RagaMuffins feature medium-long, plush coats that come in all colors and patterns. Their rabbit-like softness makes them veritable petting magnets. These are medium to large cats with sturdy bodies, with males being as much as 10 pounds heavier than females. They have gentle faces with oval eyes and medium-sized ears that are rounded at the tips. These cats tend to develop fat pads on their lower abdomens.
Their mellow vocalizations are reserved for chatty moods, and they purr beautifully when receiving affection. These cats are laid-back without being lazy.
These are true lap cats. They do love to play, but are more often found relaxing on or near one of their humans. RagaMuffins get along very well with children and other pets; in fact, they are better suited to homes with other animals. They crave attention and need it often, but they don't beg or pester for it.
The RagaMuffin is generally considered a new breed, but its history is inextricably tied up in that of the Ragdoll breed. Breeder contract and trademark concerns led to the creation of a new name and classification.
RagaMuffins are sweet, serene, and affectionate. They love nothing more than to cuddle, and like their Ragdoll cousins, they go completely limp when they do. Their angelic faces and incredibly soft coats make them impossible to resist.
These cats need lots of love and attention. They don't belong in homes where they're left alone with much frequency or for hours at a time. It's best to keep them in homes with other pets so they have steady companionship when humans aren't around or attentive. These cats are also noted for being particularly good with children.
RagaMuffins may not be all that independent, but they don't insert themselves aggressively or nag for attention. Their mellow vocalizations are reserved for chatty moods, and they purr beautifully when receiving affection. These cats are laid-back without being lazy.
RagaMuffins don't reach full physical maturity until 4 years of age and they have long life expectancies, averaging about 18 years. It's important to be proactive about helping individual cats maintain an appropriate body weight by learning about their nutrition and caloric needs, limiting treats, and encouraging physical activity through interactive play.
RagaMuffins have a genetic susceptibility to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition causes a thickening of the heart muscle and is the leading cause of feline heart disease. The responsible gene has been identified, so accountable breeders routinely remove affected cats from genetic lines. However, while breeders should offer proof of screenings, no breeder can realistically guarantee any cat's genetic line is free of this condition.
Due to its Persian ancestry, this breed is also more prone to polycystic kidney disease. This condition causes renal dysfunction and may lead to kidney failure. Genetic testing can also screen for this health problem, so request evidence of screening prior to purchase or adoption.
RagaMuffins are people-pleasers at heart. They can learn a few tricks, such as walking on a harness or leash and playing fetch. They appreciate interactive play and puzzle toys for physical activity and stimulation during energetic periods.
Cats of this breed make good travel companions and are also good companions for people who live alone and have the time and desire to interact often throughout the day, every day. RagaMuffins lend a sympathetic ear, offer company as often as they're allowed, and have a natural gift for spreading happiness.
RagaMuffins aren't shy, and they greet visitors readily. They are perfect pets for children, but younger kids should be monitored to ensure safe, appropriate play. These cats will happily attend a tea party, play dress-up, and ride around in a doll's stroller.
The RagaMuffin's dense, plush coat may look like it requires a lot of work, but it doesn't. The silky texture of their hair naturally helps prevent matting and tangles, and these cats are moderate shedders. Ask whether individual RagaMuffins have Persian ancestry, though; if so, they are slightly more prone to mats and tangles and require an additional grooming session or two each week.
A stainless steel comb should be used to groom the RagaMuffin's coat once or twice weekly. The nails need trimming about once every two weeks, and the teeth should be brushed regularly to protect dental health. These cats need their ears cleaned with a gentle cleanser and cotton balls when wax accumulates, and the ears should be watched for signs of an ear infection, such as discharge, unpleasant odor emanating from the ears, redness, and swelling.
Because RagaMuffins crave petting and physical attention, they tend to be more receptive to grooming than many other cat breeds. Gentle grooming almost always results in cooperation. Grooming should be started early in life to foster acceptance of the process.
Persian breeder Ann Baker cared for a feral cat named Josephine in the 1960s. After being hit by a car and recovering, Josephine gave birth to a litter of particularly docile offspring. These cats were noted for going limp like rag dolls when snuggled. Baker bred them and called the results Cherubim. A small number of kittens invariably came out non-pointed and non-mitted, and Baker called these Miracle Ragdolls.
Baker kept tight control over breeding, but in 1967, a group of breeders broke away from Baker and pursued their own lines, calling the breed Ragdolls. In response, Baker set up her own registry and trademarked the name Ragdoll. Over the years, breeders became more and more unhappy adhering to Baker's controls, and after time her ability to maintain a healthy cattery suffered as she continued with the responsibilities of running a registry.
In 1993, breeders officially coined the name RagaMuffin for their cats, which by then came in all colors and patterns, unlike original Cherubim or Ragdolls. This allowed them to circumvent their contractual obligations and prevent any trademark infringement.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) first accepted RagaMuffins for registration in 2003. They were advanced to championship status in 2011.
