A soft-natured, trusting cat that loves company and is happiest on or beside its people. It is calm and even-tempered, takes changes in routine in its stride and tends to be friendly with visitors as well as family. Owners often describe a playful, slightly goofy side, and many learn to fetch or walk on a harness.1243
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ragamuffin. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 3 days
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 20 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
semi-long to long, soft, dense and silky; heavy-boned rectangular body
A big, solid cat with a broad chest, a rectangular body and plenty of bone. The head is a broad, rounded wedge with medium rounded ears, large walnut-shaped eyes and full whisker pads that give a sweet look. The medium-long coat feels plush, often likened to rabbit fur, and is longest around the neck and on the belly. A soft fatty pad on the lower tummy is normal for the breed.1524
Colourswhiteblackblueredcreamchocolatelilaccinnamonfawnsolidtabbysmokeshadedtortoiseshellcalicobicolourwith or without whitemink and sepiacolourpoint (registration and breeding only at CFA and GCCF)1524
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Not a highly athletic cat, but it enjoys gentle interactive play such as wand toys and fetch, and daily play helps keep it trim.341
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Moderate. The coat resists mats, so combing once or twice a week with a long-toothed comb is usually enough, with extra attention to the belly fur. Occasional baths keep the coat looking its best; some owners prefer brushing more often.1234
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to most homes, including apartments. Provide sturdy scratching posts and cat trees built for a heavy cat, plus cosy spots near the family.42
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A protein-rich, complete and balanced food for its life stage. Kittens eat three to four times a day and adults about two measured meals, with portions kept in check.3
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and dislikes being left out. Gets along with children and other pets and does best in a home where someone is often around.123
The story where it all began
The story begins with the Ragdoll, created by Ann Baker in Riverside, California in the 1960s. Baker trademarked the Ragdoll name and ran her own registry, the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), with tight breeding rules. In 1994 a group of IRCA breeders broke away. Because they could not use the Ragdoll name, they considered options such as 'Liebling' before choosing 'RagaMuffin', a name suggested by Curt Gehm. The founders had worked with lines such as IRCA Miracle Ragdolls, Honey Bears and Maxamillion cats, and they later added outcrosses to domestic longhairs and Persians to widen the gene pool and allow more colours. UFO and ACFA recognised the breed in 1994, CFA followed with registration in 2003 and championship in 2011, and the GCCF granted championship status in 2015.5124
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The name RagaMuffin was chosen partly because the breakaway breeders were not allowed to use the trademarked Ragdoll name.2
2
'Liebling', German for darling, was one of the names considered before RagaMuffin won out.5
3
RagaMuffins mature slowly and can take up to four years to reach full adult size.1
4
Their soft, dense coat is often compared to rabbit fur.1
5
Many RagaMuffins learn to fetch or walk on a harness and lead.1
6
The GCCF standard says the only extreme allowed in the breed is its very docile nature.2
7
Almost every colour and pattern is accepted, and eyes can be any solid colour, with the more intense shades preferred.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name RagaMuffin was chosen to link the new breed back to its ancestral street cats, adding a certain roguish charm, and the M is capitalized because they are big huggable, loveable Muffins.6
I wake up and stretch, then trot to find my human already in the kitchen. I rub against her legs and she scoops me up for a cuddle. I love being held, and I purr so loudly my whole body vibrates. After breakfast, I chase a wand toy across the living room, showing off my goofy pounce. When the doorbell rings, I'm curious but not worried; I greet the visitor with a friendly meow. Later, I fetch my favourite crinkle ball and drop it at my human's feet. She throws it, and I bring it back again. Life is good.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
UFO (United Feline Organization)
First registry to grant full championship status, 19945
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Ragamuffin, and at what times?
Kittens need three to four meals a day, while adults do well on two measured meals. Keeping to set times, such as morning and evening, helps them feel secure. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Ragamuffin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a protein-rich, complete and balanced cat food appropriate for its life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol; avoid these entirely. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.39
Does a Ragamuffin need baths?
Occasional baths can keep the coat looking its best, but they aren't needed often. Many owners find brushing sufficient; bathe only when the coat is dirty or sticky.1234
How often does a Ragamuffin need brushing?
Combing once or twice a week with a long-toothed comb is usually enough, with extra care on the belly. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every three days, and daily deshedding during heavy shedding periods.1234Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Ragamuffin's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every ten days to two weeks, starting with just one or two claws per session to get your cat used to it. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three weeks. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid cutting the quick.10Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Ragamuffin need?
This breed has low to moderate activity needs and enjoys gentle interactive play like wand toys or fetch. Pet Wiki suggests about 20 minutes of play daily to keep it trim and happy.341Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Ragamuffin's teeth and ears?
Daily tooth brushing is ideal for dental health, as recommended in Pet Wiki's plan. For ears, check weekly for dirt or redness and clean gently with a vet-approved solution if needed. Your vet can show you the best technique. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Ragamuffin live?
Ragamuffins typically live between 8 and 17 years, with many enjoying a long, healthy life. Regular vet check-ups and a good diet help support their lifespan.423
Is a Ragamuffin good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is known for its soft, trusting nature and gets along well with children and other pets. They are calm, even-tempered, and often friendly with visitors too.123
Can a Ragamuffin be left alone?
Ragamuffins are very people-focused and dislike being left out, so they do best in homes where someone is often around. They can adapt to short periods alone but may become lonely if left for long hours.123
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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