All about RagaMuffin cats

Easy-going, affectionate and fabulously fluffy, a new feline on the block – the RagaMuffin cat – is rising in popularity. For fans of large, laid-back cats, it’s easy to see why.

“A relatively new breed both here and in the US, the RagaMuffin has inherited much of its relative, the Ragdoll cat breed's best qualities – and then some – as they also love to be picked up and carried around but are said to have more 'get up and go' than their relaxed cousins,” says Your Cat.

“Ragamuffin cats are as popular for their serene disposition as they are for their soft fur. They’re an excellent all-rounder,” notes insurer Petplan. “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.”

“Imagine the most loving, longhaired lap cat you’ve ever had the fortune to meet, and you’ll understand the goal behind the development of the RagaMuffin breed,” adds the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). “These sweet-tempered, easy-going cats were created to cuddle, and they will make themselves at home anywhere you are.”

WHAT DO RAGAMUFFIN CATS LOOK LIKE?

RagaMuffins are large, muscular cats with a rectangular body, broad chest and powerful shoulders, and the fluffiest of tails. “These semi-longhaired cats have a dense, thick and plush coat, with an adorable ruff around the neck and knickerbockers (dense fur) on the hind legs,” notes Your Cat.

Beautiful RagaMuffins come in a whole range of colours and coat patterns. These include seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, black, red, silver, shaded, smoke, cameo, cream and tortie in colourpoint, solid, mink, sepia and tabby patterns.

“The eyes are a special feature and should be large, walnut-shaped and spaced well apart with a sweet, gentle expression,” says the General Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

WHERE DO RAGAMUFFIN CATS COME FROM?

“The history of the RagaMuffin is closely tied to that of the Ragdoll,” says the CFA. “In the early 1990s, a group of breeders formerly associated with Ann Baker, founder of the Ragdoll, chose to break away. They opted to retain some Ragdoll characteristics – a large, long-haired cat with an extremely mellow nature – but with a dramatically different colour scheme. The name RagaMuffin was chosen, which linked the new breed back to its ancestral street cats and added a certain roguish charm.”

“Ragdolls and RagaMuffins share a common ancestry but are distinct breeds with a few subtle differences,” explains PetMD. “Notably, the two breeds differ in coat colours and patterns. While Ragdolls have light bodies with darker points, RagaMuffins are allowed a broader spectrum of colours and patterns. RagaMuffins have medium-length hair and eyes of any colour, whereas Ragdolls boast semi-long hair and vivid blue eyes.”

“The M is capitalised because (according to a founding US breeder) they are big, huggable, loveable Muffins,” adds the GCCF, which granted the breed championship status in 2015.

Read on to find out more about RagaMuffin cats. Are they calm and gentle? Are they good with children and other pets? Are they playful and affectionate? What do RagaMuffin cats like to do? From grooming and playtime to feeding, find out how to provide RagaMuffin cats with everything they need to live a fulfilling and happy life.

But first, check out these RagaMuffin cat facts!

8 REMARKABLE RAGAMUFFIN CAT FACTS

• RagaMuffin cats are large. Adult females weigh between 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg), and adult males 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9kg).
• RagaMuffins have big eyes that are oval at the top and rounded at the bottom, like a walnut, and come in a variety of colours, including blue, green, gold, amber and aqua. They can even have different coloured eyes!
• RagaMuffin kittens are born white with their colour and pattern developing over time.
• RagaMuffin cats have an extremely soft, long, and beautiful coat. As with their Persian cousins, their fur is fine, yet dense.
• RagaMuffin cats do not reach full maturity until they are approximately four or five years old.
• RagaMuffins are a relatively new breed and still small in number, but their numbers are growing every year. Due to their diverse heritage, they tend to be sturdy, healthy cats.
• RagaMuffin cats are known for quietly shadowing their favourite human from room to room. They’ll often be found waiting at the door to greet their people when they come home.
• RagaMuffin cats are also known affectionately as Raggies.

RAGAMUFFIN CAT PERSONALITY PROFILE

Calm and docile, RagaMuffin cats are extremely affectionate, people-loving lap cats with a playful nature, who want to be involved in everything their human family is up to.

