What Does a RagaMuffin Cat Look Like?
The first thing you’ll notice about a RagaMuffin cat is their long, rabbit-like fur and baby face. They have large, expressive eyes that can be any color, or even odd-colored. Their coat isn’t bound to any specific color and pattern, either – they can be tabbies, calicoes, mink, solid white, or a combination of white and another color.
Their bodies are muscular, thick-boned, and broad-chested, making them look substantial from afar. They have a short neck that is lost in their ruff, and a broad head with a short or medium-length muzzle, puffy whisker pads, and a noticeable nose dip. A female RagaMuffin will weigh 10 to 15 pounds on average. Males can weigh more than 20 pounds, but typically stay in the 15-20 pound range.
What Is the Temperament of a RagaMuffin Cat Like?
Since they’re related to Ragdolls, RagaMuffins are mellow cats that are equally happy playing fetch or tag as they are napping on their owners’ laps. Their owners rarely complain about their behavior – you won’t see them scratching furniture or people, as long as they’re healthy and well-socialized. Because they’re intelligent and cooperative, you can teach them tricks or train them to walk on a leash.
How Affectionate Are They?
Just like the Ragdoll cat, the RagaMuffin loves being held. When you pick them up, they’ll go limp and let you carry them around like a baby. They’re very affectionate and will often climb onto your lap when you’re sitting and minding your business. Expect them to follow you around the house and always look for an opportunity to get some pets and hugs!
Are They Vocal Cats?
These cats are sociable, but not too vocal. They’ll greet your guests at the door and communicate their affection by rubbing against you, and simply spending time in your presence. However, they do crave attention, so if they sense that you’re ignoring them, they may start meowing more than usual. RagaMuffins can get anxious when they’re left home alone for many hours, and will vocalize to show their distress.
Are There Any Health Issues Common in RagaMuffins?
It’s difficult to pinpoint any specific diseases you should watch out for. Well-bred RagaMuffin kittens will be healthy, as responsible breeders screen the parent cats for conditions common in Ragdolls before allowing them to mate. A typical cat of this breed will live 12-16 years in great shape. However, rescued cats with an unknown background may suffer from:
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a condition that causes the heart’s walls to thicken, making it less efficient at pumping blood;
- respiratory tract disorders – bacterial or viral infections that should be diagnosed as soon as the cat is placed in care;
- polycystic kidney disease – a hereditary disease where the kidneys develop cysts that damage their tissues.
Apart from that, your RagaMuffin cat can be prone to obesity, so you should watch their calorie intake closely. To prevent kidney and bladder stones, keep them hydrated by feeding them wet food. You could also get them a cat fountain to encourage them to drink.
How to Groom and Care for Your RagaMuffin?
Although RagaMuffins have long, soft coats, they’re not prone to matting or tangles. They’re surprisingly easy to care for, and usually a weekly brushing or combing is enough to remove dead hairs and keep them looking neat. Bathing is only necessary if your cat gets into something dirty that may harm them if they lick it off.
Other than that, you’ll need to trim your cat’s claws every couple of weeks. If their nails get too long, your cat may start scratching furniture. Also, check their ears weekly and clean them gently with a cotton ball dipped in warm water if you notice excess wax or debris.
Domestic cats’ teeth haven’t fully adapted to a modern diet of cat food, so it’s best to brush their teeth daily (or at least weekly) to prevent tartar buildup that leads to gum disease. Another way to keep their teeth clean is to give them chewy snacks, like dried rabbit ears or hard meat.
Where Can You Get a RagaMuffin?
Since RagaMuffins are a breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, you can easily find reputable breeders through their online listing. Avoid buying a kitten from backyard breeders that can’t provide a pedigree or health guarantee. A RagaMuffin from a good source will normally cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but you may need to pay more if the parents are show cats.
If you’re interested in adopting a RagaMuffin cat in need of a home, you can search for a breed-specific rescue that posts announcements whenever a cat needs rehoming. If you’re lucky, you might find a cat of this breed in a local shelter, but the chances are pretty slim.
What’s the History of the RagaMuffin Cat Breed?
We’ve already mentioned that the RagaMuffin breed is related to the Ragdoll. It was developed when the Ragdoll was already an established breed, with its breeding lines strictly controlled by their founder, Ann Baker. Other breeders wanted to widen its gene pool to achieve healthier cats that came in more colors and patterns.
To do this, they needed to stray from the Ragdoll and develop their own cat breed that wouldn’t have to adhere to Ann Baker’s guidelines. They crossed their Ragdoll cats with Persians, Himalayans and non-pedigreed domestic longhairs. The result was a bigger cat with a distinctive appearance, which they named RagaMuffin for its Ragdoll ancestry.
Is the RagaMuffin the Right Cat for You?
If you’re looking for a cuddly cat breed that will keep you company all the time, the Ragamuffin cat might be for you. They’re low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, and they aren’t known to be troublemakers of any kind. In all likelihood, you’ll be getting a good-natured companion that will shower all members of your family with love.
However, these cats need a lot of attention. They’re happiest when their humans are present, so if you’re going to leave your pet alone for most of the day, you may want to consider a more independent breed – for example, a Russian Blue or a Maine Coon.
Fun Facts about RagaMuffins
What else is there to know about the RagaMuffin breed? Here are a few more facts you can share with your friends and family when they ask you about your fluffy cat!
- They’re one of the slowest-growing cat breeds – they need 4 to 5 years to fully mature, which is twice as long as most cats.
- A Ragdoll must have point coloration, and RagaMuffins can be colorpoints too. However, CFA doesn’t allow colorpoint RagaMuffins in cat shows – probably to differentiate between the two breeds better.
- While the Ragdoll breed allows for both plush and silky coat textures, a RagaMuffin cat’s coat must be plush.
- They’re allowed by the CFA to be outcrossed to the long-haired Selkirk Rex, which is a relatively new cat breed you may have never heard about before.
Prepared to Bring One of These Beautiful Cats Home?
Now you know everything about Ragamuffins. If you’ve decided this is the cat for you, go ahead and contact a breeder or rescue organization to make your dream come true. You’re in for years of affection and playtime with one of these gorgeous lap cats. And when guests come over, they may feel a bit jealous and decide to get one of their own!
Do you have any experience with this breed? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
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