Ragamuffin Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired

Weight

4.5-9 kg

Length

25-38 cm

Lifespan

14-15 years

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About the Ragamuffin Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Ragamuffin cat is one that’s fairly distinctive in its appearance, and for any cat owner, it’s a popular one to bring into the home.

This breed is one that loves attention and is the very definition of a lap cat. If you’re after the ultimate cuddly feline, then this is one you should definitely consider adopting or buying from one of the many breeders available.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the Ragamuffin’s origin and history. You’ll get all the relevant information you need on spotting the appearance of this breed and its living needs and other useful information like lifespan and potential health issues the breed has.

What Is the History & Origin of the RagaMuffin Cat?

If you’re thinking about getting a Ragamuffin, then their origin and history are worth exploring. The breed is related closely to the Ragdoll breed. Some breeders were keen to introduce new patterns and colours, and due to Ragdolls being strictly controlled by the breeder’s founder Ann Baker, a new group of breeders formed to create its own breed.

As a result, the Ragamuffin was created by outcrossing to Persians, domestic longhair cats and Himalayans. This helped increase the size and to make changes to the appearance that would be telling when comparing the Ragdoll and the Ragamuffin.

For cat associations, the Ragamuffin is recognised by the American Cat Fanciers Association, with full recognition given in February 2011.

What Is a RagaMuffin Cat Breed?

The Ragamuffin cat is often confused with the Ragdoll cat because they’re fairly similar in appearance. However, the Ragamuffin is a unique breed that comes in a range of colours and patterns.

Their sweet expression and personality are what makes this breed such a beautiful cat to welcome into your home.

Who Is a RagaMuffin Cat Best For?

Ragamuffin cats are suitable for anyone looking for a calm but somewhat playful big kitty. You’re going to get plenty of love and attention from them and welcome all of the cuddles. They’re perfect for families with kids and those with other household animals.

What Does a RagaMuffin Cat Look Like?

To tell a Ragamuffin apart from other cats, including the Ragdoll, it’s good to know its typical appearance when it comes to the coat, the colours available and patterns of the cat’s coat.

Coat

Ragamuffins are large and long-bodied. They have a long tail and a plush coat that makes the cat look a lot bigger than it is. Whilst the cat has a medium-sized head, the coat makes them look bigger.

Colours

There are a variety of colours that this breed comes in. These include blue, chocolate, lilac, seal, sable, mink, black, silver, red, shaded, smoke, cream and cameo. That’s A LOT of colours to come across when choosing a breed like this one. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Patterns

The patterns you can expect to find with this type of breed are tabby, tortie, solid, mitted and bi-colour.

RagaMuffin Cat Grooming & Shedding

When it comes to Ragamuffin grooming, the coat sheds but not to an excessive amount. In any case, some weekly grooming will be helpful to do. With regular nail trimming and ear cleaning, your cat will be a happy one.

Clean the ears with cotton swabs or a cotton ball, depending on what you have in the home.

How Do RagaMuffin Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The Ragamuffin is a fairly easygoing cat, so much so that you’re not going to find another cat quite like this one. It’s known as the teddy bear of the cat world, and you’ll soon see why when you bring one into your home.

They love to sit on your lap or sleep nearby on the sofa or bed. They love being in the presence of their human companions, so if you’re one of the many cat enthusiasts who want a cat by their side at all times, then this one is right for you!

With a fun-loving personality, they get along well with other cats, and they’re friendly towards other pets, including dogs.

Living Needs

Ragamuffins don’t need a huge space to roam around in. They are ideal for those owners who live in apartments as well as the average house. A few toys around the place will be welcomed in order to keep them occupied when you’re busy with housework.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of RagaMuffin Cats?

What can you expect from a Ragamuffin when it comes to the typical habits and activity levels of this breed?

Habits

The cat is a placid breed, so they’ll enjoy being carried around and cuddled. Its typical habits are to be close to its human owners, so as long as this is happening on a daily basis or during most hours of the day, they should be fine.

Activity Level

When it comes to their activity levels, they’re fairly calm felines. You should have no problems with them being hyperactive during parts of the day.

