The Ragamuffin cat is the perfect companion for families and single folk alike. This gorgeous breed is known for its calm and docile nature and loves nothing more than being cuddled by its humans and held in your arms. They are affectionate, friendly, and loving and will be the perfect addition to any family. Since they are relaxed and calm, they are perfect for apartment dwelling and smaller town houses, as well as bigger plots. They are a close relative to the Ragdoll cat (hence their similar name) and were bred to introduce more colors and varieties to the mix. They are known for the large size, amazing nature, and love for snuggles. If you’re thinking of adopting a Ragamuffin cat, then take a look at our ultimate guide.
Before embarking on a life-long commitment with your new pet, it’s important that you know everything that you can about them. Knowing about their temperament, grooming needs, possible health issues, and overall care will enable you to be the best pet owner around. They adore people but are not the most ‘street-smart’ cats and thus they will need to be in secure homes or gardens where their owners can keep an eye on them. So, let’s take a look at the Ragamuffin cat and why they might make the best family pet for you.
History of the Ragamuffin Cat
The Ragamuffin cat derives from the Ragdoll cat. The Ragdoll originated in the 1960s and they were originally of undocumented Burmese and Birman ancestry. In 1994 a breeding group decided to create the Ragdoll breed by adding the Domestic Longhair cat and Persian cats to the mix. The main difference between the Ragdoll and the Ragamuffin is their color. Ragamuffin’s have more color varieties, and these include white, black, chestnut, fawn, silver, cinnamon, cameo, and platinum. They are recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association and retain a championship class.
Quick Facts About the Ragamuffin Cat
- They are super loveable and relaxed and absolutely love being held. If you enjoy cuddling your cat like a little baby, then this might be the perfect cat for you. They absolutely adore human interaction and thus they need a family where they will be the center of attention and get loads of human interaction. If you’re out all day then this isn’t the best pet for you.
- They aren’t the most ‘street-smart’ cats in the world and will do best in secure homes and gardens where they can’t escape into the big wide world. They will love garden explorations but should not really be running around busy roads and public spaces.
- They have specialized fur that doesn’t tangle as easily as normal cat fur. Thus, despite having long hair, their grooming needs are pretty easy. You will of course need to brush them weekly, but they won’t get too knotty or matted if a brushing day is skipped.
- Their breeders were pretty rebellious and chose to break away from the strict regulations around Ragdoll cat breeding. They wanted to integrate more colors and thus the Ragamuffin was born. The ‘Rag’ in their name pays tribute to their roots and references the Ragdoll.
Things You Should Know about the Ragamuffin Cat
Knowing about the Ragamuffin is super important before you decide to adopt one. Knowledge is power when it comes to caring for animals and knowing about the breed will equip you with the best knowledge so that you can be an amazing pet owner.
Health
Like all purebred animals, the Ragamuffin cat can be susceptible to certain medical ailments. While the Ragamuffin is usually pretty healthy, they can be prone to polycystic kidney disease and heart disease which causes the heart muscle to thicken. While breeders do utilize a genetic test that can see If their cats will develop this, there are of course breeders who don’t use it. Thus, it’s important to take your cat to the vet regularly so that they can test them and offer medical treatment if needed. Browse around and chat to your vet to find the best option for your needs.
If your Ragamuffin cat suddenly stops eating or is dealing with digestive issues or lethargy, then get them to your vet as soon as possible. As a pet owner it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. It’s also a good idea to get them onto a medical scheme. This can save you a lot of money in the long-run and ensure that your cat can always get the best medical care when needed.
Feeding
It’s important to not over-feed your Ragamuffin. They are large-breed cats and females can weight up to 15 pounds and males up to 20 pounds. However, it’s essential to not over-feed them as obesity could lead to an array of health problems from diabetes to heart disease. When it comes to feeding them opt for a vet-approved brand that contains vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein. This ensures proper muscle and cell development and since cats are carnivores is a species-specific food source. Opt for food that is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 as these fatty acids will ensure ultimate skin and coat health. Antioxidants are also essential for cell health and can stop the oxidization of cells and prevent a number of diseases including cancer.
If your cat stops eating or is gaining too much weight, consult your vet about an appropriate diet for them.
Related Post: Cat Food for Weight Loss
Care
Caring for your cat and knowing all about their needs is imperative to giving them a good life and being the best pet owner, you can be. Here are some top tips when it comes to caring for your Ragamuffin Cat.
- Regular vet check-ups: It’s imperative that you take your cat for regular check-ups at your vet to ensure that they are healthy and that they get all their regular injections.
- Keep their space clean: It’s also super important to keep their litter trays and surrounding areas comfortable and clean. Cats are serious when it comes to hygiene and will thrive in spaces that respect these needs. Clean their litter tray every day or 2 to keep things hygienic and spotless!
Related Post: Sifting Litter Box
Grooming
- Brushing: Your Ragamuffin has a special type of fur that is pretty tangle resistant. Thus, despite being a longhaired cat, they don’t need excessive brushing. You can brush your Ragamuffin cat once or twice a week. This will get rid of dead hair and keep their fur looking luxurious.
- Dental care: It’s also a great idea to brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental disease. Dental disease can cause an array of healthcare issues including heart problems and thus prevention is key. If you feel your cat has any dental problems, it is best to get them to the vet as soon as possible. They might need a medical tooth cleaning to get rid of a build-up of plaque or deal with any tooth decay.
- Nail clipping and ear cleaning: It’s also important to ensure that your cat’s nails are trimmed regularly and that their ears are kept clean. Some cat owners opt to take their cats to the groomer and get this done professionally. A professional groomer will be able to clip their nails without causing them any harm. They can also bath them if needed.
Related Post: Cat Nail Clippers
Temperament
If you’re on the hunt for a mellow and loveable cat, then the Ragamuffin might just be the perfect cat for you. They are super relaxed and docile and love nothing more than a cuddle with their humans. They are family and child-friendly and will thrive in an environment where they get lots of attention and love. They adore being held and will truly flourish in places where they are the center of attention.
While they do enjoy playing, they are pretty good at keeping playtime to their scratch posts and thus they are super easy going and well-behaved. They are super relaxed but do need a lot of human interaction. If you work for many hours a day or won’t be home for long periods of time, then this probably isn’t the best breed for you.
The Ragamuffin is thus a delightful family pet and will bring an abundance of love and affection to your home. If you’re able to spend loads of time with them, shower them with love and affection, and tend to their health and grooming needs, then the Ragamuffin cat might just be the perfect addition to your family.
Sources:
- Ragamuffin, Vetstreet
- RagaMuffin, VCA Hospitals
