 The
Ragamuffin is a long-haired domestic cat similar in appearance to
the Ragdoll.
Ragamuffins are fairly large cats, queens weigh between 4.54 and
6.80 kg (10 to 15 lb) and toms weigh between 6.80 and 9.07 kg (15 to
20 lb). Each cat has a fatty pad on its lower abdomen and all are
heavily boned.
Ragamuffins have plush, non-matting, soft fur which comes in many
color varieties. The cats have very large expressive eyes.
They take longer to mature than most other cats, approximately 4
years to reach adulthood. Ragamuffins typically have long life spans
in comparison to other domestic cats. They are a healthy robust
feline with no recognized illnesses.
History
The Ragamuffin is one of the newest breeds of domestic cat. It
was created in 1994. The exact development of this breed is cloudy
and will likely remain a mystery. It was accepted in the Cat
Fanciers' Association (CFA) miscellaneous class in 2003.
Mrs. Ann Baker
Many believe the Ragamuffin resulted from accidental breeding.
Some accounts suggested Mrs. Baker started the breed in the 1960s
with a Ragdoll cat
named Josephine and a regular, non-pedigree cat. The kittens
turned out so cute and so special; Mrs. Baker wanted to preserve
their special qualities by breeding Josephine's offspring and by
being the only person to breed and sell Ragamuffins. Mrs. Baker's
restrictions created friction between herself and the other
breeders, who ultimately, branched off on their own and pushed for
the new registry with the CFA.
Color forms
This breed has several of the color formations that are present
on Ragdolls, but also has a variety of different colors. Some colors
include: all variations of pointed color, including Tortie Point,
Red Point, and Lynx Point. It is said that Particolor and Mitted
Ragamuffins are virtually identical to Ragdolls.
Personality
The Ragamuffin is described as a docile and affectionate cat.
They are highly intelligent and love to play. Because of their
gentle nature, Ragamuffins are generally kept indoors for their own
protection.
Breed Profile
When you first see a RagaMuffin from a distance - you will find
yourself in awe. There lies a gorgeous, massive cat with large
expressive eyes that are just begging for you to come closer. You
will not believe its sumptuous color, its soft coat or the
substantial size of its body.
RagaMuffins come in all coat colors and patterns, with the
pointed and pointed with white colors being registered by CFA but
not shown. These are striking cats whether the color is blue, brown
tabby with white, tortoiseshell or mink. The coat is medium-long,
yet the RagaMuffin is a low maintenance cat. Although the coat is
thick and plush, it does not readily mat or clump and is easy to
care for.
RagaMuffins are classically large cats, with females averaging
between ten and fifteen pounds. Males often weigh between fifteen
and twenty pounds. Each is heavily boned, with a tendency toward a
fatty pad on the lower abdomen. They are fully mature at
approximately four years of age and have a long life expectancy. As
a general rule, RagaMuffins are strong and healthy with no known
genetic health problems within the breed.
A RagaMuffin's personality is one of extreme sweetness, with
traits of those similar to an endearing lap dog. Each one of these
cats thrives on attention and it is not unusual for any one of them
to greet you at the door, follow you from room-to-room and become
your faithful companion. They make wonderful family pets, with so
much affection to give everyone in the family, including your other
pets.
RagaMuffins are wonderful with children. Their calm and patient
temperament lends itself to the boisterous, robust play of
youngsters and they can easily be found attending tea parties or
taking rides in baby strollers. Their easy-going personality makes
them adaptive to almost any environment or situation, as long as
they have their humans' attention and interest..
A RagaMuffin tends to be calm and will likely to be found curled
in your lap as you read a book or watch television. Yet, these are
not lazy cats. Just pull out their toys and you will find them ready
for action.
The exact development and early history of the RagaMuffin breed
is clouded. The full story will likely stay a mystery forever. The
RagaMuffin was accepted into the Miscellaneous class by CFA in
February, 2003.
Pricing on RagaMuffinss usually depends on type, applicable
markings and bloodlines. Usually breeders make kittens available
between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens
have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and
social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being
transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering
or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts)
for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing
or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a
healthy, long and joyful life.
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