Ragamuffin
These cats have absolutely nothing to do with their name! The word ragamuffin refers to a young person/child who has a bad reputation and is poorly dressed. However, these cats are not like this at all! They are a magnificent and elegant breed and are surprisingly large and imposing despite their refined figure. They are descended from Ragdolls, and still have the same sweetness, calmness and tenderness as their ancestors.
Key facts about the Ragamuffin
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Origins and history
Originating in the South of the USA, Ragamuffins’ evolution story is intimately associated with that of Ragdolls. In the sixties an American farmer, named Ann Baker, developed a new breed which she called a "Ragdoll", due to its loving and fluffy qualities. Mrs. Baker was an interesting woman who imposed strict breeding controls on breeders who wanted to breed her cats.
In 1994, reacting to her questionable practices, ranchers decided to terminate their professional relationship with Mrs. Baker and create their own breed. They crossbred Ragdolls with Persians, Himalayans, Turkish Angoras and non-pedigree cats. They wanted to create a gentle and quiet cat rather than focusing on a particular morphology. Despite persistent questions about the history of this breed, Ragamuffins has been registered with the CFA since 2003.
Finally, the name "Ragamuffin" is perhaps a nod (or a scoff) to Ann Baker's "Ragdoll"!
Physical characteristics of the Ragamuffin
Adult size
Female : Between 9 and 12 in
Male : Between 9 and 12 in
Females are generally smaller than males, but there is no information regarding the average size of either in literature on Ragamuffins.
Weight
Female : Between 9 and 15 lb
Male : Between 11 and 20 lb
Coat colour
Black / seal, blue / grey-slate, chocolate, lilac / lilac, cinnamon / cinnamon, fawn / fawn, red, white.
This breed is yet to be recognised by many cat associations such the TICA. However, they are recognised by the CFA. It appears that they can be most colours.
Type of coat
Mid-length
Eye colour
Blue, aquamarine, yellow, green, odd
Description
Just like their ancestor, the Ragdoll, Ragamuffins are tall, strong and muscular. They are known for their broadheads, short muzzles and rounded ears. They have rectangular bodies and long bushy tails. They sometimes have a fur collar, which just adds to the elegance of these cats.
Good to know
According to many, Ragamuffin fur has a similar texture to that rabbits!
Temperament
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Affectionate
This breed has a reputation for being loving, sociable and warm-hearted.
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Playful
Their playfulness varies from one cat to the next and depends on their age and environment. However, in general, this breed is known for its calm nature. If you play with your Ragamuffin every day, you can make them more active.
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Calm
This breed is spectacularly calm!
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Intelligent
Due to their curious and adaptable nature, they get involved in daily life and make their owners smile regularly.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
This depends on how they were socialised at a young age, however they are generally curious of new things and people.
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Independent
As long as all their needs are fulfilled, they can be left alone for long periods of time.
Behaviour of the Ragamuffin
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Chatty
Some are more so than others, but in general they’re not a very chatty breed.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
Given their incredibly calm nature, this breed doesn’t need too much exercise. Nevertheless, taking the time to play with your cat everyday helps to keep their fitness levels up.
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Tendency to run away
It obviously depends on the individual, but there is little evidence that Ragamuffins run away.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Since they rarely expend much energy through physical activity, it’s a good idea to feed them using an interactive bowl. This both stimulates the cat and rations their portions.
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Is the Ragamuffin right for you?
take the testCompatibility
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Ragamuffin and cats
They can cohabit with cats of the same breed or other breeds. Obviously, it is important to introduce the cats to each other gradually. For them to get on well, it is also essential to ensure that all cats have access to sufficient resources (bedding, high points, hiding places, food, etc.).
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Ragamuffin and dogs
Ragamuffins can build good relationships with dogs, as long as the living environment includes multiple high hiding places where the cat can escape to avoid any unwanted contact. It is also important to introduce them to each other gradually while paying attention to both of their needs. Furthermore, the way in which the kitten is socialised at a young age subsequently influences their lifetime sociability with dogs.
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Ragamuffin and children
Sweet and often quiet, they can be just like a little hot water bottle. Some particularly energetic cats also love to play. In any case, care must be taken to ensure that children understand and respect the cat. This can help them to develop an unforgettable relationship.
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Ragamuffin and the elderly
This depends on both the cat ... and the owner! Due to their silky fur and tender nature, Ragamuffins have the potential to be great company for an elderly person, particularly if they’re able to take care of the cat’s needs.
Price
A Ragamuffin kitten costs between £600 and £700. Their price varies depending on their lineage, breeding, age, sex etc. On average, they also cost around £35 per month to keep them healthy and to guarantee them a high quality of life.
Grooming
Despite having a dense undercoat and long hair, a simple regular brushing is sufficient. Their hair isn’t particularly susceptible to knotting according to previous and current owners.
Shedding
They don’t lose much hair, except when they’re moulting.
Nutrition of the Ragamuffin
These large cats must have access to a diet that takes into account their size. That being said, it is important to limit portions to avoid obesity, which can occur if the cat is not particularly active. Owners should adjust their cat’s diet according to the cat’s age, its mass, its level of activity and its physiological needs. They should consult their vet.
Health of the Ragamuffin
Life expectancy
Their average life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Strong / robust
Their long, dense and silky hair gives them decent resistance to thermal variations and extreme temperatures.
Tendency to put on weight
Ragamuffins have a higher tendency to be overweight than other cats due to their posture. You can decrease these risks with interactive play periods incorporated into their daily routines. Feeding using interactive bowls also helps ration portions.
Common illnesses
As they’re a relatively rare breed, There are not many details regarding their health. In any case, an annual medical examination is recommended to ensure their well-being and good health. What's more, Ragamuffins can suffer from the same diseases as domestic cats, including oral diseases.
Reproduction
As this breed is not recognised by many cat associations, there is a lot of variability in their crossbreeding.
The CFA authorises crossbreeding with straight haired Long-haired Selkirk Rex, as long as the kittens born on or before July 31, 2030.