Ragamuffin

Character file #40 of 65 — melting into any lap.

Temperament

The Ragamuffin is best summed up as floppy, patient, sweet. Expect a cat that's right in the middle of everything you do, mostly in comfortable silence. Chaos rating 1/5 means the zoomies visit politely and leave.

Where the Ragamuffin Comes From

In 1994 a group of breeders working under Ann Baker's trademarked IRCA registry broke away, taking their cats but not the right to call them Ragdolls. They renamed the result the Ragamuffin and widened the gene pool with Persians, Himalayans and domestic longhairs, which brought in colours and patterns the Ragdoll standard does not allow. CFA granted championship status in 2011. The two breeds share ancestry and a similar temperament, but Ragamuffins are not simply differently coloured Ragdolls; decades of separate outcrossing sit between them.

Living With a Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins aim for laps and stay there. Picked up, they go pliant rather than rigid, which makes nail trims and vet handling straightforward, but it also means they have poor instincts about heights and traffic, so indoor life or a secure garden is the sensible default. The rabbit-soft coat resists matting better than a Persian's, though a comb twice a week keeps the trousers and ruff clear, and there is a visible shed. They are quiet, greet visitors, and cope with a working day alone provided there is company in the evening.

Care Notes

Grooming: Light effort. A weekly once-over plus nail trims covers it. Exercise: with low energy, plan a couple of short play sessions and a sunny perch. Health: keep up annual vet visits, dental care, and weight watch — this build gains easily.

Health: What to Watch For

The Ragdoll ancestry carries the MYBPC3 R820W mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and there is a DNA test for it; a clear result does not rule out heart disease, so breeding cats are also scanned by echocardiogram. Persian outcrossing introduced polycystic kidney disease, which has its own PKD1 DNA test. Ask for both certificates. This is a slow-maturing giant that gains weight quietly under a plush coat, so body condition should be assessed by hand, not by eye. Report open-mouthed breathing or sudden hind-leg weakness to a vet immediately, and agree a screening plan at annual visits.

FAQ

Is the Ragamuffin a good family cat?

Yes — the Ragamuffin is floppy, patient, sweet, and its low energy suits calm households and apartments. Slow introductions and daily play keep any cat family-ready.

How much grooming does a Ragamuffin need?

Grooming is light: its plush rabbit-soft coat mostly maintains itself with a weekly brush.

How long do Ragamuffins live?

With indoor life, good food, and regular vet care, Ragamuffins commonly live around 14 years — many exceed it.

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