Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cats have a fairly brief history, only having been recognized as a separate breed from the ragdoll in the last three decades. Taking care of this type of cat requires regular grooming, a good diet, and a willingness to be followed around constantly for the sake of their loving personality. Though they are often born all white, you’ll enjoy seeing their colors come in as they get older.

Ragamuffins vs. Ragdolls

Both of these breeds are loving with their families, and they have fairly large builds. After all, they ARE related, though the ragdoll was first. When you look closely, their eye shape is much different. Plus, the Ragdoll tends to have a much longer coat. Both require weekly grooming, and both shed extensively.

In their personalities, the ragamuffin tends to be a lot more comfortable with change, though they love to socialize regardless. With a history of being confused for one another, understanding this difference can help you decide on the pros and cons as you find the right pet.

Evolution

The Ragamuffin was developed in 1994 from a breed known as “Cherubim” that was bred by Ann Baker of Riverside, California. Mystery surrounds the development story, which started in the 1960s. It is believed that Ragamuffins were created by crossing a Ragdoll with other long-haired cats, such as Turkish Angoras, Himalayans, Persians, and other long-haired domestic cats. Ragamuffins were granted registration status by The Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2003 and full championship status in 2011.

Traits: What to Know Before You Buy

Before adopting and dreaming up names for the sweet personality of the ragamuffin cat, there are a few factors to consider. While you may see these traits as pros and cons, they are simply facts to help make the best decision for your household.

• The most notable qualities of the Ragamuffin cat are its friendly personality and its thick yet incredibly soft fur. They are only meant to be kept as indoor pets.
• While this cat breed has incredible intelligence and may even be trainable, they are very lazy and needy. You won’t have to look far for this cat; he is probably already following you around the home.
• The Ragamuffin cat is fairly healthy, but hereditary conditions — like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease — should be monitored closely by a vet.
• Sometimes, they have more than one eye color, which is a condition referred to as heterochromia. Most often, their eye color is blue in different shades.

Personality

With all of the beautiful attributes of the ragamuffin, perhaps the most appealing is the friendly personality. This cat breed is known for the sweet temperament that they show to their owners, often following them around the home as a way to show their love. Their docile personality makes them incredible companions for anyone, especially for people who want to relax at the end of a long day with their furry friend.

As lovable as the personality of this cat breed is towards adults, they are also incredibly patient with children who are still learning how to be around their pets. Whether cuddling or playing, the ragamuffin cat seems happy to be in your care. They can get a little vocal at times (which is one of their pros and cons), but it is all meant to be in adoration.

Even if you’re a dog person, this cat might fit the bill. Their playful and intelligent nature makes it easy to teach them tricks and even to train them to fetch. With the right exposure, the ragamuffin may walk on a leash as well.

Size and Weight

Ragamuffin cats are known for their large size, so it should come as no surprise that the males have an average weight of up to 20 lbs. Females, on the other hand, are smaller, ranging from 12 lbs. to 15 lbs. at their adult weight. On record, the largest ragamuffin cats have been no more than 20 lbs., which is primarily due to their large frame. Their coats make them look like their weight is even greater, giving a fluffy and soft texture to adults and kittens alike.

Ragamuffin cats are in good company with other hefty domestic breeds. The British shorthair tends to be about the same size among males and females, but the Ragdoll cat is the closest by far. With the signature long hair, the ragamuffin cat actually used to be referred to as a mix of the ragdoll. However, its recognition as its own breed is still fairly recent history, only dating back about 30 years.

Price to Own a Ragamuffin

Depending on their physical characteristics, location, and other factors, the average cost to purchase a ragamuffin kitten is $800 to $1,500. However, if the breeder has established itself with a high-titled breeding line, the cost goes up from $1,200 to $2,000. Adults don’t cost nearly as much.

Feeding any cat costs between $120 and $500 each year, depending on whether the feline needs a particular diet. Annual visits to the vet, assuming that nothing is wrong, cost about $110, but the biggest amount of spending you’ll do is on grooming. These cats need to be regularly brushed to stay on top of the shedding, so you’ll either need to find a groomer or get the tools yourself.

The most expensive ragamuffin cats typically are kittens, but a solid white coat is often rarer than other variations, adding to the cost. Keep in mind that kittens are usually all-white in their coat at birth. Black and white, orange, and white, and other combinations are easy to find. The hardest is a solid white ragamuffin.

For anyone who wants to go through a breeder, the price isn’t always shown online. You might have to sign up for a waitlist or search through many reputable sources to find the right match.

Kittens

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of a ragamuffin cat’s life is as a kitten. When they are born, they are only white. It isn’t until this breed starts to mature that it has any other color patterns. Even their eyes can stand out, as the breed is prone to heterochromia (a condition that causes two different colors in their eyes).

Ragamuffin kittens typically need to stay with their mothers until they are 12 weeks old, weighing about 3.7 lbs. by then. Ragamuffin cats typically reach sexual maturity between 5 and 12 months of age, which is why many breeders recommend neutering them before they reach 1 year old. When this cat reaches its full size, the females are the smaller of the breed at 10 to 15 lbs. Males, on the other hand, can weigh over 20 lbs., reaching a length of 15 to 20 inches (not including the tail).

Whether cat or kitten, ragamuffins are great companions in homes with children.

Lifespan

Ragamuffin cats tend to take a while before they mature, which is why some of them have a lifespan of 18 years. They don’t actually reach their full adult size until they are four years old, but the average lifespan is between 12 and 16 years, depending on their health.

For the most part, you won’t have to worry about your ragamuffin’s health. However, they carry the genes for a few hereditary issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. Since this cat’s length and weight are substantial, maintain a healthy diet. Without a good diet, the ragamuffin can become obese quickly. Give them high-quality cat food daily to maintain a healthy weight through their diet.

Breed vs. Mixed

Ragamuffin cats are known for so many beautiful characteristics, from their expressive eyes to delicately soft fur. However, finding a mix of a Ragamuffin and another cat isn’t uncommon. Some of the special qualities that a ragamuffin cat must have include its medium-long fur that doesn’t mat, its medium to large size, and its heavy-boned frame.

If you aren’t sure if your cat is mixed, start with the texture of the coat. If the fur isn’t as soft as a rabbit’s fur, your cat is likely mixed with another breed. Colors won’t really disqualify the cat, but the affectionate and friendly nature of the ragamuffin cat is crucial. Cats that prefer a more solitary mentality may not be entirely purebred.

Types of Ragamuffin Cats and Colors

The CFA standards for the ragamuffin clearly state that ragamuffin cats are found in many different colors and patterns. The most common colors are brown, blonde, black, and white, which are found in solid, tabby and white, tortoiseshell, and mink patterns. While it isn’t important to be symmetrical, some breeders prefer this look.

Most often, their eye color is blue or green.