A Ragamuffin is the biggest cuddly cat of all

The Ragamuffin is descended from the Ragdoll and is not yet very well known as a cat breed. But those who know the breed are sold. This is because these pedigree cats are not only super beautiful, but also big, good-natured and very gentle.

In this blog:

• The origin of the Ragamuffin
  The character of the Ragamuffin
  The appearance and fur of a Ragamuffin
  The care of the Ragamuffin
  Diseases and disorders of the Ragamuffin
  How old will the Ragamuffin be?
  How to buy a Ragamuffin (kitten)

The origin of the Ragamuffin

When you see a Ragamuffin, you immediately think of a Ragdoll. And that’s right, because the Ragamuffin is descended from the Ragdoll. The Ragdoll was bred in California in 1960 by Ann Baker. And she set high breed standards for the breed. So a few other Ragdoll breeders went a different way and crossed the Ragdoll with a Persian Longhair and a Himalayan. And from that came a breed cat that looks very much like a Ragdoll, but is much bigger.

The character of the Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are sweet. They are real cuddly cats, they love to be picked up and love to lie on their owner’s lap. They are trusting and get along easily with visitors, children and other pets. They adapt easily to any situation and are intelligent. Because they are so smart, this breed of cat does need to be stimulated. So regular play with these cats, learning tricks and enough variety in the toys you offer is necessary. As well as sufficient attention and love, because this cat breed loves that!

Important fact: because Ragamuffins are so trusting, they can easily be taken by strangers. So it’s best not to leave a Ragamuffin outside unsupervised.

The appearance and coat of the Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin falls under the large and heavy cat breeds. Females grow to about 7 kilograms and males can weigh up to 10 kilograms. And their build is robust, muscular and sturdy. So a cat tree for big and heavy cats is definitely useful. This cat breed is perhaps one of the most beautiful in existence – its fur is fine and super-soft with smoothly falling hairs that are mid-length to long. And all colours, patterns and combinations are possible. Also pointed.

The tail of Ragamuffins is also beautiful – they have a long feathery tail. Ragamuffins can have brown, green or amber eyes, which are almond-shaped. The head of this cat breed is broad, the ears are set high and the nose is healthily shaped – neither too flat nor too pointed.

The care of the Ragamuffin

It is easy to raise this cat breed, as Ragamuffins are relaxed, smart and very sociable. The coat of the Ragamuffin is something you do need to pay attention to – to prevent tangles in and matting of the undercoat, it is good to brush and/or comb the cat twice a week. And other than that, this cat breed needs the same care as any other cat. Lots of love and attention, a safe home, good food, fresh water, protection against parasites, vaccinations and regular visits to the vet for check-ups. And of course:

• clean litter boxes with good cat litter
• toys and a nice cat basket
• a scratching post especially for Ragamuffins

Diseases and disorders in the Ragamuffin

A Ragamuffin is a strong breed that generally has few health problems. However, they can be a bit more prone to heart and kidney disease. So something to watch out for. Does your cat’s behaviour change? If so, always go to the vet for a check-up.

How old does a Ragamuffin get?

We said it above: Ragamuffins are generally strong and healthy. That is why the life expectancy of this breed cat is between 12 and as much as 18 years.

Buying a Ragamuffin (kitten)

Ragamuffins are not common in the Netherlands yet, but there are a few breeders offering this breed. Would you like a Ragamuffin? Then you are choosing a healthy and incredibly sweet cat. But make sure you buy it from a recognised breeder who has everything in order: the papers must be correct, the kittens must grow up in a domestic environment and the mother cat must always be present. Or check out shelters and mediation websites, as there are lots of sweet and lovely cats waiting for a warm basket and a lovely owner.

And never buy a (breed) cat or kitten from Marktplaats, from a bread breeder or from Ebay! Because by doing so, you are encouraging an industry that is very bad for mother cats and kittens. And you can count on a cat with diseases and disorders.

Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a vet or behaviourist: all content, information and tips on the blog is intented to inspire and inform. Does your cat have complaints or problems? Or do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Always go to the vet or a behaviourist.