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

Sitting Ragamuffin cat looking at camera in black and white

Shedding level:		Warm weather?
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.

Spider chart of Ragamuffin characteristics

25 - 38 cm Height

6.5 - 9 kg Weight

25 - 38 cm Height

3.75 - 6 kg Weight

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.

Close-up of Ragamuffin on grey background

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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.

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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.

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