Personality and Temperament
If you're looking for a big, friendly, long-haired cat, the Ragamuffin might be the perfect breed for your family. These kitties are very much like Ragdoll Cats; in fact, they are directly descended from that breed and share quite a few similar traits.
Ragamuffin cats make fast friends with everyone they meet, so long as they are treated with respect. Unlike many cats that prefer to be left to their own devices, these kitties love to be held and will relax completely when picked up and snuggled. They enjoy easy-going pursuits such as watching your favorite shows and movies, napping alongside you while you work from home, and snuggling up with you at night.
Despite their tendency to spend lots of time relaxing, Ragamuffin cats do have a playful side. They will happily play on their own, batting a favorite ball or a catnip mouse from here to there. They appreciate interactive games and their families love their adorable, delicate demeanor, which comes out even when they are attacking a toy.
Because their thick, luxurious coats are prone to picking up debris and because their personalities are so relaxed, these cats are best suited to indoor life. Even though they might be able to withstand cold temperatures, they simply aren't meant to brave the elements or face hazardous situations.
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
The Ragamuffin cat doesn't have any special nutritional needs, however these cats thrive on a high-protein, low carbohydrate diet that helps prevent obesity. We recommend choosing a high-quality brand with real meat or fish as the main ingredient.
A Ragamuffin cat has a thick, dense undercoat composed of ultrafine hairs that are prone to tangling and matting. These kitties need plenty of attention to keep their coats in top condition. Brush your cat's teeth if you would like to keep them in better health for a lifetime, and consider clipping their toenails as well.
Even though Ragamuffin cats are more accepting of handling than most, it's still important to be gentle as you teach them about these important grooming routines.
Ragamuffin cats love interactive play with their favorite people. They really appreciate it when you take time out for a fun game of laser chase.
Because these cats are so laid-back, these cats don’t view activity as a huge priority. As they get older, you may find that you have to encourage them to play using a feathered wand or tossing a favorite toy.
You might also consider teaching your Ragamuffin cat to walk on a leash. These kitties are highly intelligent and with care, can be taught how to walk along with you. Once they understand what's going on, they tend to enjoy opportunities to safely explore the outdoors alongside you.
Even though Ragamuffins are generally healthy, they are susceptible to two hereditary issues: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Even some domestic cats are prone to these illnesses; they’re common in many other purebreds, too.
Ragamuffins can be prone to obesity; sadly, it’s a common issue among big, gentle cats like these. It’s up to us as their guardians to encourage playtime and provide a suitable high-protein diet that helps preserve lean muscle mass.
History
The history of the Ragamuffin cat begins with some of the same foundation members as those used to create the Ragdoll cat. These IRCA Cherubim Cats were developed between 1971 and 1994. Famous IRCA Miracle Ragdolls, Honey Bears, Ragdolls, and Maximilion breeding lines all went into the development of the Ragamuffin cat.
The original IRCA Ragdoll cats and Cherubim cats were registered privately with the International Ragdoll Cat Association founded by a breeder named Ann Baker. Many of the cats used in the foundation of these breeds were descendents of a domestic long-haired cat named Josephine who was of unknown Persian or Angora stock, and who had a reputation for producing kittens that were unusually docile.
By 1994, some IRCA breeders decided to strike out on their own. Because of trademarks on the breed names Ragdoll and Cherubim, these breeders decided to rename progeny from their IRCA Cherubim cats. One of the group's founding members, a breeder named Curt Gehm, suggested the name Ragamuffin, and it stuck.
The group initially allowed a limited number of out crossings to domestic longhair cats and Persians, as well as IRCA Ragdolls. Currently, only cats with at least one Ragamuffin parent and one CFA / ACFA/ GCCF outcross parent qualify as authentic Ragamuffins.
The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the breed in the miscellaneous class in 2003, and promoted them to championship status in 2011.
The Breed Standard
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a Ragamuffin cat cost?
Ragamuffin cats cost between $1200 - $2000.
How big does this breed cat's cat get?
Ragamuffin cats tend to be large in size. A fully grown Ragamuffin cat might weigh between 5 - 7 kg or more and range in height anywhere from about 23 - 28 cm inches tall.
How long do Ragamuffin cats live?
The Average lifespan for Ragamuffin is 13-16 years.
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