Ragamuffin

We cannot talk about Ragamuffin’s history without mentioning Ragdoll’s history. In the 1960s, a cat called Josephine produced several litters of very docile cats. A well-known cat breeder, Ann Baker, owned Josephine and purchased back the docile kittens. Eventually, she established the Ragdoll breed. Baker held a tight grip on Ragdoll’s breeding and bloodlines, so a group of cat lovers decided to widen the gene pool of the Ragdoll by outcrossing them to different cat breeds. In 1994, the group cut official ties with Baker and her International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), took their cats with them and developed an independent breed. The allowed outcrosses include Persians and Domestic Longhairs. The breed got its recognition in 2003.

The Ragamuffin cats are an adorable breed with many unique characteristics that make them attractive to cat owners across the globe. These cats are muscular and have broad chests. They are surprisingly heavy and are classified as having heavy bones. Here are other characteristics we will focus on.

Coat

We can’t talk about the Ragamuffin breed without mentioning its coat. These cats have soft, dense, silky, tangle-resistant coats. Tangles are rare, but you should still brush your cat once a week to keep the coat looking its best. The cat’s fur is longer around its neck, belly, and legs.

Coat color

The Ragamuffin has an interesting characteristic. Ragamuffin kittens are born white, and they develop coat colors and patterns as they grow. This breed comes in all available colors and patterns found in this species. Even their eyes come in different colors.

Size

The Ragamuffin is considered a relatively large cat breed. Females are usually smaller than males. Most adult cats weigh 10 - 20 pounds and reach 12 - 18 inches, without the tail.

Temperament

The Ragamuffin’s looks are important, but their temperament is even more crucial. Just looks are not enough to be a good family cat. Luckily, the Ragamuffin has a fantastic temperament that will make them great family companions. These cats are exceptionally playful, affectionate, intelligent, and friendly. These cats love being handled, and once you pick them up, they will completely relax in your hands. They are often described as being puppy-like.

Health

Even with careful breeding practices, cat breeders haven’t managed to completely eliminate potential health issues Ragamuffins are prone to. These cats are generally considered healthy and have a lifespan of 12 - 16 years. Here are the potential health issues these cats can develop;

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - A common heart condition in different cat breeds. This issue will cause the thickening of the heart and reduce its functions.
• Polycystic kidney disease - This type of kidney disease will cause kidneys to develop a large number of cysts all over themselves.

World Cat Finder Team