Vocalness

Not everyone enjoys a vocal cat, and for some, it can get extremely irritating when they’re meowing or making noises at all hours of the day! With this breed, you can expect them to get vocal only when it’s necessary. Other than that, you shouldn’t really hear them making much noise.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a RagaMuffin Cat?

Ragamuffins are certainly one of the larger cat breeds available, and with that being said, here are some key stats when it comes to their height, weight and size.

Height

The average height of a Ragamuffin is 25-38 cm.

Weight

To ensure they remain a healthy weight, you should expect your cat to weigh between 4.5-9 kg.

Size

The size of a Ragamuffin is usually considered large. Due to their cross-breeding, they’re slightly bigger than Ragdolls and fall into the large breeds category.

Are RagaMuffin Cats Easy to Train?

The breed’s fairly calm disposition makes it easier for owners to train their cats. If you’re looking to teach your cat tricks to show off to guests, then this is certainly the right cat to adopt or buy!

Does the RagaMuffin Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Like all other cats, this breed is prone to a number of infectious diseases if not looked after properly or exposed to other cats and the environment. These include the following:

FIV: RagaMuffins can be susceptible to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), especially if exposed to outdoor environments.
Cat Flu: They may contract cat flu, which is a viral infection affecting the respiratory system.
Feline Leukemia Virus: RagaMuffins are at risk for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), which can severely impact their immune system.
Toxoplasmosis: This breed can also be affected by toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be harmful if contracted.
Chlamydia: They can develop chlamydia, a bacterial infection that affects the eyes and respiratory system.
Cardiomyopathy: RagaMuffins may suffer from cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can lead to serious complications.
Periodontal Disease: This breed is prone to periodontal disease, which affects their dental health and overall well-being.
Urinary Conditions: They can experience urinary conditions, which may cause discomfort and require veterinary attention.

What Is the Lifespan of a RagaMuffin Cat?

The average lifespan for a Ragamuffin is around 15 years. It’s a reasonable amount of time, and for many cat breeds, it’s the average lifespan that most are expected to live to.

How Much Does a RagaMuffin Cat Need to Be Fed?

As a breed, Ragamuffins are naturally prone to have weight problems which means a good, balanced diet is required. It’s good to choose healthy wet food with plenty of animal proteins. This will ensure that they’re getting the right amount of food intake required to maintain their weight.

As a breed, it’s always important to take a look online at what specific foods have been catered for certain breeds.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a RagaMuffin Cat in Australia?

When buying Ragamuffin kittens from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anything from $800 to $1,300. For adopting a Ragamuffin cat, you’ll only likely pay between $75-$150, but these will usually be adult cats.

As always, it’s important to buy from a reputable breeder and not from one that hasn’t got any professional accreditations for breeding.

RagaMuffin Cat FAQs

Are Ragamuffin cats a rare breed?

Despite them being the 33rd most popular breed, they are fairly uncommon. Sitting in the top section of the leader board, you’d think that these would be cats you’d find in many households across the world. However, they are growing in their numbers as more cat lovers learn about them.

Do Ragamuffin cats get along well with kids and other household pets?

Ragamuffin cats are gentle giants despite their large features. They’re the perfect family cat because they enjoy being held and stroked. It makes them ideal for those young children who love to pet and awkwardly handle their pets.

Are Ragamuffin cats hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, Ragamuffins are not hypoallergenic. They tend to shed quite a lot of cat hair and therefore produce more protein and dander that irritates allergies. If you have cat allergies in your household, then it’s worth opting for another breed.

Are Ragamuffin cats prone to separation anxiety?

Ragamuffin cats are prone to separation anxiety, and as a result, it’s good to make sure that there’s always someone in the home for most of the day. This doesn’t necessarily need to be humans but could be other pets such as another dog or household cat.

What makes Ragamuffin cats different from Ragdoll cats?

The breeds themselves are fairly similar to one another. Both have big eyes, but with a Ragdoll breed, you’ll find they’re oval-shaped rather than round. Ragdolls also only have blue eyes, but for the Ragamuffin breed, you can expect eyes of any colour.