A true lap-cat, Ragamuffins are super friendly, intelligent felines who never say no to a cuddle. They have a calm, people-centric temperament, however they do get bored (and mischievous) without enough attention.
Personality and temperament
These sweet, cuddly cats were born for lap lounging. Their calm, docile personality is one of the reasons they make great family cats. But just because they exude a gentle ‘teddy bear’ personality (and love affection), doesn’t mean they don’t like to play, especially if it involves their favourite humans. This is a breed who’ll make friends with anyone and anything, so for their safety they’re best kept indoors where they’ll get along with any other pets, children and literally ALL of your friends.
Size and appearance
Ragamuffins are a large, long-bodied cat. They have a sturdy chest and bone structure, puffy whisker pads and smallish, rounded ears. Although related to the Ragdoll breed, the Ragamuffin coat comes in almost every possible colour (the Ragdoll only comes in three pointed colours). Because of their thick coat, Ragamuffins can appear larger than they are, however, males can still weigh up to about 9kg! So picking up these felines can be a workout for your arms and core.
History
This handsome breed is a ‘spin-off’ from the Ragdoll breed, which originated from a single cat (the famous Josephine) in the 1960s. After the Ragdoll breed was officially recognised, the breeding of these large cats was strictly controlled. In the 1990s, a group of breeds wanted to introduce more colours and sizes, as well as include a larger gene pool to improve genetic health, so they crossed Ragdolls with Persians, Himalayans and domestic, long-haired cats. The result was the fluffy feline we know today. Ragamuffins were fully recognised as a breed in all the major associations in 2011. Although still rare in Australia and New Zealand, Ragamuffins are gaining popularity due to their laid-back, affectionate nature.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Ragamuffins are a generally healthy breed but can be prone to some genetic or lifestyle-related conditions.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a genetic heart condition)
- Polycystic kidney disease (where cysts develop in the kidneys)
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Joint issues and arthritis
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Ragamuffin healthy.
Food and exercise
These cute cuddlers love to lounge (who doesn’t?), so strict portion control of daily meals and treats is important. A well-balanced, highly nutritious diet is recommended, as is set mealtimes, twice a day.
Due to their calm, docile nature, Ragamuffins aren’t natural athletes but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to chase wand toys, try puzzle feeders and occasionally use scratch poles. The best way to get your Ragamuffin moving, though, is to play interactive games with them whenever you can. If it involves their favourite human, Ragamuffins are all in.
Grooming and maintenance
For an overly fluffy, large breed, Ragamuffins are surprisingly low-maintenance. Their thick fur resists matting, but regular brushing will help reduce their shedding.
How to groom your Ragamuffin
- Coat type: semi-long, dense and silky
- Fur: brush two to three times a week to prevent tangles
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a soft cloth if tear staining occurs
Training and space requirements
These gentle felines are intelligent and playful. They’re one of the breeds known to be ‘dog-like’ because they can be trained to learn tricks and even walk on a leash. Being such a friendly breed, Ragamuffins love to meet new people – a leash can help them do that safely.
Ragamuffins are an adaptable breed, and despite their size, they can thrive in homes of all sizes and shapes. The most important thing to a Ragamuffin is enough engagement with their humans. They’ll gravitate to the cosy spaces in your home but will occasionally explore climbing trees and high furniture… if they’re feeling adventurous.
Best suited for…
Easy-going and affectionate, Ragamuffins suit all kinds of homes, especially those with children and other pets. From apartment-dwelling to mansion living, these felines will be happy, as long as they have enough time with their humans, a toy or two and a few cosy spots in the sun.
