Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are very gentle cats, ornamental. They are known for their meek disposition, mild temperament, and exceptional friendliness. These cats benefit from socializing with people; they are very fond of cuddling, and so much so that they melt in the hands of their owner. Ragamuffins’ favorite activity is to lie down comfortably, not for nothing; they are also called couch hippies.

Breed Photos

Origin History

Are you looking for love? Then don’t miss the Ragamuffin! The new American cat breed, the Ragamuffin, received recognition only recently – in 2011. These animals owe their birth to American breeder Ann Baker. Ragamuffins are very similar to the Ragdoll breed cats, which is not surprising. In 1994, by crossing Persian, Burmese, Angora, and domestic shorthair cats with ragdolls, “ragamuffins” were born. The breed approval committee members jokingly invented such a funny name, and everyone else liked it very much!

To find a Ragamuffin in the former Soviet Union is quite difficult; this breed of cat is extremely rare in the former Soviet Union. It is expensive to buy representatives of this breed, and it isn’t easy to organize transportation. Only true connoisseurs are ready to spend time and money to get hold of this fluffy cat.

Appearance

The Ragamuffin is one of the largest breeds of cats, weighing eight pounds or more about a dog’s size. It’s not just their size that adds to the fun – Ragamuffins remain kittens for four years. The attractiveness and “cuteness” level of a four-year-old kitten is off the charts!

Ragamuffins have a silky, medium-length coat and a wide variety of colors and patterns. All kittens are born white; only as they get older does their coat become colored in different colored patterns. The Ragamuffin is the owner of a long, cone-shaped, fluffy tail. Large almond-shaped eyes give them an irresistible look.

Character

Ragamuffins are very gentle cats, ornamental. They are known for their meek disposition, mild temperament, and exceptional friendliness.

These cats benefit from socializing with people; they are very fond of cuddling, and so much so that they melt in the hands of their owner. Ragamuffins’ favorite activity is to lie down comfortably, not for nothing; they are also called couch hippies. The more you carry them in your arms, which is not an easy task, the happier they become.

Adhere to all family members, especially children, if those are affectionate to them. Get along well with other pets, as long as no one pinches or hurts them.

Care

It is easy enough to take care of a Ragamuffin. Even though these cats have thick and rather long hair, it does not roll. For the pet to look good, a weekly combing is enough. Cleanliness of the ears should be monitored every day; remove accumulated dirt with a soft cloth. Pet’s claws should be trimmed twice a month.

The Ragamuffin is a domestic cat, preferring to sit in a cozy apartment than to run around outside. He can be walked on a leash, but be careful if Ragamuffin doesn’t like a cat he meets on the street – a serious fight is coming.

Education

Ragamuffin is ready to learn but in moderation. He can respond calmly to his name and learn a few acrobatic tricks. Climbing the curtains, destroying the wallpaper, and overturning the trash can – the little Ragamuffin can be mischievous. Therefore, early socialization for members of this breed must be present. Fortunately, explaining how to use the cat’s litter box twice will not be necessary. The Ragamuffin will not leave behind puddles on the floor.

Common Diseases

Ragamuffins are considered a breed with good immunity and do not have many genetic or other problems. The breed has only a few health problems: polycystic kidney disease inherited from Persian cats and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the first case, the process is irreversible, and all that can be done with early diagnosis is to slow its course. With poor heart function, the ventricular walls thicken, resulting in heart failure.

They are big eaters, so they tend to gain weight very quickly. To avoid leading the pet to obesity with your own hands, it is very important to correctly build the pet’s diet. It is necessary to take into account the already considerable size and tendency to obesity. Can safely live in a sober mind and sound memory for more than 15 years.

Nutrition

If the diet is not formatted correctly, members of this family quickly turn into plus-size cats. Felinologists recommend transferring cats to dry food designed for individuals with reduced mobility and slow metabolism. It is advisable to choose a food that does not contain wheat, soy, or corn. The cat should also be provided with a bowl of filtered water because tap water provokes salt deposits in Ragamuffins.

If you have decided to convert Ragamuffin to natural food, prepare to face difficulties. The diet must be chosen so that the food does not work as a “weight gainer”. Portion sizes should be reduced, and systematic weigh-ins should be conducted. Some breeders promote menus based on wet canned food, the caloric value of which is several times lower compared to dry food.