Ragamuffin Cat: appearance, character, care, breeding
Ragamuffin Cat
The ragamuffin is a cat as soft and fluffy as its name! Its size is imposing, but is only the reflection of all the affection it has in them, and that it likes to receive in return. Portrait of an ideal life companion …
The origins of the Ragamuffin Cat
Originally from the United States, the Ragamuffin is considered to be a descendant of the Ragdoll. Their stories are therefore very closely linked. The Ragdoll was created in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a whimsical character, who liked to tell several contradictory and absurd stories sowing confusion as to the origin of the breed.
At the same time, it imposed heavy rules on breeders who wanted to breed their ragdolls. Also, in 1994, four breeders decided to break with the practices of Ann Baker, and to create their own breed: the Ragamuffin.
The cats were crossed with Persians , Himalayans , Turkish Angoras and other alley cats mid-length hair. The purpose of these crosses was essentially to keep a very soft character rather than a particular look.
To date, the Ragamuffin is little recognized by feline associations.
Appearance of the Ragamuffin Cat
The Ragamuffin is an imposing cat, which can reach 9 kilos in adulthood.
Although having characteristics in common with the ragdoll, the ragamuffin has a shorter and more hollow nose, a well rounded skull between the ears as well as two large almond eyes.
Its body is rectangular, with a massive frame. His chest is broad, his shoulders powerful. Her cheeks are full, her ears set wide apart and with rounded tips.
The Ragamuffin has dense, silky fur, with a long, plumed tail. His hair is also longer around the head, neck, and under the belly.
Coat color of the Ragamuffin Cat
All colors are allowed. The dress is united on two-tone patterns, tortie (tortoiseshell) and / or tabby (tiger), more or less marked.
The character of the Ragamuffin Cat
The Ragamuffin is a calm and placid cat. Extremely affectionate, it enjoys being surrounded and receiving attention. Docile, it also gets along very well with children. Although it is not very sporty, it never balks at good times!
The Ragamuffin is also a very curious cat who actively participates in the life of the house, which makes them a real “cat-dog”.
Hug: This breed has a reputation for being affectionate, outgoing, and warm-hearted.
Player: The tendency to play may vary from cat to cat and according to age or context. However, cats of this breed are well known for being calm. Getting into the habit of playing with your Ragamuffin every day can help make your Ragamuffin more active.
Calm: Calm cat par excellence!
Intelligent: Curious and adaptable, it knows how to take part in the daily grind of life and make the humans who live with them smile.
Fearful / Suspicious of Strangers: Depending on how socialized it was at a young age, this cat may be curious about novelty, including guests.
Independent: As long as all its needs are met, it can cope with periods of loneliness.
Behavior of the Ragamuffin Cat
Talkative: Some individuals vocalize more than others, but cats of this breed are generally not very talkative.
Greedy / Gluttonous: Since many of them spend little energy in the form of physical activity, it is often beneficial to offer the food in interactive bowls.
This makes it easier to ration portions and the cat performs an independent activity to obtain its food.
Need for Exercise: The legendary calmness of this breed is often associated with a low need for exercise. Taking the time to play with your cat on a daily basis helps maintain its physical shape.
Runaway: This behavior varies from one individual to another, but anecdotal accounts do not report a particular tendency to run away.
Compatibility of the Ragamuffin Cat with other animals
Ragamuffin and Dogs: This relationship is possible if the living environment includes multiple heights where the cat can take refuge to escape unwanted contact. It is also important to introduce each other gradually while remaining attentive to each other’s needs.
In addition, the way the kitten was socialized at an early age subsequently influences its sociability with dogs.
Ragamuffin and Other Cats: It can quite coexist with cats of the same breed or other breeds. Obviously, we must make sure to introduce the cats to each other gradually, respecting each other’s pace.
It is also essential for good cohabitation to ensure that all cats have access to sufficient resources (litter boxes, heights, hiding places, food, etc.)
The Ragamuffin and the Children: Gentle and often quiet, it embodies a warm companion of rest. Some energetic cats take part in play sessions with enthusiasm. In all cases, care must be taken to ensure that children understand the cat’s body language well and respect it.
This is how they develop an unforgettable relationship.
The Ragamuffin and the Elderly: It all depends on cats … and people! Since the Ragamuffin is silky and tender, this relationship has the potential to be beneficial to both feline and human, if the person is able to support the cat’s needs.
Price of the Ragamuffin Cat
On average, the purchase price of a farmed Ragamuffin is between 900 USDand 1200 USD. This price varies depending on the line, breeding, age, sex, etc. For the budget, it takes an average of 50 USD / month , especially to provide quality food and provide health care.
Maintenance of the Ragamuffin Cat
Grooming: Despite a dense coat and a long coat, a simple regular brushing is necessary. According to some accounts, the hair is not prone to tie knots.
Hair loss : Hair loss is generally not very marked except during periods of moulting.
Food of the Ragamuffin Cat
This cat is of imposing size and must have access to a diet which takes into account its stature. That said, it is essential to limit your portions to avoid the development of overweight, which can occur in not very active cats. Medical check-ups make it possible to adjust the diet according to the age of the individual, his mass, his level of activity and his physiological requirements.
Caring for the Ragamuffin Cat
Although it has a mid-length coat, the ragamuffin is not prone to knots. However, regular brushing will be most appreciated.
The Ragamuffin has a slow growth, it generally reaches maturity around 3 years, age at which it will have acquired its bones and its final mass.
Health of the Ragamuffin Cat
Life expectancy: Its average longevity is 12 to 16 years
Resistant / robust: Its long, dense and silky hair gives it a certain resistance to thermal variations and extreme temperatures.
Tendency to gain weight :
The risks of developing overweight are higher in the Ragamuffin than in other breeds given its laid back side. These risks are reduced when one includes periods of interactive play in one’s daily routine.
Offering food in interactive bowls can also make portion rationing easier.
Common Illnesses: Since this breed is relatively rare, details of its physiological health are poorly understood. In all cases, an annual medical examination is recommended to ensure its well-being and health.
What is more, cats of this breed can suffer from the same diseases as domestic cats without pedigrees, including oral pathologies.
Reproduction: Since this breed is not recognized by several feline associations, there is a lot of variability in the marriages carried out.
Good to know
According to many, the fur of the Ragamuffin would have a texture similar to that of the rabbit!
