Ragamuffin cats are one of the most popular breeds of domestic felines. With their sweet and docile temperament, Ragamuffins make loving companions. However, some cat owners may be unsure if their fluffy friend is truly a Ragamuffin. There are a few key ways to identify this breed.
Origins
The Ragamuffin breed originated in the 1960s from a single cat named Josephine. She was a longhaired feline who produced kittens with friendly personalities. Cat fanciers began breeding Josephine’s offspring, aiming to develop a new breed of affectionate cats. By 1994, the Ragamuffin was recognized as an official breed by major cat registries. Today, they remain coveted for their calm and cuddly nature.
Physical Features
Ragamuffins have a distinct appearance that helps set them apart. Some of their defining physical traits include:
- Large size – Most Ragamuffins weigh 10-20 pounds when full grown. Their bodies are long but muscular.
- Thick coat – Their fur is medium to long in length and dense. It often feels plush.
- Pointed ears – Their ears come to slight points. The fur tufts on the tips make the ears appear rounded overall.
- Long tail – The tail is long, fuzzy, and flexible. It complements the cat’s elongated body shape.
- Varied coat colors – Ragamuffin coats come in just about any color and pattern. Common shades are brown, cream, blue, and lilac.
The combination of large size, long fur, and rounded features gives Ragamuffins a huggable look. Their expressive eyes only add to their endearing appearance.
Grooming Needs
The Ragamuffin’s luxurious coat requires regular care to stay healthy and knot-free. Here are some of their key grooming needs:
- Twice weekly brushing – Use a stainless steel comb to gently detangle and remove loose fur.
- Monthly baths – Bathe in mild cat shampoo to keep the coat fresh and minimize shedding.
- Nail trims – Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent injury from catching or scratching.
- Eye and ear cleaning – Gently wipe eyes and ears weekly to prevent debris buildup.
- Dental care – Brush teeth and provide dental treats to maintain good oral health.
With their long coat, Ragamuffins require more frequent brushing and bathing than some other cat breeds. But their generally calm temperament makes grooming easier.
Temperament
The hallmark of the Ragamuffin breed is their affectionate, docile personality. Some key traits include:
- Laidback – Ragamuffins tend to be easygoing and relaxed. They adjust well to new environments and people.
- Affectionate – They form close bonds with their families and enjoy receiving love and attention.
- Playful – Though not extremely active, they happily engage in play when prompted.
- Smart – Ragamuffins often understand human speech and emotions better than the average cat.
- Social – They get along well with other pets and friendly towards strangers.
- Quiet – Ragamuffins use soft chirps and trills to communicate rather than loud meowing.
With their gentle nature, the main desire of most Ragamuffins is to be close to their loved ones. They make devoted companions.
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, Ragamuffins can be prone to some feline health conditions. Knowing the potential problems to watch for can help you provide the best care.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – This heart disease causes thickening of the heart muscle. Symptoms include lethargy and poor appetite.
- Polycystic kidney disease – Fluid-filled cysts develop on the kidneys, eventually impairing kidney function. Increased thirst and urination occur first.
- Hip dysplasia – Looseness in hip joints causes pain and lameness. Ragamuffins may have trouble jumping up or down.
- Urinary tract infections – Bacterial infections of the urinary tract cause painful, frequent urination. There may be blood in the urine.
To help your Ragamuffin stay healthy, have regular vet checkups and monitor for any unusual symptoms. Catching issues early greatly improves outcomes.
Kittens vs Adults
There are a few ways to distinguish Ragamuffin kittens from fully grown adults:
| Trait | Kittens | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Weigh 2-5 lbs | Weigh 10-20 lbs |
| Body | Appear gangly with oversized paws and ears | Have filled out body and muscular frame |
| Coat | Medium length kitten fuzz | Long, plush, dense fur |
| Eyes | Blue kitten eyes | Gold, green, or amber colored eyes |
| Activity Level | Rambunctious with quick bursts of energy | More relaxed and laidback |
Kittens undergo rapid growth and development before reaching mature Ragamuffin size, coat, and temperament around 2 years old.
Finding a Ragamuffin Breeder
Responsible Ragamuffin breeders prioritize feline health and wellbeing. Here are some traits of an ethical breeder:
- AKC or TICA registered – Reputable breeders register litters with cat breed organizations.
- Health tested parents – Kittens should come from cats screened for genetic diseases.
- Clean facilities – The cattery should be sanitary, spacious, and enriching.
- Socialized kittens – Kittens are properly handled and exposed to new sights and sounds.
- Spay/neuter contract – Kittens should only be sold with mandatory spay/neuter agreements.
- Lifetime support – The breeder provides resources and guidance for the kitten’s life.
Avoid “backyard” breeders who cannot provide paperwork, health information, or fail to screen buyers. Choosing an ethical Ragamuffin breeder is crucial.
Cost of Owning a Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins make wonderful pets, but require an investment of money and time. Here are the average costs of Ragamuffin cat ownership:
- Purchase Price – $500 to $1000 from an ethical breeder. Show-quality kittens may cost more.
- Food – $30 to $50 monthly for high-quality cat food.
- Litter – $20 to $40 monthly for litter and box supplies.
- Grooming – $40 to $60 monthly for brushes, shampoo, nail trims, etc.
- Vet Care – $400 to $600 annually for exams, vaccines, and preventatives.
- Toys/Accessories – $150 to $200 annually for cat trees, beds, scratchers, etc.
- Time – 2+ hours per day for play, cuddling, grooming, and litter box scooping.
The total cost of supplies, healthcare, food, and more averages $1500 to $3000 per year. But the companionship of a Ragamuffin is priceless!
Should I Choose a Ragamuffin?
Here are some key considerations when deciding if a Ragamuffin is the right cat breed for you:
- Best for relaxed, low-energy households since they prefer lounging to high activity.
- Require ample room for exercise and playtime given their large size.
- Their thick coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.
- Thrive with gentle handling from adults and older, respectful children.
- Make wonderful therapy cats due to their social, affectionate personality.
- Lifespan averages 10-15 years with proper healthcare.
- Purr happily in both single-cat and multi-cat homes.
For the right family, Ragamuffins make ideal, loving companions. Their patience and devotion enrich the bonds they form with their owners.
Conclusion
With their endearing personality and shaggy teddy bear-like appearance, it’s easy to see why Ragamuffins are cherished by cat lovers. By understanding their origins, looks, needs and traits, you can identify whether your own fluffy feline is part of this sweet breed. Ragamuffins make marvelous family pets when provided with a caring home. So if you think your cat might be a Ragamuffin, consider yourself lucky to share your life with such a delightful breed!
