Ragamuffin Cat

What you Need to Know about the Ragamuffin Cat

The Ragamuffin is one of the most affectionate of the cat world. Although not exactly small, these still relatively rare cats have a habit of being a 'surprising' shadow. They will follow you just about everywhere you go.

They have a luxurious coat, a great personality, and for many, will make an ideal pet.

This cat is often confused with the Ragdoll, especially Ragamuffin kittens. They are related but, without a doubt, very distinctive breeds. It is likely that the modern-day Ragamuffin is a result of another cross-breeding as well. These other cat breeds include the Persian, Turkish Angora, and Birman cat.

The Ragamuffin is a gorgeous cat with a look that will make you want to give them the attention they deserve.

Appearance Matters. What does a Ragamuffin Cat look like?

The Ragamuffin cat size is described as being large with a 'padded' belly and guaranteed to make quite an entrance wherever they go. Their silky, long fur is quite luxurious to the touch.

They have a somewhat rectangular body, broad shoulders, and a generally muscular appearance. The appearance is finished off with a fluffy tail, short neck, and wide head.

Ragamuffin cat vs Ragdoll

The Ragamuffin is very similar in appearance to the Ragdoll. The exceptions to this are the nose and eyes. The Ragamuffin has a shorter nose, and its eyes are walnut-shaped. The Ragdoll's eyes are more oval in appearance.

Ragamuffins are big cats. Males can weigh up to 20 pounds, with females being somewhat smaller.

Ragamuffin Cat Colors 

Ragamuffins can be a variety of colors and patterns. Some of the most common include:

• Solid
• Tabby
• White
• Tortoiseshell
• Mink

Unlike some breeds, the coat colors and patterns are not considered to be that important by breeders. This striking cat seems to be adored. However, it looks.

It's all Personal. The Ragamuffin Cat Personality

The Ragamuffin cat personality is one of affection and a love of being close to their family. They are also great listeners and seem to have a look in their eyes that suggests they know what you're saying.

Owners and breeders often say that you won't find a nicer cat to have in your house. The only exception to this being the Ragdoll, which is a very close relation. 

Ragamuffins love pampering. They also adore settling on your lap and will seek strokes and cuddles at every opportunity. Be warned, though. They are not slow in having quick bursts of energy and becoming interested in a favorite toy. 

Many cat breeds have a reputation for appearing 'aloof'. This is not the case with Ragamuffins. If you want a pet that will bond very close to you, this cat is an excellent choice.

They will seek out attention and 'lock gazes' with you whenever they get the chance. Try talking to your cat, and they will appear to soak up every word. Stop talking, and they might even give you a look and ask for more. This breed loves attention and interaction.

Because of their loving nature, they are probably more suited to someone who isn't out of the house all day. They make wonderful companions for people who live alone but are also suited to larger families. 

How popular is the Ragamuffin amongst its owners? Many Ragamuffin cat lovers state that one cat is never enough! These cats can be content by themselves. But their nature is such that they love having the company of other cats, especially of the same breed. 

If you have children or other pets, then this cat will also be a good choice. They also react well to basic training, especially as a kitten. These are obedient cats who will learn new tricks relatively easily.

One word of caution about the breed is their trusting nature. They are well-suited to being indoors where you can keep an eye on them. But let them outside, and they have the potential to get into trouble.

Caring for your Ragamuffin Cat

Although the Ragamuffin is a long-haired cat, its coat shouldn't be prone to matting or tangling.

Their silky coat is easy to groom, and brushing once or twice a week should remove excess hair and keep their coat looking pristine. Also, with this cat being so appreciative of the attention, start grooming your cat from a young age. This can make regular brushing a positive experience for both you and your pet.

The Ragamuffin does shed hair, but it isn't considered to be excessive. They are also not completely hypoallergenic. Providing you groom your cat, they might be suitable if you have mild allergies. Spending a bit of time with one of these cats is always advisable, especially before adding them as a permanent member of the family.

Other things to add to your grooming routine include checking their ears and eyes for dirt and discharge. Use separate soft and damp cloths to clean these areas. Also, make sure to trim nails when required.  

The Health and Happiness of your Ragamuffin Cat

A healthy Ragamuffin can expect to have a lifespan of up to 16 years. They are considered to be a generally healthy breed and not subject to any specific genetic conditions.

Like other cat breeds, though, they can be prone to some health conditions. These include:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition is one of the most common in cats, and knowing the symptoms can make all the difference. Also, there is now a gene test that is available for this, which can help to identify which cats are affected. Signs to look out for include loss of appetite, lethargy, and shortness of breath.
• Polycystic kidney disease. This is another common health problem for cats. Knowing the signs can help with knowing when to get veterinary assistance. This condition causes cysts to form in the cat’s kidneys. Symptoms can include excessive urination and thirst, weakness, and weight loss.

How Much Money Does a Ragamuffin Cat Cost?

These affectionate, large cats with gorgeous coats are popular pets, so it comes as no surprise that you are interested in getting one. Naturally, you might be wondering about the price, and that is why we’re here.

In general, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,300 for a Ragamuffin kitten for sale. The price will depend on a variety of factors, including the breeder, location, pedigree, and even the coat color.

Some purebred quality Ragamuffin kittens can reach a price of $2,000, but those are more aimed at competitions and shows, not really suited just for the pet life.

Feline History. Where does the Ragamuffin Cat come from?

The origin of the Ragamuffin is patchy. But it is accepted that the breed was developed from Ragdoll cats. Whereas Ragdoll’s history dates back to the 1960s, the Ragamuffin is much more recent. A group of breeders left the International Ragdoll Cat Association in 1994. They actually named their cats Ragamuffin, partly as a joke! But the name stuck.

The Ragamuffin is now recognized with the CFA with certain conditions. Cats with white-colored points are not eligible to be registered as this breed.

Ragamuffins are also now accepted by other registries. These include the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts