Ragamuffin Cats Common Questions: A Comprehensive Guide
Ragamuffin cats are becoming increasingly popular due to their affectionate personalities and adorable teddy bear-like appearance. If you're considering adding one of these sweet kitties to your family, you likely have some questions about the breed. This guide covers everything you need to know about Ragamuffin cats to determine if they are the right pet for you.
Origin of the Ragamuffin Breed
Ragamuffin cats originated in the 1960s when a breeder named Ann Baker developed them by crossing domestic longhaired cats with other breeds like Persian and Himalayan. The goal was to create a docile, family-friendly cat with a sweet expression and plush coat.
Baker carefully controlled the breeding program and Ragamuffins were relatively rare until the 1990s when more breeders began working with the cats independently. Today, they are recognized by major cat registries like TICA and CFA.
Baker carefully controlled the breeding program and Ragamuffins were relatively rare until the 1990s when more breeders began working with the cats independently. Today, they are recognized by major cat registries like TICA and CFA.
What Goes Into a Ragamuffin Cat Mix?
Since Ragamuffins first emerged from random-bred kitties, their genetic makeup can vary. However, the foundational breeds that established the Ragamuffin standard include:
- Persian - Gave the breed its long, lush coat and sweet expression
- Himalayan - Passed down signature points on the face, ears, legs, and tail
- Domestic Longhair - Contributed to the breed's large size and docile personality
Ragamuffins can also have smaller amounts of other breeds in their ancestry like Turkish Angora, Birman, or Maine Coon. Reputable Ragamuffin breeders work diligently to maintain the breed standard through carefully managed pairings.
How to Identify a Ragamuffin Cat
Some key features to look for when identifying a Ragamuffin include:
- Medium to large in size, ranging from 10-20 pounds on average
- Long, thick, soft coat that is slightly shaggy around the neck and tail
- Sweet, gentle expression with large round eyes
- Stocky, rectangular body on short legs
- Pointed pattern in seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac variations
While their fur can be long, Ragamuffins do not have nearly as much coat length or maintenance requirements as Persians and Himalayans. Their silky fur is easy to groom with weekly brushing.
How Do Ragamuffins Compare to Maine Coons?
Both Maine Coon and Ragamuffin cats are substantially sized, sweet-tempered breeds making them great family pets. However, there are some notable differences:
- Maine Coons are generally much larger, often weighing 15-25 pounds. Ragamuffins top out around 16-20 pounds.
- Ragamuffins have a pointed color pattern while Maine Coons come in all colors/patterns.
- The Maine Coon has shaggy fur adapted for cold weather while the Raga has a silky, plush coat.
- Ragamuffins tend to be more laidback and eager to lounge in laps while Maine Coons are lively and playful.
In the end, the right choice comes down to which suits your lifestyle and preferences. Both make wonderful additions to a home looking for a loving "gentle giant" breed of cat.
Ragamuffin cats are sure to capture your heart with their affectionate, easygoing personalities. Their cute teddy bear looks are an endearing bonus. We hope this overview gave you the information you need to decide if a Ragdoll is the purrfect pet for your home. Let us know if you have any other questions about this fabulous feline breed.