Ragamuffin cats are renowned for their distinctive characteristics that capture both cat and dog features together. With their long bodies draped in fluffy coats, these felines stand out from the crowd! Ragamuffin kittens boast an impressive intelligence that allows them to quickly bond with their humans. Their friendly demeanor and sociable nature make them an absolute joy to be around.
Delve deeper into the world of Ragamuffin cats, and you will uncover lots of intriguing facts. From their thick coats to different coloured eyes, each Ragamuffin boasts a distinct and loveable personality that adds to the allure of the breed.
A Brief History of Ragamuffin Cats
1. The breed made their first appearance in the 1990s in the US.
2. Ragamuffin kittens were created as a blend of Ragdolls and other long-haired cats such as Persians and Himalayans.
3. The name is a homage to Ragdoll cats and was initially a joke made by one of the original breeders!
4. Their first name is said to be ‘Leiblings’ – meaning favourite or darling in German. Since the official registry was never updated, the name Ragamuffin ended up sticking.
Ragamuffin Appearance
5. Ragamuffin cats have thick, soft, plush coats and tails that slightly taper towards the end like a bottle brush.
6. Despite this, their coats are easy to manage and don’t tangle easily. With weekly grooming, you can maintain a Ragamuffin’s coat to keep it neat. Just be sure to follow our tips on grooming as not all cats like to be groomed by their human parents.
7. Their coats come in a variety of colours and patterns. Brown, blonde, black and tortoiseshell are common colours. Interestingly, they can’t have the colourpoint pattern that Ragdolls cats have.
8. Ragamuffin cats also have a variety of eye colours such as blue, green or gold and can even have different coloured eyes!
9. Their kittens are born white with their colour and pattern developing over time.Ragamuffin Characteristics
10. Ragamuffins are often laid back with a sweet, loving nature. Often being described as ‘lap cats’ by their humans, they are known for adoring their families.
11. Due to their friendly characteristics, Ragamuffins are usually kept indoors to maintain their safety. However, they also enjoy the mental and physical stimulation of the outside world in a controlled environment, such as a Catio.
12. They absolutely adore attention from their humans. Due to their social nature, they can often follow their parents around the house. This has earned them the nickname of “Velcro cats”.
Playtime with Ragamuffin Cats
13. Ragamuffins have fun personality traits and can often be seen playing with their humans. They may need encouragement to play but this is easily done. They respond well to invitations to play, and food dispensers/activity feeders can be a great way to encourage movement and activity.
14. They are very intelligent and can be fast learners. We recommend seeing what your Ragamuffin kitten can do! Try training them with positive reinforcement and treats.
Considerations for Adopting a Ragamuffin
15. Ragamuffin cats are a fairly healthy breed, but like all kittens, they can suffer from any kind of condition.
This breed can suffer from hereditary conditions such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Polycystic Kidney Disease. We recommend vetting your breeder before purchasing a Ragamuffin, to ensure there aren’t any known hereditary conditions in their line.
Are you fascinated by your Ragamuffin’s personality traits and want to learn more? Check out our other blogs for a whole range of insights! You can also stay informed with all the latest updates from FELIWAY and all our products by signing up to our newsletter.