About the breed
The Ragamuffin is a large, soft-bodied cat that will happily hand its full weight over into an owner's arms — temperamentally it is one of the most easy-going, floppiest cat breeds there is. Although it looks similar to the Ragdoll and shares its origin, it has been recognised as a separate breed in its own right since 1994.
Not the same breed as the Ragdoll
The Ragamuffin split from the Ragdoll in 1994, when a group of breeders broke away from the original breeding programme. Unlike the Ragdoll, which comes only in a pointed pattern with blue eyes, the Ragamuffin appears in every colour, pattern and eye colour, has a rounder, "walnut-shaped" head rather than a wedge, and fuller whisker pads.
Going limp when picked up – a trait shared with its relative
Like the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin will often relax its whole body completely when lifted rather than resisting, one of the traits behind its reputation as an especially pleasant cat to cuddle. This is likely part of the shared heritage with the Ragdoll, even though the two are separately recognised breeds with their own colour and pattern ranges.
A giant that matures slowly
A Ragamuffin does not reach full size until around four years of age, so it is entirely normal for a one- or two-year-old to still be noticeably smaller than a full adult. Males can reach up to 9 kg, females usually 4.5 to 7 kg, making this one of the larger cat breeds.
Temperament: a shadow that dislikes being alone
The Ragamuffin is considered exceptionally patient and devoted to its people, tolerating cuddling, carrying and play without an aggressive response, which makes it a good match for households with young children, dogs and other cats — though adult supervision when small children handle the cat is advisable. That same attachment has a flip side: the Ragamuffin does not cope especially well with long periods alone, since it likes to follow the family around the home and seek out company, so owners who are frequently away should consider a second pet for company.
The semi-long coat is easy to keep
Despite its length, the coat mats only slightly, so brushing it a few times a week, or once a week with a combination comb, is enough. It is one of the less demanding semi-longhaired coats to maintain.
Keeping weight under control
Because of its calm nature and hearty appetite, the Ragamuffin is prone to putting on weight, so it is worth measuring food portions and tracking body condition rather than going by feel. Regular, even moderate, play helps it maintain a healthy weight at every life stage.
Health: precautionary screening rather than one known disease
Screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is recommended, along with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in lines with Himalayan or Persian ancestry. As a genetically diverse breed with no single known breed-specific disease, these checks are mainly a precaution rather than a response to a common diagnosis.
Breed recognition
The American CFA accepted the Ragamuffin into its Miscellaneous class in 2003 and granted it full championship status in 2011; it is also recognised by the ACFA and the British GCCF.
Temperament
gentle, calm, affectionate, sociable, patient
Suitable for
families, seniors and beginners who want a calm and loving cat
Living environment
apartment or house; a scratching post, quiet spots and daily company
Grooming
brushing a few times a week, regular eye and ear checks, a balanced diet and weight control
Pros & cons
Advantages
exceptionally gentle and affectionate family character, silky coat that mats only slightly, patient with children and other pets
Things to consider
large slow-maturing breed reaching full size at four years, needs company and dislikes being alone for long, as a pedigree cat relatively rare and expensive
Notes
Closely related to the Ragdoll but a separate breed since 1994. It matures slowly and reaches full size only at four years; kittens are often born white and develop their colour later.
