Facts & advice

Ragamuffin

Easy-going, adaptable and friendly, Ragamuffin cats are the perfect family pet

Ragamuffin cats are a beautiful cat breed. They love attention from their human companions, and with their affectionate nature they often like to curl up next to someone on the sofa. Ragamuffin cats are also playful and friendly with careful introduction to other pets. They make wonderful family pets and can cope in busy homes with lots of activity.

While their gorgeous coats need some maintenance, they’re easy to groom and love the attention.

Ragamuffin cats have stout, strong torsos with lots of fluffy, soft hair, with some qualities of the Persian cat, such as the large cheeks and the large, piercing blue or green eyes.

Vital stats

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Size:	Large
Coat:	Long-haired
Life span:	14 – 16 years
Temperament:	Loving, loyal, affectionate, playful

Ragamuffin personality & temperament

a ragamuffin cat wrapped in a knitted blanket

Ragamuffin cats are as popular for their serene disposition as they are for their soft fur. They’re an excellent all-rounder.

Due to their easy-going personality, Ragamuffin cats tend to fit in with bustling family life well. They’re affectionate and friendly with children, as long as they are well socialised, introduced slowly and their needs are respected.
As Ragamuffin cats aren’t particularly territorial, given the right socialisation at kitten stage, they can share a home with another cat and dog with careful introduction.
Ragamuffins are highly intelligent, generally laid-back cats, and as owners it is important that their basic needs are met – good food, a clean litter box and a nicely groomed coat.
As with most cats, the Ragamuffin will benefit from outdoor access. Some owners may prefer to have their Ragamuffin cats as indoor cats. They’re curious, docile and trusting of humans, as well as naturally affectionate with strangers. Because of this, it’s easy for them to be led away from home, or to be victims of theft.
Ragamuffin cats are generally non-confrontational, meaning they may not defend themselves from an aggressive neighbourhood cat. If you wish, you can provide them with a secure outside space that they will love to explore safely.

Ragamuffin food & diet

multi-coloured kibble in a red cat food bowl

There are some consistent rules for keeping cats well-fed and healthy, but there are some specifics you should think about when it comes to your Ragamuffin cat.

Like other breeds, the Ragamuffin cat is an obligate carnivore. To keep your pet healthy, you’ll need to feed them a selection as close to their natural, meat-heavy foods as possible to provide a complete, balanced diet which is suitable for the current life stage of your cat.
It is important to keep your Ragamuffins weight in mind as they are prone to becoming overweight, which can be easily concealed by their naturally larger frame and fluffy coat. Weight gain is a problem for all cats as it puts a strain on their joints and heart.
It’s important to keep your cat hydrated. Experiment with indoor water fountains and a range of water bowls to encourage your Ragamuffin cat. Wide, shallow ceramic bowls are good as they don’t taint the water and the whiskers don’t touch the sides.

Ragamuffin grooming & coat care

a ragamuffin cat sitting in a sunny living room

Ragamuffin cats are a gentle and docile breed which makes grooming sessions a wonderful bonding experience.

While their gorgeous coats need some maintenance, they’re easy to groom and love the attention.
The Ragamuffin cat coat is extremely soft, long, and beautiful. As with their Persian cousins, their fur is fine, yet dense. They tend to have full manes and bushy tails. They’re bred to be tangle-resistant so your Ragamuffin will mostly be able to manage their coat themselves. However, you should groom your Ragamuffin cat at least once a week – just make sure kittens get used to grooming during the socialisation period so it’s a positive experience.
You might need to invest in regular appointments with a professional cat groomer, especially as the seasons change and their coats shed. Ragamuffin cats can benefit from having a hygiene clip around their back end to help keep them clean.
Due to their breeding, Ragamuffin cats can suffer from dental issues and periodontal problems. Starting while your Ragamuffin cat is a kitten, it’s best to gently introduce weekly tooth brushing. Your vet can show you how to do this and recommend the best products.
It’s fairly common for Ragamuffins to experience excessive eye watering. As part of your regular grooming routine, gently wipe your cat’s eyes with moist cotton balls to get rid of any dirt and debris. Just make sure you don’t use the same cotton ball for both eyes as this can cause infection.

Ragamuffin training & behaviour

a grey ragamuffin cat sitting on a tarmac path

These playful kitties love to learn and interact with humans. All you need is positivity and patience.

Due to their intelligence and love of interaction, Ragamuffin cats respond well to training, using positive reinforcement techniques. They’re fast learners when it comes to litter tray training and are bright and energetic.
Ragamuffin cats love to play with their owners, but when you’re not around, they can become despondent. Having a range of safe, engaging toys, scratch posts and interactive activities for your cat to play with is important.
If you’d like to try training your Ragamuffin cat to walk on a harness and a lead, start by slowly introducing the equipment. Most harnesses and leads are extremely lightweight and they shouldn’t upset your easy-going Ragamuffin but remember that every cat is an individual and some will take to it better than others. Remember, lots of patience and positive reinforcement is needed but always stop training if your cat is very uncomfortable.
Ideally, you shouldn’t leave Ragamuffin cats alone for long periods of time. They do love human contact and affection from family members and strangers alike.

