuffin Cat

by The Dutiful Cat | Breeds | 0 comments

Potential For Playfulness:

Ideal playmate.

The Ragamuffin Cat is a large breed with a medium-long soft and plush coat. This heavily boned cat has a muscular body, broad chest, and a fat pad on the lower abdomen.

Their long tails are fully plumed and resemble a bottle brush. The broad modified wedge-shaped head sports large walnut-shaped eyes and full cheeks.

What sets this breed apart, is a medium-long soft, dense and silky coat that comes in a variety of colors.

This is a calm, loving and affectionate cat that likes to be held and carried around. They are famous for completely relaxing once picked up and held in arms.

This huggable cat likes to be close to its owners and will follow you everywhere.

Besides petting, hugging and lying in laps, these cats love to play and remain active during their long lives.

What Does a Ragamuffin Cat Look Like?

This medium to large sized breed has a heavy and well-muscled body. The Ragamuffins have broad chests, short, heavy and strong necks, and a pad of fat on the lower part of the abdomen.

This breed also sports a long and fully furred tail. The broad, modified wedge-shaped head, large expressive almond-shaped eyes, and full cheeks complete the breed’s appearance.

Adult male cats are known for their jowls which give them the appearance of an old brigadier general. The Ragamuffin is easily distinguished by its rabbit-like soft medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors.

Breed History

The Ragamuffin is closely related to the Ragdoll Cat. The breeding of Ragdolls was strictly controlled by the breed’s creator Ann Baker.

So, in 1994, a number of International Ragdoll Cat Association’s breeders decided to leave and form their own group. These breeders wanted to bring additional colors and strengthen the Ragdoll’s health.

Therefore, they started to out-cross to Persians, Himalayans, and other domestic long-haired cats. The new breed was larger in size and came in many different colors and patterns.

Breeders decided to name the new breed Ragamuffin as an homage to the founding breed.

The United Feline Organization was the first to officially recognize the Ragamuffin as a distinct breed.

The American Cat Association, the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts and the Cat Fanciers Federation also recognize this breed.

The Cats Fanciers Association gave the Ragamuffin full recognition in 2011.

Size Standards

The Ragamuffin is medium to large-sized cat with a substantial bone structure and full body. This breed should have an overall balance in body size, shape, and distribution of weight.

The balance is more important in show rings than the actual size of the cat.

How Big Do Ragamuffin Cats Get?

There is a significant size difference between male and female Ragamuffins. Males usually weigh from 14-20 pounds. Female cats are significantly smaller and on average weigh in between 8-13 pounds.

This is a large breed and these cats are known to pack on the pounds easily. Hence, you will have to monitor your cat’s calorie intake in order to keep her at a healthy weight. Feed your cat with a weight management cat food to prevent obesity.

Ragamuffin Cat Personality Traits

The Ragamuffin is a sweet and smart cat that prefers spending time with its owners.

These cats are famous for completely relaxing like babies when picked up. They love being held and are ultimate huggable teddy bears.

Besides being petted and held, they love to sit or lounge in their owners laps. They are very attached to their human caregivers, so don’t be surprised if your cat follows you around and is near you throughout the day.

However, this isn’t an attention seeking breed that will nag and cry to get your attention.

Despite its docile nature, the Ragamuffin loves to play and stays playful well into senior years. These cats enjoy having a variety of cat toys at their disposal and are always up for a play session.

In some sense, these cats act like puppies, and will always greet you excitedly by the front door. Moreover, they aren’t afraid of strangers and will greet all guests with a warm purring welcome.

The social and friendly Ragamuffin returns all affection tenfold without demanding it.

They are perfectly content if you give them a passing belly rub and will treat you with loud purrs of delight.

Ragamuffin Cat Temperament

The Ragamuffin has an outgoing nature and is best described as having a calm, patient, and docile temperament. This social cat gets along with everyone, including other cats and dogs.

They form deep bonds with their owners and their sweet and gentle nature makes them ideal for people of all ages. It is safe to say that their calm and sweet nature makes them addictive.

So, don’t be surprised if having just one Ragamuffin won’t be enough for you. You will most probably end up having several of these fluffy giants.

Ragamuffin Cat Behavioral Problems

This breed will do just about anything for affection and the proximity of its people, but not in a bad way.

They will learn tricks, walk on a leash, or allow to be dressed in doll dresses and pulled in doll carriages in order to spend more time with their people.

So it comes as no surprise, that they can become depressed or develop separation anxiety if ignored or left alone a lot.

Hence, carefully consider how much quality time you will be able to spend with your Ragamuffin before you bring it into your home.

You can avoid all behavioral issues by spending quality time with your cat every day and giving her with affection and attention she craves.

Adaptability

This is a highly adaptable cat that reacts well to any change you throw her way. Thanks to their sweet and friendly nature, they enjoy meeting new people and will request to be held from the start.

They adjust well to the change of scenery and won’t mind moving into another home if you provide the same amount of affection as before. So, pet, hug and play with your cat the same as before to help her adjust to her new home.

The Ragamuffin is a somewhat lazy cat with a playful spirit. Being held and sitting in laps are the things these cats prefer above everything else.

So, you will have to engage your cat’s playful side with a feather wand.

It is best to play with your cat every day. You can divide play time into two 15 minutes sessions to keep your cat engaged.

Additionally, get a tall cat tree condo, to get her to jump and climb.

Best Cat Tree for Ragamuffin Cat

Being a large cat with a playful spirit, a Ragamuffin will enjoy having a cat tree to jump and climb on.

