The Ragamuffin is one of the newest domestic cat breeds. Originating in the U.S. in the 1960s, these massive, heavyweight gentle giants are known for their super friendly personalities.
Introduction The Ragamuffin Cat Breed
Ragamuffins trace their ancestry to a spontaneous mutation in a feral cat colony of California in the 1960s. Kittens were born with docile sweet personalities that passed down further generations. While closely related to the Ragdoll breed, recognized for their thicker coat, broader head, and sweeter expression. They make ideal house pets given their exceptionally affectionate personality and low activity needs.
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amount of Shedding: ⭐
General Health: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Playfulness: ⭐⭐
Tendency to Vocalize: ⭐
Kid-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Groom: ⭐⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐
Pet Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Large, heavy-boned muscular bodies
- Thick, rabbit-like long fur coat
- Affectionate, calm, tolerant personality
- Dog-like devotion to owners
- Lifespan of 10-16 years
- Variety of colorpoint patterns
Ragamuffins originated from hybrids of domestic longhairs with Persian and Himalayan ancestors. They have no recent wildcat heritage.
Caring for a Ragamuffin cat breed
Diet:
- High-quality protein-rich adult cat food
- Occasional wet food
- Hairball control and joint health formulas
Environment:
- Sturdy scratching posts
- Soft beds and carpeted cat perches
- Quiet home environment
Grooming:
- Daily combing and brushing
- Weekly baths in some cases
- Routine nail trimming
- Enrichment: Engage their placid nature via affection, treats and gentle playtime.
Finding a Ragamuffin
- Popular in: North America, Europe
- Price Range: $500 – $1500
Adoption/Rescue:
- The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)
- Regional Ragamuffin and Ragdoll rescues
- Pre-Adoption Checks:
- Overall health/energy
- Vaccination records
- Past medical history
Preparing for a Ragamuffin
- Tips: Have grooming tools ready, set up cozy resting spots, use interactive slow feeders
- Care Tasks: Patient grooming, nail care, annual vet exams, lots of bonding time
- Essentials: Slicker brush, comb, nail clippers, treats, soft beds, slow feed puzzles
- Health Issues: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease
- Key Vaccines: Feline leukemia, calicivirus, panleukopenia virus, rabies
Popular Ragamuffin Cat Names
Cute whimsical names suit these loveable, cuddly cats.
Examples: Snuggles, Cookie, Cupcake, Biscuit, Toffee
“Do Ragamuffins like the outdoors?”
No, they prefer staying indoors cuddling with their families over outdoor exploration.
“Are Ragamuffins intelligent?”
While not the smartest breed, respond well to training with food motivation.
“How many types?”
Just one breed with colorpoint pattern coat variations like seal, chocolate, lilac.
“How to curb Ragamuffin biting and scratching?”
Redirect to appropriate scratching posts, say “no” firmly, ignore after, reward gentle play.
“Tips for friendly Ragamuffin socialization?”
Give ample positive human interaction starting in early kittenhood.
“How to train a cat?”
Use food rewards to motivate learning of commands like come, sit, stay.
“Recommended Ragamuffin vet visits?”
Annual exams plus immediate visits for any signs of illness/injury.
“Good family pets?”
Yes, affectionate bond deeply with all family members.
“Good with kids/other pets?”
Yes, their tolerant attitude allows safe interactions with children/pets.
“Can they cause allergies?”
No. Low levels of Fel d1 protein in saliva/secretions makes them hypoallergenic.
“Are they aggressive?”
No, extremely docile, sweet-tempered cats.
“Do they have hair loss issues?”
Over-grooming stress can cause bald patches. Regular grooming helps minimize this.
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