Ragamuffin Cat Breeder – Are you looking for a cat that is friendly, affectionate, and cuddly? Do you want a cat that has a soft, fluffy coat and a sweet, gentle personality? If you answered yes to these questions, then you might want to consider getting a Ragamuffin cat.
Ragamuffin cats are a relatively new breed of domestic cats that originated from the Ragdoll breed. They are similar to Ragdolls in many ways, but they have some distinctive features that make them unique. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Ragamuffin cats, including their history, appearance, personality, health, care, and more. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this adorable breed.
What is the History of Ragamuffin Cats?
Ragamuffin cats are a result of a controversy that occurred in the Ragdoll cat community in the 1990s. Ragdoll cats were created by Ann Baker, an American breeder, in the 1960s. She claimed that the original Ragdoll cat, named Josephine, was a semi-feral white Persian-Angora type cat that had a litter of kittens after being hit by a car. She said that the kittens inherited a docile, limp, and relaxed temperament from their mother, as well as a tendency to go limp when picked up. She also claimed that the kittens had a high pain threshold and were immune to diseases.
Baker trademarked the name “Ragdoll” and created her own registry, the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). She imposed strict rules and regulations on the breeders who joined her registry, and charged high fees for the use of the name and the breeding rights. She also made some bizarre claims about the origin and abilities of the Ragdoll cats, such as that they were alien hybrids, that they had human genes, and that they could levitate.
Many breeders were unhappy with Baker’s control and restrictions, and decided to leave the IRCA and form their own associations and registries. They also wanted to expand the gene pool and introduce new colors and patterns to the Ragdoll breed. However, they could not use the name “Ragdoll” because of Baker’s trademark, so they had to come up with a new name for their cats. Some of the names they used were Miracle, Cherubim, Angel, and Ragamuffin.
The name “Ragamuffin” was chosen by a group of breeders who formed the Ragamuffin Associated Group (RAG) in 1994. They applied for recognition from the major cat associations, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). However, they faced some opposition from the Ragdoll breeders, who felt that the Ragamuffin cats were too similar to the Ragdoll cats and that they would confuse the public and dilute the breed. The Ragamuffin breeders argued that their cats were different from the Ragdoll cats in terms of appearance, personality, and health.
The Ragamuffin cats were finally recognized by the United Feline Organization (UFO) in 2001, and by the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 2005. They are still not recognized by the CFA and the TICA, but they are accepted by some other associations, such as the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE) and the Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF).
What Do Ragamuffin Cats Look Like?
Ragamuffin cats are large, muscular, and heavy cats that can weigh up to 20 pounds. They have a broad head, a round face, and large, expressive eyes that can be any color. They have a medium-long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, such as solid, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, tortoiseshell, and pointed. They have a plumed tail that is proportional to their body. They have medium-sized ears that are slightly tilted forward, and a medium-long nose that has a slight dip.
Ragamuffin cats are similar to Ragdoll cats in appearance, but they have some differences that distinguish them. Ragamuffin cats have a more rounded head and face, while Ragdoll cats have a more wedge-shaped head and face. Ragamuffin cats have a wider range of colors and patterns, while Ragdoll cats are limited to the pointed pattern with blue eyes. Ragamuffin cats have a softer and fluffier coat, while Ragdoll cats have a denser and smoother coat. Ragamuffin cats also have a longer lifespan than Ragdoll cats, averaging 12 to 16 years, while Ragdoll cats average 9 to 15 years.
What is the Personality of Ragamuffin Cats?
Ragamuffin cats are known for their sweet, gentle, and affectionate personality. They are very friendly and sociable, and they love to be around people and other animals. They are not shy or aloof, and they will greet anyone who visits your home with curiosity and warmth. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners, and they will follow them around the house and cuddle with them on the couch or the bed.
They are not demanding or needy, but they do enjoy attention and interaction. They are very intelligent and trainable, and they can learn tricks and commands easily. They are also very playful and curious, and they will enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment. They are not very active or energetic, and they prefer to relax and nap most of the time. They are very adaptable and easygoing, and they can adjust to any lifestyle and environment.
Ragamuffin cats are ideal for families with children and other pets, as they are very gentle and tolerant. They are not aggressive or territorial, and they will get along well with anyone who treats them kindly. They are also suitable for elderly people and people who live alone, as they are very comforting and companionable.
They are not vocal or noisy, and they will only meow softly when they want something or when they are happy. They are very well-behaved and well-mannered, and they will not scratch or bite furniture or people. They are very clean and neat, and they will groom themselves regularly. They do not shed much, and they do not require much grooming, except for occasional brushing and trimming of their nails.
What are the Health Issues of Ragamuffin Cats?
Ragamuffin cats are generally healthy and robust, and they do not have any specific genetic diseases or health problems. However, like any other cat, they can be prone to some common health issues, such as:
Obesity
Ragamuffin cats have a large appetite and a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. To prevent obesity, owners should monitor their cat’s food intake and weight, and provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. They should also encourage their cat to exercise and play regularly, and provide them with toys and activities that stimulate their physical and mental health.
Hairballs
Ragamuffin cats have a long and fluffy coat that can accumulate hairballs in their stomach and intestines, which can cause vomiting, constipation, and blockage. To prevent hairballs, owners should brush their cat’s coat regularly, and provide them with a hairball remedy or a special diet that helps them pass the hairballs.
