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The Ragamuffin is a long-haired domestic cat similar in
appearance to the Ragdoll. Ragamuffins are fairly large cats.
Females weigh between 10 to 15 lbs (4.54 and 6.80 kg), and males
weigh between 15 to 20 lbs (6.80 and 9.07 kg).
Ragamuffins are large, muscular, heavy cats that do not reach
full maturity until approximately four years old. The look of the
body is rectangular, with broad chest and powerful shoulders
supporting a short neck. The head is a broad modified wedge with a
rounded forehead and obvious nose dip. There is a puffiness to the
whisker pad and cheeks are full. Large, walnut shaped eyes give a
sweet appearance. The Ragamuffin has a long, dense and silky coat,
like that of a heavily furred rabbit, and the hair grows longer
around the face and neck (a ruff), increases in length toward the
stomach, with a wispy frill on the hind legs. Every possible color
and pattern is allowable.
Difference from a Ragdoll: The Ragamuffin has a shorter, scooped
nose, while the Ragdoll has a gentle curve with the final segment
straight. Rather than having a flat plane between the ears, the
skull of the Ragamuffin is gently rounded. The Ragamuffin has a bit
more chubby-looking face, and slightly tipped forward ears.
Ragamuffin breeders also emphasize a sweet expression and walnut
shaped eyes rather than the oval eyes seen in the Ragdolls. The
Ragamuffin is allowed to outcross with certain other breeds every
fifth generation which is important for maintaining the excellent
health of the breed.
The Ragamuffin is one of the newest breeds of domestic cat. It
was created in 1994. The exact development of this breed is cloudy
and will likely remain a mystery. It was accepted in the Cat
Fanciers' Association (CFA) miscellaneous class in 2003.
Mrs. Ann Baker
Many believe the Ragamuffin resulted from accidental breeding.
Some accounts suggested Mrs. Baker started the breed in the 1960s
with a Ragdoll cat named Josephine and a regular,
non-pedigree cat. The kittens turned out so cute and so special that
Mrs. Baker wanted to preserve their special qualities by breeding
Josephine's offspring and by being the only person to breed and sell
Ragamuffins. Mrs. Baker's restrictions created friction between her
and other breeders who, ultimately, branched off on their own and
pushed for the new registry with the CFA.
This breed has several of the color formations that are present
on Ragdolls, but also has a variety of different colors. Some colors
include: all variations of pointed color, including Tortie Point,
Red Point, and Lynx Point.
The only extreme allowed in this breed is the very docile nature.
The Ragamuffin loves people and is very cuddly and affectionate,
with a tendency to go limp when held. While not terribly athletic,
they love playing and climbing scratching posts and some will even
fetch toys. They greet family members at the door and will follow
their people around the house. Because of their gentle nature,
Ragamuffins are generally kept indoors for their own protection.
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