Let's talk Ragamuffins
The elegant and distinguished Ragamuffin has become a feline favourite for new and experienced owners alike. With their lengthy, silken coat, glistening eyes, and sage stare, the breed is one that cat lovers have consistently put at the top of their lists. Incredibly affectionate, the Ragamuffin is great around children and gets along with other pets in the house—cats and dogs alike. And when new friends come over, they’re inclined to greet them warmly. Yes, this is a well-rounded breed. The only downside? They tend to shed—a lot.Official name: Ragamuffin
Other names: None
Origins: United States of America
Shedding level: | Warm weather? |
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Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Low | Family pet?* | |
Compatibility with other pets: |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Baby cat: | Birth to 4 months |
Growing kitten: | 4 to 12 months |
Adult: | 1 to 7 years |
Mature: | 7 to 12 years |
Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Get to know the Ragamuffin
All you need to know about the breed
Diehard fans know one of the best-kept secrets in the feline pantheon: The Ragamuffin cat. The breed is surely a standout and the definition of docile. Known to sink into their owner’s arms like a big baby and not move until necessary, they ooze affection in all the best ways.
Their big and plush bodies will be easy to coddle, for sure. To note, however: The Ragamuffin is generally a very healthy breed but has a weakness for food. No cardinal sin there but owners will need to monitor their intake so their cat stays in good shape.
The Ragamuffin is known to be paws-off when it comes to scratching, both humans and their furniture (phew!). Get them a good scratching post or pad and your cat will be plenty occupied if the need to claw arises.
That said, the Ragamuffin enjoys engaging in healthy playtime, any time they’re not relaxing, that is. They also need affection—big time. The only caveat? This is not a cat that takes to being left alone all day. Those who work from – or stay at – home are a better fit for the breed, or, better yet, get them a feline buddy. The more, the merrier.
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2 facts about Ragamuffins
1. Part puppy?
The Ragamuffin breed is feisty and frolicsome, and will entertain owners with puppy-like behaviour from time to time. Ever-eager, the Ragamuffin breed enjoys playing fetch, learning new games and tricks, and has even been known to like walking on a leash, if you’re so inclined.
2. Trust me on this one
An incredibly amiable cat like the Ragamuffin can tend to be too trusting. That may sound funny but it holds true with this breed. They are highly receptive to family and friends alike, and even other animals so could easily let their guard down. The breed should therefore be an indoor cat, since they’re too vulnerable to being scooped up by predators (or strangers) while outdoors.
History of the breed
The Ragamuffin breed stems from the Ragdoll, an already-existing cat which was controlled very strictly by breeder Ann Baker who brought them about in the 1960s. A new group of cat enthusiasts was formed to create a cat similar to the Ragdoll but set apart by differing facial characteristics and a heavier size. The moniker Ragamuffin was initially coined as a joke – playing off the Ragdoll name – but it remained, a fitting homage to their forebear.
Most commonly found in the U.S. but also Canada, the Ragamuffin has been recognised by several professional organisations, namely the American Cat Fancier’s Association, the Canadian Cat Association, the Cat Fancier’s Federation, and the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts. The Ragamuffin was most recently officially registered by the Cat Fancier’s Association in 2011.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Ragamuffins
1. Ears
Ears set between top and side of head, rounded ends.
2. Coat
Soft, dense silky coat, medium to long in length.
3. Body
Medium to large full body, generous bone structure.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Ragamuffin
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Caring for your Ragamuffin
Grooming, training and exercise tips
One look at the Ragamuffin’s lush fur and you may think “hours of grooming” but it’s actually quite the opposite. Their long locks have a thickness that’s actually tangle-resistant. Despite that great facet, running a brush through their fur each day will be enough to keep them looking great. As with all cats, keep their nails trimmed and clean their ears and eyes of debris that may gather there. Brushing their teeth weekly (more if you can), albeit difficult, is important since tartar build-up can easily cause tooth decay. Making sure your Ragamuffin gets lots of exercise will be simple enough: This is a very playful breed who enjoys batting around a toy at any time. They’re always up for a round of fetch (really!) or any game you’d like to get up to. This affectionate cat will easily follow commands when it comes to training them. The Ragamuffin is an intelligent cat who likes to learn new things at any moment.7/7
All about Ragamuffins
Although descended from the Ragdoll (and Cherubim), the Ragamuffin and the Ragdoll are now completely different. Ragdolls have oval-shaped, exclusively blue eyes whereas Ragamuffin’s round eyes can be any colour. A Ragamuffin’s coat comes in many hues, none pointed, while the Ragdoll’s are only pointed. Both have medium-to-long fur with a plumed tail, although the Ragamuffin’s is more resistant to matting.
Not at all! They may look like it but the Ragamuffin is actually not a demanding breed. Their shedding is on the higher side but their single-layer coat is actually resistant to tangles. The breed’s docile nature also makes them cooperative when it comes to all things grooming. What the Ragamuffin does need: Lots of playtime, as a very spirited breed, and lots of your love.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book