Dental problems
Ragamuffin cats can suffer from dental problems, such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which can cause bad breath, tooth loss, and infection. To prevent dental problems, owners should brush their cat’s teeth regularly, and provide them with dental treats and toys that help them clean their teeth. They should also take their cat to the vet for regular dental check-ups and cleaning.
How to Care for Ragamuffin Cats?
Ragamuffin cats are easy to care for, as they do not have any special needs or requirements. However, owners should still provide them with the basic care and attention that any cat deserves, such as:
Feeding
Ragamuffin cats should be fed with a high-quality and balanced cat food that meets their nutritional needs and preferences. Owners should avoid giving them human food, as it can cause digestive problems and obesity. Owners should also provide them with fresh water at all times, and clean their food and water bowls regularly.
Grooming
Ragamuffin cats have a long and fluffy coat that does not mat or tangle easily, but it still needs some grooming to keep it clean and healthy. Owners should brush their cat’s coat once or twice a week, and more often during the shedding season. Owners should also trim their cat’s nails every few weeks, and clean their ears and eyes as needed.
Litter box
Ragamuffin cats are very clean and neat, and they will use the litter box without any problem. Owners should provide them with a large and comfortable litter box that is filled with a clumping and unscented litter. Owners should also scoop the litter box daily, and change the litter and clean the box weekly.
Toys and scratching posts
Ragamuffin cats are very playful and curious, and they need toys and scratching posts to keep them entertained and stimulated. Owners should provide them with a variety of toys that appeal to their senses and instincts, such as balls, feathers, mice, and puzzles. Owners should also provide them with scratching posts that are sturdy and tall, and covered with a rough material, such as sisal or carpet. Scratching posts will help them sharpen their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory, and prevent them from scratching the furniture or the walls.
Vet visits
Ragamuffin cats are generally healthy and robust, but they still need regular vet visits to monitor their health and prevent any potential problems. Owners should take their cat to the vet at least once a year for a routine check-up, vaccination, and parasite control. Owners should also spay or neuter their cat to prevent unwanted pregnancies and health risks, such as cancer and infections. Owners should also watch out for any signs of illness or injury, such as changes in appetite, weight, behavior, or appearance, and take their cat to the vet as soon as possible.
By providing their Ragamuffin cat with the proper care and attention, owners can ensure that their cat will live a long, happy, and healthy life.
What are the Pros and Cons of Ragamuffin Cats?
Ragamuffin cats are wonderful pets that can bring joy and love to any home. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and they have some pros and cons that owners should consider before getting one. Here are some of the pros and cons of Ragamuffin cats:
Pros
- They are very friendly, affectionate, and cuddly, and they love to be around people and other animals.
- They are very intelligent and trainable, and they can learn tricks and commands easily.
- They are very adaptable and easygoing, and they can adjust to any lifestyle and environment.
- They are very well-behaved and well-mannered, and they will not scratch or bite furniture or people.
- They are very clean and neat, and they will groom themselves regularly.
- They do not shed much, and they do not require much grooming, except for occasional brushing and trimming of their nails.
Cons
- They are very large and heavy, and they can take up a lot of space and weight.
- They have a large appetite and a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
- They are not very active or energetic, and they prefer to relax and nap most of the time.
- They are not vocal or noisy, and they will only meow softly when they want something or when they are happy.
- They are not recognized by some major cat associations, such as the CFA and the TICA, and they may face some opposition from the Ragdoll breeders.
Owners should weigh the pros and cons of Ragamuffin cats carefully, and decide whether they are the right choice for them and their family.
Conclusion
Ragamuffin cats are a relatively new breed of domestic cats that originated from the Ragdoll breed. They are similar to Ragdolls in many ways, but they have some distinctive features that make them unique. They are large, muscular, and heavy cats that have a broad head, a round face, and large, expressive eyes. They have a medium-long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They are known for their sweet, gentle, and affectionate personality.
They are very friendly and sociable, and they love to be around people and other animals. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners, and they will follow them around the house and cuddle with them on the couch or the bed. They are very intelligent and trainable, and they can learn tricks and commands easily. They are also very playful and curious, and they will enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
They are very adaptable and easygoing, and they can adjust to any lifestyle and environment. They are generally healthy and robust, and they do not have any specific genetic diseases or health problems. They are easy to care for, as they do not have any special needs or requirements. They do not shed much, and they do not require much grooming, except for occasional brushing and trimming of their nails.
Ragamuffin cats are wonderful pets that can bring joy and love to any home. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and they have some pros and cons that owners should consider before getting one. They are very large and heavy, and they can take up a lot of space and weight. They have a large appetite and a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related problems.
They are not very active or energetic, and they prefer to relax and nap most of the time. They are not vocal or noisy, and they will only meow softly when they want something or when they are happy. They are not recognized by some major cat associations, and they may face some opposition from the Ragdoll breeders.
Owners should weigh the pros and cons of Ragamuffin cats carefully, and decide whether they are the right choice for them and their family. If they decide to get a Ragamuffin cat, they should make sure to provide them with the proper care and attention that they deserve, and enjoy their companionship and affection for many years to come.
