Ragamuffin cats are named for their lovable muffin-like appearance. They are large, muscular, and broad but boast a sweet and agreeable personality. They are classic lap cats, known as “Velcro” cats, and enjoy spending time with their owners, guests, and other pets. Despite being attached to their owners, Ragamuffins are content on their own during the day.

If you’re considering bringing home a Ragamuffin, here’s everything you need to know to ensure they fit your home and family.

Breed Overview

The Ragamuffin cat is closely related to the Ragdoll, but don’t confuse the two. The Ragdoll breed’s founder wanted to widen the breed’s gene pool to get more colors and patterns, which was done by outcrossing Ragdolls with Himalayans, Persians, and other domestic longhairs. The result is a large, laid-back, and diversely colored cat breed.

Ragamuffin Characteristics

Ragamuffin Kittens

Ragamuffin cats are a distinct breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association but are still rare. There are only a few dozen breeders in the US and Europe, so you may have a hard time finding an available litter of Ragamuffin kittens without a long waitlist. Some breeders may market Ragdolls or crossbreeds as Ragamuffins.

If you get lucky, you may find a Ragamuffin kitten or adult in a rescue for adoption. It’s worth checking local shelters in your area or looking into rehoming from breeders or other owners.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cats are popular partly because of their personalities. They are sweet and affectionate cats that are happy to relax on your lap or curl up next to you in bed. Unlike other needy breeds, Ragamuffins are fine on their own while you’re at work all day as long as you spend some time with them when you’re back home. In fact, you may find your Ragamuffin waiting at the door to greet you like a dog. That said, Ragamuffins are active and playful, so you will need to spend some time with exercise and enrichment to keep them happy.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Ragamuffin cats are a great choice for families. These cats are laid back and easygoing, which makes them incredibly tolerant of children and busy households. However, it’s important to teach children to play with the cat appropriately to avoid injuries or fear of unfair treatment. These cats love to play and learn tricks, so there are plenty of opportunities for children to interact safely.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Because of the Ragamuffins’ personality traits they generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats. They’re passive and unlikely to cause conflict, but it’s important to supervise interactions with large dogs and your cat to avoid injury. Ragamuffins are still cats with a desire to hunt, so avoid putting them together with small prey animals like rodents, birds, fish, or reptiles that they may want to stalk and chase.

Things to Know When Owning a Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are a popular cat breed for all types of owners, but they do have some specific needs you must be aware of before bringing one home. Here’s everything you need to know.

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

Every cat is unique, but Ragamuffins are an obligate carnivore like any other cat. It’s crucial to feed your cat an appropriate and balanced diet for their age, lifestyle, and overall health. Because of the size of Ragamuffins and their lay about nature, they can be prone to obesity. Make sure to feed appropriate portions and keep your Ragamuffin exercised for optimal health. If you have any questions about your cat’s specific diet, speak to your vet.

Exercise 🐈

Ragamuffin cats are happy to be sluggish and curl up near you, but exercise is important for their health. Encourage your Ragamuffin to stay moving with food-dispensing toys, interactive toys, or a scratching post that relieve some energy and keep them in shape. Short exercise sessions throughout the day are all you need for your cat to stay healthy and stimulated.

Training 🧶

Ragamuffins can be active and playful. They enjoy time with their owners, so you may be able to teach tricks like fetch or recall. Playing with and training your cat are excellent ways to provide physical and mental stimulation. Ragamuffins can even be taught to walk on a leash and harness for outdoor adventures, but it may take some patience. These cats are not strong hunters and are generally too passive to defend themselves, so they should never be outdoor cats.

Grooming ✂️

Ragamuffin cats have very basic grooming requirements. Though they have long, thick coats, the fur doesn’t mat or tangle as easily as some other longhair breeds. They do need regular brushing to remove dead hairs and keep their coats looking clean and shiny. This also helps your home stay free of loose hair. You should also brush your cat’s teeth each day and trim their nails every few weeks.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Ragamuffins are usually healthy cats, but they are prone to some conditions that affect all cats. Cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Because of their size, Ragamuffins have a tendency to overeat and can become obese, which can cause a range of health problems like diabetes and joint problems.

Male vs Female

Ragamuffins have individual personalities, so choosing between a male or female is about your own preferences. Males may be slightly larger than females, but their temperament is similar. Spaying or neutering your cat can prevent a lot of behaviors related to hormones, such as roaming and excess vocalization, as well as reproductive health problems. Keep in mind that some color patterns, such as tortoiseshell, are primarily seen in females.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Ragamuffin

1. Ragamuffin Kittens Are Born White

If you’re set on a specific color for your Ragamuffin, you’re better off getting an adult. Ragamuffin kittens are born white and develop a color pattern as they mature, so you won’t know what you’re getting until your kitten grows.

2. They’re Prone to Heterochromia

Ragamuffins can be prone to a condition called heterochromia, which means they have two different colored eyes. This is caused by a genetic mutation and is generally harmless.

3. You May Not Know the Cat’s Final Size for Years

Ragamuffin cats are slow-growing. It can take four years for this large cat breed to reach complete physical maturity, which is why it’s important to speak to your vet about when to transition your cat from kitten to adult food to support development.

Final Thoughts

Derived from the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin is a gentle giant and a great choice for all types of cat owners. They have an ideal balance of playfulness and an easygoing, almost sluggish personality that are a great fit for any family. They’re also comfortable on their own for long periods during the day as long as you spend time bonding when you are home.

Featured Image Credit: Benjamin B, Shutterstock