Ragamuffin

The Ragdoll that broke the rules

Also known as: RagaMuffin · RagaMuffin cat · Coloured Ragdoll · Liebling

Ragamuffin, an extra large cat from United States (photo 2)

Ragamuffin, an extra large cat from United States (photo 3)

Ragamuffin, an extra large cat from United States (photo 4)

Ragamuffin, an extra large cat from United States (photo 5)

Photos: Takashi Hososhima from Tokyo, Japan (CC BY-SA 2.0) · "Iris Preyler-Hamertinger" (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Ariele at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Togle1 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

28–33 cm(11–13 in)Height at the shoulder

4.5–9 kg(10–20 lb)Adult weight

12–16 yearsLife expectancy

15 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupSemi-longhair

OriginUnited States

SizeExtra large

CoatSemi-long, silky and slightly denser than the Ragdoll's

ColoursPractically all, with or without white; eyes of any colour

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1994

Estimated cost in Spain*€1,020–1,420 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

It was born of a split in the 1990s: a group of Ragdoll breeders broke away from Ann Baker, who controlled the trademark and the breed rules, and carried on breeding independently, with crosses to Persians, Himalayans and domestic longhairs. As they could not use the name Ragdoll, they chose RagaMuffin, and the CFA accepted it in the early 2000s. It is very similar to the Ragdoll in body and temperament, but it accepts all colours and patterns, with or without points, eyes of any colour and a rounder, sweeter face. It is large, heavy, very calm and affectionate, lets itself be held and always seeks out people.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Bicolour White spotting · Black and white cat, Ginger and white cat

Van White spotting · Van pattern, Van cat

Harlequin White spotting · Harlequin, White cat with patches

Mitted White spotting · Mitted, Gloves

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

DocileAffectionatePlayfulSociable

Activity

3/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

5/5

With other cats

5/5

Ease of learning

3/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

3/5

Brushing needsless is better

3/5

Health robustness

3/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

3/5

For first-time owners

5/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Brushing once or twice a week with a long-toothed comb; it forms few mats, but check under the legs and behind the ears. It tends to put on weight: weigh its portions and play with it every day, even briefly. Being trusting, an indoor life with secure windows and balconies is best. It needs large, stable scratching posts and a roomy litter tray for its size.

Health

Because of its shared background with the Ragdoll and the Persian, ask for an echocardiogram to rule out hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and for the polycystic kidney disease (PKD) test. Obesity is its most common problem. Some cats have a shorter face and watery eyes. Annual check-ups and weight control.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Its name is a play on words: a “ragamuffin” is a scruffy, ragged child.

It accepts any eye colour, including odd eyes.

It matures very slowly: it can take about four years to reach its adult size.

In Spain it is uncommon and often confused with the Ragdoll.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Ragamuffin get?

An adult Ragamuffin usually weighs 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) and stands about 28–33 cm (11–13 in) at the shoulder, which makes it an extra large cat.

How long does a Ragamuffin live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–16 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Ragamuffin hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Ragamuffin good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Ragamuffin need?

As a guide, 15 min of play a day. Its activity score is 3 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.