RagaMuffin

An affectionate cat like the RagaMuffin seeks its owner’s attention. This intelligent, curious semi-longhair cat can be suitably entertained with a cat teaser, a felt mouse, or a sniffing carpet.

Clicker training is also an excellent way to exercise the clever feline friend’s mind. Some individuals are exceptionally talented and can learn a variety of tricks and commands.

Indoor Living or Outdoors?

The RagaMuffin is suitable for indoor living. However, this social cat should have at least one feline companion to avoid loneliness.

Although it does not necessarily require outdoor space, the RagaMuffin does enjoy basking in the sun on a secure balcony or in a cat-safe garden.

If the semi-longhair cat does have outdoor access, there’s a risk it could be taken by strangers due to its trusting nature. The RagaMuffin is not particularly shy or fearful even around unfamiliar people.

The semi-long, silky fur of the RagaMuffin requires regular grooming. Many cats of this breed enjoy brushing, so it should become an established routine.

Especially during the shedding season, intensive grooming is beneficial for the RagaMuffin. Not only does it remove loose hairs, but it also strengthens the bond between cat and owner.

Tendency Toward Food Allergies and Obesity

When it comes to food, the RagaMuffin is easygoing. High-quality cat food with a high meat content is the basis for a long, healthy life.

However, since this breed is prone to allergies and obesity, a dietetic food may need to be considered. Your vet will be happy to advise you on this.

The Ragdoll and the RagaMuffin can be traced back to the same origins. Thus, both breeds are quite similar, including their risk for inherited diseases.

Due to inbreeding, both cat breeds are susceptible to certain conditions, such as [hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)], a genetic thickening of the heart muscle that often leads to the animal’s death.

Lifespan of the RagaMuffin

A genetic test can determine whether a cat carries the predisposition for HCM. Responsible breeders, therefore, exclude affected animals from breeding to prevent inheritance.

Additionally, eye diseases, immune deficiencies, and anaemia are observed more frequently in the RagaMuffin. With proper care, this breed often reaches a high age. The average lifespan is 12 years, but many cats live much longer.

The RagaMuffin is a relatively young cat breed from the USA. Its origins date back to the 1960s when the Californian breeder Ann Baker crossed longhaired cats and angora-like cats to create particularly large, fluffy felines, hence the Ragdoll and Honeybear breeds.

Recognised as a Distinct Breed Since 2011

Ann Baker was, however, a controversial figure among breeders due to suspected inbreeding within her cattery. She also trademarked the name “Ragdoll”. Consequently, in 1994, some breeders broke away from Ann Baker and her contractual terms.

Since these breeders could no longer call their cats “Ragdoll,” they named their breed “RagaMuffin”. In essence, the RagaMuffin is a Ragdoll by another name.

Despite their similarities, the RagaMuffin has been recognised by the Cat Fanciers‘ Association (CFA) as an independent breed since 2011.

The Meaning Behind the Name RagaMuffin

Initially, “RagaMuffin” was intended as a derogatory term, translating to “child in rags” or “street child”.

Breeders loyal to Ann Baker and her Ragdoll lineage gave the competing cats this name. However, the rebellious breeders who established the new line displayed humour and retained the name.