© Sergey Skleznev / stock.adobe.com
The RagaMuffin is an impressive four-legged friend. Male cats can weigh up to ten kilograms.
The RagaMuffin, descended from the Ragdoll, is a gentle giant among cats and, alongside the Norwegian Forest Cat, ranks among the largest cat breeds in the world. Characterised as affectionate, cuddly, and sweet-natured, the RagaMuffin makes the perfect feline companion for families.
The RagaMuffin is an impressive sight, belonging to the large to very large cat breeds. Males can reach a shoulder height of up to 40 centimetres and weigh up to ten kilograms. Females are notably smaller, weighing up to seven kilograms. This breed is considered fully grown only after four years.
Their build is muscular and somewhat rectangular. The RagaMuffin has a broad chest, with a fatty pad in the lower abdomen area. Its large, round paws are tufted with fur on the underside and between the toes. Overall, the RagaMuffin resembles a big, plush teddy bear on four legs.
The fur is semi-long, dense, and silky, with little undercoat, somewhat resembling rabbit fur. According to breed standards, all colours and patterns are allowed.
In the facial area, the fur is longer, giving the RagaMuffin the appearance of wearing a ruff. The back legs boast ‘trousers’, where the coat is also slightly longer. Its bushy tail tapers off to the tip.
The wedge-shaped head is broad and rounded. The forehead, snout, and chin are also rounded, giving the RagaMuffin an amiable facial expression.
The large, walnut-shaped eyes can be a variety of colours, such as blue, green, gold, or amber, and should match the fur colour. Even differently coloured eyes are permitted.
© Sabrina / stock.adobe.com
The RagaMuffin is a friendly, endearing cat. Its sociable nature means it gets along with other pets and children, making it an ideal family cat. Aggressiveness is foreign to the RagaMuffin: it is always people-oriented, cuddly, and well-balanced.
Due to its clingy nature, the RagaMuffin does not like to be alone for extended periods. It prefers spending time with its humans, enjoys playing, and loves being petted.
Some owners even report that their cat follows them everywhere, much like a dog. Moreover, the RagaMuffin is often quite talkative, meowing a lot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due to the inbreeding issues in Ragdoll and RagaMuffin breeding, prospective owners should only purchase from trustworthy breeders. These are registered with official breeding associations and prioritise the health of their kittens and the mother.
Beware of so-called internet bargains. When pedigree cats are offered significantly below market value and without papers, it usually compromises animal welfare.
A healthy RagaMuffin from a reputable breeder costs around 700 to 800 euros.
The large and gentle RagaMuffin captivates many cat enthusiasts with its appealing look. Its semi-long fur, expressive eyes, and bushy tail make this noble pedigree breed a stunning beauty.
But its personality also impresses; as a friendly, people-oriented cat, this domestic tiger effortlessly integrates into the family unit.
| Quick Facts: | The RagaMuffin is a large, heavy cat with a muscular physique. It forms close bonds with its humans and gets along well with other cats. |
| Shoulder Height: | Up to 40 cm |
| Weight: | Up to 10 kg (male) Up to 7 kg (female) |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 years |
| Price: | Starting at approx. 700 euros |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, playful, intelligent, friendly, even-tempered, trusting, cuddly |
| Fur: | Dense and silky, little undercoat |
| Fur Colour: | All |
| Patterns: | All |
| Grooming Needs: | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs: | Moderate |
| Origin: | USA |
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