The Ragamuffin breed: Information about this cat breed

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

Life expectancy : Between 12 and 16 years
Temperament : Affectionate, Calm
Type of coat : Long
Price : Between £600 and £700

Physical characteristics of the Ragamuffin

Adult size

Female cat	Between 9 and 12 in
Male cat	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 cat	Between 9 and 15 lb
Male cat	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.

Coat patterns

Solid / plain, tabby / striped, colourpoint, bicolour,, mink / sepia

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.

Temperament

Affectionate

This breed has a reputation for being loving, sociable and warm-hearted.

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.

Calm

This breed is spectacularly calm!

Intelligent

Due to their curious and adaptable nature, they get involved in daily life and make their owners smile regularly.

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.

Independent

As long as all their needs are fulfilled, they can be left alone for long periods of time.

Behaviour of the Ragamuffin

Chatty

Some are more so than others, but in general they’re not a very chatty breed.

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.

Tendency to run away

It obviously depends on the individual, but there is little evidence that Ragamuffins run away.

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.

Compatibility

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.).

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.

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.

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.

Hair loss

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.

Good to know

According to many, Ragamuffin fur has a similar texture to that rabbits!

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"!

Names

Good names for a Ragamuffin cat: Cookie, Ivo, Mimi, Stitch

Find out name ideas for your cat here