A sturdy cat tree will help you keep your cat more active and manage her weight.

This cat tree is a great option for larger cats such is your Ragamuffin. It isn’t particularly tall but it has multiple perches, condo, and a dangling toy that will keep your cat entertained and active.

Best Cat Bed for Ragamuffin Cat

Although Ragamuffins love to sleep in their owners laps, they will appreciate having a proper cat bed to lounge in. A bed will give your cat a sense of security and will keep her comfortable at all hours of the day.

This round cat bed is a good option for Ragamuffins since it is large enough to accommodate them comfortably. Its curved and raised edges can serve as a pillow and will give your cat a chance to sleep in several different positions in style.

Health and Potential Health Problems

The Ragamuffin is considered to be a healthy breed. However, health incidents in some lines are still possible.

That’s why, you should ask the breeder about the health issues in his line and what testing has been done for problems that are genetic in nature. Other issues that can affect this breed are:

Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is a hereditary condition that causes a cat to be born with cysts in her kidneys. As the cat grows so do the cysts. Eventually, they become so large that they disrupt the normal kidney function and result in renal failure. This condition is the result of the Persian ancestry. However, genetic testing is available for this condition.
Obesity: It’s one of the most common conditions seen in cats. If left untreated, obesity affects the overall health of the cat and can cause an array of health issues. The Ragamuffin is a large cat that likes to eat and are at risk of becoming obese if not fed and exercised properly. To help your cat lose weight, feed weight management cat food with fewer calories and indulge in regular play sessions.
Periodontal Disease: It is characterized with plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and inflammation of gums. If left untreated, this condition progresses and can require a bone replacement surgery. It’s avoidable with enzymatic toothpaste and regular teeth brushing.

Best Cat Food for Ragamuffin Cat

Your Ragamuffin requires a diet that is high in animal-based proteins and fats, and low in carbohydrates.

Since they can gain weight easily, it is best if you consider feeding your cat a lower calorie food that will support her overall health but prevent weight gain.

This weight control cat food is an excellent choice for a Ragamuffin since it features premium-quality ingredients. It is also enriched with vitamins and minerals that will support a strong immune system and keep your kitty healthy.

Ragamuffin Cat Lifespan

The Ragamuffin has an average lifespan of 13-16 years. This is a generally healthy breed that can live even longer.

So, start using approved toothpaste for cats and brush your cat’s teeth from a young age. Furthermore, get your cat from a reputable breeder who will give you a health guarantee.

Grooming Needs

The Ragamuffin’s soft and silky medium-length coat is easy to maintain. Despite its length, the coat doesn’t mat easily.

Brush your cat with a stainless-steel comb twice a week to keep it in pristine condition. This way you will remove loose hair and distribute skin oils through the length of coat.

Ragamuffin Cat Shedding

Slicker Brush for Grooming Ragamuffin Cat

The Ragamuffin sheds moderately and won’t flood your home in cat hairs like some other fluffy breeds.

However, they need to be brushed with a slicker brush regularly if you don’t want to deal with loose cat hairs and frequent vacuuming.

This slicker brush will work just fine to remove mats, dander and trapped dirt. It features an anti-slip handle with a comfort grip to prevent strain during the brushing sessions. This brush also gently massages the cats.

Ragamuffin Cat Coat Colors

The Ragamuffin’s soft and plush coat comes in all colors and patterns with or without white. However, the color point coloration isn’t allowed under the CFA standard.

The most commonly seen colors are White, Black, Blue, Cream, Red, Brown, Lilac, Silver, Platinum, Fawn, Chocolate, and Chestnut.

Coat patterns also range quite a bit and include, tabby and white, tortoiseshell, mink and others.

Compatibility with Children and Other Pets

The calm and cuddly Ragamuffin is an ideal choice for families with small children. These are patient and friendly cats that like to be petted and held.

Do make sure that your kid is able to pick the cat up, since some of them weigh more than small children!

These cats love to chase after catnip toys and will happily play with your child. They also get along with other cats and dogs and don’t mind having company.

The Ragamuffin has a playful spirit and will enjoy playing with puzzle toys. However, they love being held and cuddled above everything else.

Therefore, you will have to motivate your kitty in order to get her spirits going. Get a kitty activity center to pique your cat’s interest and get her playing more.

In this section, we answer frequently asked questions about the Ragamuffin Cat. Read on to learn more about this affectionate and gentle breed.

How Much Does a Ragamuffin Cat Cost?

The exact price of a Ragamuffin kitten depends on a breeder and several other factors. Generally, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1000 for a purebred kitten. This price should cover health certificates, vaccinations, and in some cases a microchip.

Are Ragamuffin Cats Talkative?

The gentle and calm Ragamuffin isn’t particularly chatty and can be a great companion if you like to enjoy the peace and quiet of your home. That’s not to say they are completely silent, your Ragamuffin will certainly meow from time to time.

Can Ragamuffin Cats Go Outside?

The Ragamuffin is a confident and fearless cat that can run in all sorts of trouble if left to roam outdoors unsupervised. It is best if you opt for keeping your cat indoors and only take her outside on a leash.

Are Ragamuffin Cats Hypoallergenic?

There really isn’t such a thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat, although some breeds are known to be less allergenic. Unfortunately, the Ragamuffin isn’t one of these breeds, and may not be the best choice if you or any of your family members suffer from allergies.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think about the gentle, patient, and affectionate Ragamuffin Cat? Will this cuddly and loving breed make a perfect pet for you? Or do you already own one or more of these gorgeous cats? Tell us and our readers in the comment section below!