Reported in Your Cat, John Cann, chairman of the UK RagaMuffin Cat Society, says: “They love to cuddle and play and are able to adjust easily, but without giving up their personality. RagaMuffins are great companions – no matter if you are single or living in a big family – and will reward all your affection and attention.”

“Easy-going, adaptable and friendly, Ragamuffin cats are the perfect family pet,” says Petplan. “They love attention from their human companions, and with their affectionate nature, they often like to curl up next to someone on the sofa.”

“They are never aloof and thrive on companionship. The calm and even-tempered RagaMuffin is an ideal family cat,” adds the GCCF. “RagaMuffins want involvement in what their owners do.”

Understand your cat better with our cat communication guide >>

IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A RAGAMUFFIN CAT?

This highly adaptable breed will happily fit into most home set-ups, providing there’s someone around most of the time.

“Because these cats are so agreeable, they make wonderful pets for families with small children,” notes the CFA. “They also do well with people who live alone, providing them with plenty of devotion and emotional support.”

“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,” adds Petplan. “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.”

RagaMuffins and other pets

RagaMuffins will also happily rub along with other pets in the household if introductions are made carefully.

“The RagaMuffin is also friendly toward other pets, including dogs and other cats,” says the GCCF. “To this gentle giant, everyone is his friend. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to introduce pets slowly and in controlled circumstances to ensure that they learn to get along together.”

“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,” advises Petplan.

Safety and security are important considerations with RagaMuffin cats

While RagaMuffins, as with most cats, will benefit from access to an outdoor space, care must be taken to keep this trusting, non-confrontational breed safe.

“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,” advises Petplan.

The insurer notes that because Ragamuffin cats don’t like confrontation, 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.”

For cats, their environment is everything, and they are happiest when surrounded by familiar things and routines that are predictable and consistent >>

WHAT DO RAGAMUFFIN CATS LIKE TO DO?

While every cat is an individual with a unique set of likes and dislikes, there are certain things that are extremely important to RagaMuffin cats.

Top of the list is hanging around with their human family, joining in with everyday activities, and playing lots of games together that stimulate their intelligent minds and help keep them fit and healthy.

“They are playful and smart,” says the GCCF. “Whilst not terribly athletic, they love playing, climbing scratch posts, and fetching toys.”

“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,” adds Petplan. “Training your Ragamuffin cat is a wonderful chance for bonding. 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.”

The insurer notes that it’s essential to provide your RagaMuffin cat with lots of things to occupy them, particularly when you’re not with them: “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.”

And, of course, after plenty of playtime, your RagaMuffin will be ready for lots of cuddles. “While they can be quite playful, most RagaMuffins are happiest living up to their ‘lap cat’ role and will snuggle up with their favourite person for hours,” notes the CFA.

What do cats, really, really want? If our cats could speak human, here are 12 things they’d tell us! >>

GROOMING YOUR RAGAMUFFIN CAT

When it comes to grooming, RagaMuffins are fairly easy to care for, despite their luxurious, plush coat.

“They’re bred to be tangle-resistant, so your Ragamuffin will mostly be able to manage their coat themselves,” says Petplan. “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.”

“The RagaMuffin has a soft, plush, low-maintenance coat which is easily cared for with a few minutes of brushing or combing once or twice a week,” adds the GCCF. “The RagaMuffin’s soft coat is long, but its texture is tangle resistant. Weekly brushing or combing is all that is needed to remove dead hairs and keep it looking beautiful.”

Your RagaMuffin may also benefit from the occasional professional groom. Petplan adds: “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.”

The insurer also notes that it’s fairly common for Ragamuffins to experience excessive eye watering, advising: “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.”

The ultimate cat grooming guide >>

FEEDING YOUR RAGAMUFFIN CAT

All cats – from tiger to domestic tabby – are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Meat contains essential amino acids which they can’t make themselves. Cats also require high levels of protein and can benefit from food that’s appropriate for their life stage.

