Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
True lap cats, ragamuffin cats like being cuddled by their owners. They are best known for their enormous, long bodies and extraordinarily plush coats. Ragamuffin cats, sometimes known as “puppy-like” cats, are very intelligent, gregarious, and endearing. Many Ragamuffins also grow to love playing games like fetch and picking up new tricks. Some even come to love taking walks while being leashed!
Ragamuffin cats may thrive in a variety of situations, including larger single-family houses and apartments, as they are highly adaptable. They are also excellent pets for households with young children or other animals.
Ragamuffins are calm, friendly cats, but if they aren’t given enough attention and interest, their affable natures can lead to boredom. If you get a Ragamuffin cat, you should prepare to play and cuddle with them for a number of hours each day.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: Males typically weigh between 12 and 20 pounds, while females weight between 8 and 15 pounds.
- LENGTH: Up to 33 inches long
- COAT: Long and silky
- COAT COLOR: White, black, blue, red, lavender, cinnamon, chestnut, platinum, and chocolate
- EYE COLOR: Amber, blue, green, gold, odd-eyed
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years
Characteristics of the Ragamuffin
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendliness | High |
| Pet-Friendliness | High |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Playfulness | Moderate |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Intelligence | Moderate to High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Moderate |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate to High |
History of The Ragamuffin
Ragamuffin cats, who are related to Ragdoll cats, have just recently been recognized as a distinct breed. After Ann Baker developed the Ragdoll in the 1960s, a group of breeders aimed to improve the variety in their cats’ coat hues, patterns, and body shapes. They also wanted to broaden the genetic diversity of their litters since a more diverse gene pool can offer some protection against hereditary or genetic health problems. Because Ann Baker strictly controlled Ragdoll breeding and didn’t want to add variability to her breed, these breeders set out to create their own distinct breed.
These breeders crossed Ragdoll cats with Persians, Himalayans, and domestic long-haired cats to increase the size of their cats and develop morphological traits that would distinguish Ragamuffins from Ragdolls. The term “Ragamuffin,” which was first suggested as a joke by one of the early breeders, stuck when the breed’s official registry could not be changed. It also honors Ragdoll cats, who were the source of their initial inspiration.
Ragamuffins are now recognized as a breed by the United Feline Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the Cat Fanciers Federation. The Cat Fanciers Association did not formally recognize ragamuffins until 2011.
Ragamuffin Care
The long, silky coats of ragamuffins require less upkeep than that of many other cats. Because Ragamuffins are tangle-resistant, you may anticipate brushing or combing them once or twice a week to get rid of any minor mats or tangles as well as dead hair accumulation. Additionally, excessive shedding is not a concern with ragamuffins.
Once a week, check your Ragamuffin’s ears, and gently wipe any dirt or debris out with a cotton ball or moist towel. If your Ragamuffin’s ears are very dusty, red, inflamed, or smell bad, go to the vet immediately away. Cotton swabs ought to be avoided since they can hurt the delicate inner ear parts.
To remove any discharge that could be present around your Ragamuffin’s eyes, use a soft, wet towel. To stop the spread of an infection, use a different section of the towel for each eye.
Like any other breed of cat, Ragamuffin cats are prone to periodontal disease if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. If you are unable to brush your cat’s teeth every day, at least try to do it once a week. Tartar control treats are acceptable in moderation but shouldn’t be your cat’s main method of oral hygiene.
As was already mentioned, ragamuffins are quite playful and love to be petted by their owners, but if they aren’t given enough stimulation, they can quickly become bored. To spend time with your Ragamuffin each day, set aside some time. He or she can be entertained and occupied with a variety of cat toys, games, and even fetch. She can occupy herself for several hours with something as simple as a ball because ragamuffins are known for their exuberance.
Given their daring personalities, Ragamuffins must never be allowed outside.
Common Health Problems
Despite the fact that genetic diversity offers some protection against inherited health problems, Ragamuffins may be more susceptible to specific diseases. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs in case your cat exhibits these symptoms, even though not all Ragamuffins may.
In ragamuffins, the following medical conditions are frequently present:
- Numerous cysts form on the kidneys of cats who have polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Although it isn’t immediately life-threatening, it should be treated as soon as possible to stop the growth of additional cysts and lower the possibility of harmful bacterial infections.
- Cats are prone to a cardiac condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is characterized by the swelling of the heart muscle. Although cats with HCM are routinely eliminated from breeding lines, this is not a guarantee.
- Consult your veterinarian if you’re worried about any of these or other health issues affecting your Ragamuffin. They can provide suggestions on how to keep your cat as healthy as possible so that he or she can enjoy a long, fulfilling life.
Food intake and diet
Although Ragamuffins are huge cats, they shouldn’t be overweight, therefore it’s crucial to avoid overfeeding them like you would any other cat. Depending on his or her age, sex, and level of activity, your Ragamuffin’s nutritional requirements will vary, but in general, he or she should consume one dish of premium cat food every day. You can incorporate some wet foods into meals a few times each week if you need to add some variety to the diet.
Consult your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet if you’re unsure of how much to feed your Ragamuffin or believe that he or she is putting on too much weight.
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
It’s crucial to complete your research and confirm that your family and schedule can handle daily pet care before introducing any pet into your home. Although ragamuffin cats demand daily playtime and attention, they are relatively low-maintenance pets.
Check out the following breeds if you’re interested in others like the Ragamuffin:
- New England Coon\sRough Doll\sThe Iranian
READ NEXT: Oriental Longhair: Cat Breed Profile