Common Ragamuffin health conditions

As a cat owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Ragamuffins are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Ragamuffins.

1. Upper respiratory tract disorders

The upper respiratory tract is comprised of the nose, nasal passages and the back of the throat. Various conditions affect the upper respiratory tract, including infections (such as cat flu) and foreign materials (like blades of grass) that can become trapped behind the soft palate or at the back of a cat’s mouth. Other upper respiratory diseases include cancers of the nasal passages. Unfortunately some of these conditions, such as cat flu and nasal tumours, are incurable but can be managed. Cat flu can be easily prevented by vaccination, and foreign material, such as blades of grass, can usually be removed.

2. Infectious diseases

Ragamuffins, like other cats, can suffer from a number of infectious diseases. These include viruses (like feline leukaemia virus, FIV or cat flu), bacteria (which cause abscesses) or other less-common infections like toxoplasmosis and chlamydia (which cause brain and eye diseases). FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) is a condition which starts with the common signs of infection but can become more serious. Depending on the infection, antibiotics may be used as a treatment. Whilst feline leukaemia and cat flu can be vaccinated against, unfortunately there is no vaccine against FIP and FIV both of which are aggressive viral infections that eventually prove fatal.

3. Heart disease

Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Ragamuffins are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.

4. Kidney disease

Cats’ kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products from their blood into their urine. Ragamuffins may be affected by kidney disease caused by infections, blockages, tumours or toxins (especially licking anti-freeze) as well as age related changes. Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidney function deteriorates gradually over a period of time. Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of damage, but usually begins by flushing the kidneys using intravenous fluids, followed by special diets and medications. Unfortunately kidney disease is irreversible, but with the right support many cats can enjoy a reasonably normal life.

5. Cystitis

Conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra are collectively known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is more commonly referred to as cystitis. Ragamuffins can suffer from these conditions, which can be caused by stress, not urinating enough, infections and bladder stones or crystals. Cats suffering from cystitis make frequent, painful attempts to urinate, and blood is often found in the urine. Treatment depends on the cause, but cats diagnosed with cystitis will usually require pain relief, access to plenty of water, special diets and perhaps some help to reduce stress.

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What to know before you buy or rehome a Ragamuffin cat

a white ragamuffin kitten sitting on a fluffly blanket

Ragamuffin cats are a wonderful addition to any family but there are a few things you need to know before bringing your new pet home.

Choosing to bring home a Ragamuffin cat is so exciting, but there’s a lot to consider when bringing a new cat home, especially if you’ve never owned a cat before. Speak to experienced owners, ask your Ragamuffin kitten breeder lots of questions about the breed, and consult with a vet so you are prepared for what your new cat will need.
The Ragamuffin cats’ naturally trusting nature and inquisitiveness means they will happily approach strangers. Their beautiful coats and bright eyes mean they get attention wherever they go. This, plus their premium price point, means they are at risk of being stolen, so be aware of steps you can take to protect them.
Ragamuffin cats are a large cat breed and they do not reach full maturity until they are approximately four or five years old.
They can have a big appetite so be prepared to spend a bit more on cat food than you may have to with other breeds. You’ll also need to watch your cat’s weight to keep them healthy.

As heavy shedders, Ragamuffins tend to require a lot of grooming so make sure you have plenty of time to spend with your cat.
There are some health conditions which are common in all kittens, and some which are more likely to affect Ragamuffin cats. As well as dental problems, they can suffer from a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). These are things to discuss with your vet if you have any concerns.
Finding reliable pet insurance for your Ragamuffin cat is a priority. You’ll have peace of mind that they’re covered for any illnesses which occur as they reach adolescence and adulthood.

Ragamuffin frequently asked questions

Where does the Ragamuffin cat breed come from?

The Ragamuffin cat was originally bred in California, USA, and was consciously bred from the Ragdoll Persian breed and the Himalayan breed. The breeding of Ragamuffins was important to widen the Persian gene pool, and it has since been classed as its own breed.

Is the Ragamuffin an old breed of cat?

The Ragamuffin breed is relatively new. Ann Baker, the first person to breed Ragamuffins, began the process in 1994.

Can Ragamuffin cats be trained?

Training your Ragamuffin cat is a wonderful chance for bonding. They are an intelligent breed and they can be taught tricks and to play fetch with a little patience, skill and time. Training prevents boredom and provides your Ragamuffin with exercise opportunities. Keep your Ragamuffin cat motivated with delicious treats and lots of positivity.

Do Ragamuffin cats have a friendly temperament?

They are among the most friendly and affectionate cat breeds you can welcome home! Ragamuffin cats are extremely adaptable and relaxed. You’ll find they’re comfortable with children, adults, strangers, other pets – provided they’re well socialised as kittens, and have had good careful introductions.

Do Ragamuffin cats have another name?

Ragamuffin cats are also known affectionately as Raggies.

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Ragamuffin insurance considerations

Ragamuffin cats sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

We always offer these things as standard:

Physiotherapy

Dental illness & injury

Cancer treatments

Diagnostic tests

Hereditary conditions

Physical & online consultations

Prescription medicine

Behavioural conditions

Surgery & specialised care

Congenital conditions

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