Industry body UK Pet Food states: “Cats vary from many species, requiring a significant amount of protein in their diet, plus certain nutrients, such as taurine, as part of a balanced diet with just the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals, to stay in peak condition. Nutrients must be present in the correct amounts for their stage in life and in the correct proportion to each other, in order to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.” 

Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS advises: “Along with high protein levels, cats require a careful balance of vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids in the right ratio.”

How much and how often should you feed your cat?

Adult cats are generally fed twice a day. Alternatively, as cats in the wild naturally eat lots of small meals per day, you could try splitting their daily intake into several small meals (unless advised otherwise by your vet). Providing dry cat food in a variety of ways, such as in treat balls or cat puzzles, can deliver a much more exciting and rewarding experience for your cat.

Portion control is also important, so get into the habit of measuring out accurate amounts each day. Giving your cat a little more than they need means they could become overweight. Likewise, if you don’t feed enough, your cat will not get all the nutrients they need and will become underweight.

“It is important to keep your Ragamuffin’s weight in mind as they are prone to becoming overweight, which can be easily concealed by their naturally larger frame and fluffy coat,” adds Petplan.

Dr Moyes advises: “By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion that’s suitable for your cat’s age and lifestyle to ensure they consume the correct amount of nutrients. For instance, house cats may need fewer calories than cats who spend much of their day roaming outdoors. Dry cat food is a good option as it’s easily portioned, may be better for dental health and encourages extra water consumption.”

Wet food v dry food

Unlike wet cat food, dry cat food stays fresh inside the pack until you’re ready to serve it to your cat. And that’s not all! Other benefits include:

• Free feeding – As dry food can be left out because it won’t spoil, this suits those cats who prefer to graze their food over the day rather than at specific mealtimes.
• Helpful for healthy teeth – Munching on crunchy kibble encourages chewing and helps to keep teeth clean.

• Makes feeding more fun – Dry food is easier to use with food dispensers and puzzle toys, providing environmental enrichment and mental stimulation.
• Portion control – By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.

Make sure to supply plenty of fresh water, too, in a separate place from their feeding area. Lots of cats aren’t keen on drinking water from a bowl, preferring moving water to still – so it may be worth investing in a cat fountain if you don’t want them drinking from a dripping tap!

What should I feed my cat? With so many varieties of cat food on offer, what should you look for when it comes to choosing the best cat food for your cherished cat companion? >>  

GETTING A RAGAMUFFIN CAT

If you’re interested in adding one of these fabulous felines to your family, find out as much as you can first and decide if you’ll be able to provide them with everything they need to be a truly happy and contented cat.

“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,” says Petplan. “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.”

If you’re looking for a kitten, only buy from a reputable, registered breeder – the United Kingdom RagaMuffin Cat Society (UKRMS) has a list of registered breeders.

Alternatively, visit the Cat Rescue Resource or the UKRMS’s rehoming page to find beautiful rescue cats looking for happy new homes. Also check out other rescue charities such as Cats Protection, Battersea, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Woodgreen, who’ll be delighted to hear from you, and can provide you with lots of helpful advice on adopting a rescued cat.

EVERY CAT DESERVES A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS DINNER!

At Burgess Pet Care, all our cat food is made using premium ingredients to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your cat happy and healthy – from kitten, to adult and mature and Burgess Neutered Cat with Chicken – an advanced, high protein, complete food with added L-Carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.

• Salmon? Duck? Chicken? Let your adult cat pick their favourite flavour with our fussy cat bundle >>
• Our cat diet and nutrition guide is here to help you create a meal plan that's tailored especially for your feline friend.
• How often should you feed your cat? Find out why little and often suits most cats – and the reason why play should be part of your feeding routine.
• Adapting your cat’s diet throughout their life What you choose to feed your cat at different life stages can make all the difference.

GOT A CAT QUESTION? Whatever your feline-related query, we’ve got some fascinating answers for you >>

CARE MORE Find out more about caring for your cat from Burgess, the Pet Care Experts.

Is your cat a Burgess cat? Join our Pet Club for exclusive offers and competitions – and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.

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