RagaMuffin cats are known for their large size, luxuriously fluffy coats, and docile nature. The RagaMuffin breed is, in fact, an offshoot of the Ragdoll breed. It emerged as a separate breed in the 1960s, gained popularity in the 1990s, and was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2011.
By breeding Ragdolls with Persians, Himalayans, and other long-haired breeds, the RagaMuffin breed emerged with a wider variety of colors and some genetic diversity. Thus, RagaMuffins are not just aesthetically different from their Ragdoll cousins but also temperamentally.
What Are the Physical Characteristics of a RagaMuffin Cat?
RagaMuffin cats are a large breed with a long, muscular body. They’re sturdy cats with the most luxuriously soft medium to long hair coat. Nothing about these cats screams delicate or flimsy.
Their cute factor is increased by their smallish, pointed ears and very large, round eyes, which are often blue or green and sometimes even one of each, a condition known as heterochromia, which is common in RagaMuffins.
While RagaMuffin kittens are usually born with a white coat, this changes over time and can develop into various colors, from solid color to stripes, spots, and even patches.
Fully-grown male RagaMuffins weigh as much as 20 pounds, while an adult female can grow to about 12 pounds.
What Is the Temperament of the RagaMuffin Cat?
If you’re lucky enough to have encountered a RagaMuffin cat, you’ll know that they are friendly and affectionate, making them a great companion cat. In fact, these cats have often been compared to their canine counterparts in that they are known to follow their humans about, love learning new tricks, and pass leash training with flying colors.
RagaMuffins make fantastic family pets for families with children. They are not only endlessly patient but also highly social and love to be handled. They also maintain their kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood.
Anyone seeking a cuddle companion will find that RagaMuffins are cuddle bugs to their core and will happily curl up on you at any time. In certain circles, they’re known as the “teddy bears of the cat world.”
RagaMuffin cats do, however, tend to boredom, so it’s essential to ensure that you give your little RagaMuffin plenty of attention and stimulation in the form of play to prevent boredom. As with all domestic animals, a bored pet usually has behavior problems.
Common Health Concerns in RagaMuffin Cats
RagaMuffins are a fairly robust breed, but like most cats, they can be prone to specific health conditions. Knowing about these upfront can help ensure that you take the necessary measures to mitigate them.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM: this is a condition common in cats that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, affecting the heart’s ability to perform its vital functions. In severe and untreated cases, this can lead to heart failure.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: this genetic condition results in the formation of cysts in the kidneys, which can grow and begin to affect the functioning of these organs. While it’s not a certainty in RagaMuffins, it is a concern, and genetic testing can help identify the presence of the gene that causes this condition.
Obesity is a common concern in RagaMuffins. They’re big cats, but their enthusiastic appetite can lead them to gain weight easily. Obesity becomes even harder to prevent in house cats as they tend to get less exercise than their free-roaming counterparts.
Exercise and a well-managed diet can help control excess weight and prevent common secondary health concerns associated with obesity, such as diabetes and joint problems.
Additional concerns include respiratory issues resulting from RagaMuffins’ short, wide faces and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which can lead to infections, blockages, and bladder stones.
How to Care for a RagaMuffin Cat
On average, RagaMuffin cats live as long as 12-16 years, with some living into their early 20s. To ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind:
Grooming
That beautiful, luxurious RagaMuffin coat looks hard to maintain, right? But unlike other long-haired breeds, a RagaMuffin’s coat doesn’t mat easily. Brushing their fur once or twice a week should be plenty to keep their fur smooth and healthy.
You might need to increase the frequency of brushing during shedding season, but overall, RagaMuffins’ shedding shouldn’t be unmanageable.
Diet
We’ve mentioned that RagaMuffins can tend towards the heftier end of the scale, so it’s essential to stick to a controlled diet with managed portions. Free-feeding of unmanaged portions is a recipe for weight gain.
Encourage your RagaMuffin to drink enough water to maintain its urinary health. Consider a cat fountain to be sure your cat has access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
Exercise and Play
Ensuring your RagaMuffin gets enough exercise is essential in managing your cat’s weight. In addition, regular play time with interactive and stimulating toys will help keep your RagaMuffin from getting bored.
RagaMuffins are a very social breed by nature, so they need regular interaction. They will thrive in the care of someone who spends quality time with them, but they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Are RagaMuffin Cats Good Family Pets?
Families looking for the perfect companion can do no wrong in choosing a RagaMuffin. These cats are incredibly loving and endlessly patient, making them ideal to be around children. They are very playful but not overbearing and will be just as happy to nap in the corner of whichever room you’re in.
Important Things to Know About Owning a RagaMuffin Cat
Like most pure-breed animals, RagaMuffin cats don’t come cheap. A kitten from a reputable breeder will set you back about $1,200 to $2,500. Then, you’ll need to factor in expenses like regular vet check-ups and high-quality food.
RagaMuffins are very adaptable, so if you hope to keep yours as an exclusively indoor cat, they are perfect. If you opt for this, though, include plenty of exercise and play in your RagaMuffin’s day to keep boredom and weight gain at bay.
When purchasing a RagaMuffin cat, research the breeder thoroughly and choose a highly reputable one. Ask for the cat’s health screenings and have any registration papers verified.
Final Thoughts
RagaMuffins make superb family cats and ideal companions. Their adaptable, gentle nature and affection-seeking ways make them the perfect sidekick for humans and other pets. While they don’t come cheap, they’re easy to care for, and their loyal and loving nature will make it all worthwhile.
