Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–18 years
Weight
5–9 kg
Group
Semi-Longhair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Various Colors and Patterns
Ragamuffin
About This Breed
The RagaMuffin is a breed of domestic cat. It is a variant of the Ragdoll cat. RagaMuffins are notable for their friendly natures and plush coats. They were developed by Ragdoll breeders who wanted to introduce new colors and patterns. RagaMuffins are known for their docile temperament, tendency to go limp when held, puppy-like devotion, and their patient, calm nature that makes them great with children.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Ragamuffin
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Semi-Longhair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 5–9 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Various Colors and Patterns |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Affectionate · Docile · Calm · Gentle · Patient |
Usually fairly calm, but still needs daily play and activity.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
About the Breed
Imagine the most loving, longhaired lap cat you’ve ever had the fortune to meet, and you’ll understand the goal behind the development of the RagaMuffin breed. These sweet-tempered, easy-going cats were created to cuddle, and they will make themselves at home anywhere you are. Years of selective breeding to produce this unique look and teddy-bear personality have produced a colorful, living work of art from the humblest of beginnings, demonstrating the clarity of their creator’s vision and the power of years of hard work by breeders.
Breed History
The history of the RagaMuffin is closely tied to that of the Ragdoll. In the early 1990s, a group of breeders formerly associated with Ann Baker, founder of the Ragdoll, chose to break away from her registry. They began working with carefully chosen domestic longhairs to continue the breed’s development on their own and add fresh genes for health and vitality. They opted to retain some Ragdoll characteristics—a large, longhaired cat with an extremely mellow nature—but with a somewhat different type and a dramatically different color scheme. The name RagaMuffin was chosen, which linked the new breed back to its ancestral street cats, and added a certain roguish charm. RagaMuffins are now available in a true rainbow of colors and patterns, with and without white, however, pointed cats (also pointed and white) are designated for breeding only and cannot currently be shown. RagaMuffins were granted CFA registration in 2003 and achieved championship status in 2011.
Character & Temperament
RagaMuffins are known for sweetness rather than high intelligence, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. Because they are very eager to please, they are also quite responsive to their owners’ wishes. Many are willing to learn to wear harnesses and walk on a leash; some have also learned to fetch. While they can be quite playful, most RagaMuffins are happiest living up to their “lap cat” role and will snuggle up with their favorite person for hours. Because these cats are so agreeable, they make wonderful pets for families with small children; they’re unlikely to mind participating in a tea party or being dressed up in doll clothes. They also do well with people who live alone, providing them with plenty of devotion and emotional support. RagaMuffins are very trusting and enjoy the company of dogs and other cats; however, since they are rarely aggressive, care should be taken to introduce them properly so they will not be dominated by other family pets. They will engage in friendly conversation but are not unduly vocal.
Physical Appearance
Physically, RagaMuffins are a medium to large cat with substantial bone structures and a full, silky coat that is often compared to a rabbit’s fur. The large, expressive, walnut-shaped eyes and noticeably puffy whisker pads contribute to the overall sweet look. The head is a broad modified wedge with a pleasingly rounded appearance, set off with medium-sized, rounded ears. This is a slow-maturing breed that can take up to four years to reach full growth. A mature male’s weight may reach up to 20 pounds, with females peak at closer to 15 pounds.
Grooming
Despite their long coats, RagaMuffins do not need daily grooming because their fur tends to resist tangles and mats. Combing with a long-toothed comb is suggested once or twice a week to remove anything that might’ve gotten stuck in their coats. Most RagaMuffins do not require regular bathing, but there’s no doubt that an occasional bath will add to the breed’s natural beauty. If you do plan to bathe your cat, consult your breeder for the right products to use; every coat is slightly different
Life at home
RagaMuffins are a relatively new breed and still small in number, but that number is growing every year. Because of their diverse background, they tend to be sturdy, healthy cats with no breed-specific genetic issues. However, there are certain heritable conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease, that may occur in all cats, and genetic testing of breeding animals usually enables breeders to manage health concerns and produce healthy kittens. Breeders typically recommend purchasing a pet insurance policy; CFA now offers a free 30-day trial policy with kitten registration.
Breed Overview
RagaMuffin cats are as goofy as they are charming, with a fondness for both play and cozy moments on the couch. Originating from a breakaway group of Ragdoll breeders no longer wanting to adhere to the rigid standards of the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), RagaMuffins are bred to embody the ideal family cat—sociable, intelligent, and affectionate. Male RagaMuffins can reach weights of up to 20 pounds while females are generally smaller, ranging 10–15 pounds. Despite their size difference, both genders share the same sweet and affectionate demeanor.
Care Guide
Ragdolls are known for their extreme relaxation when held, to the point of going limp, and RagaMuffins remain true to their roots. Similarly, both fluffy cats are slow to mature, often keeping their kittenish charm until they’re around 4 years old. What sets the breeds apart is their sociability, says Tammy Ogle, owner of RagaMuffin Cat World in Tennessee. There is no doubt Ragdolls are friendly cats, but RagaMuffins form incredibly strong bonds and have an uncanny ability to tune in with your emotions, she says. RagaMuffins always prefer to be by your side. They also come in every color and coat pattern, while Ragdolls always have a color-point pattern. "They have a beautiful ruff," Ogle says, referring to longer fur around their necks that resembles a mane. And despite medium-length fur with longer belly fluff, RagaMuffins have a low-maintenance grooming routine.