RagaMuffin
RagaMuffins are calm, easy-going cats that get along with people of all ages. They form close relationships with their families, love to cuddle, and get a kick out of jumping in unattended boxes. And all that sweetness comes wrapped in a fluffy, adorable package.
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RagaMuffin Traits
General Appearance
The RagaMuffin is a medium-to-large cat with a substantial bone structure and sturdy body. The breed has large, expressive eyes and a cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance.
Coat and Coloring
The RagaMuffin's coat is medium-long with a soft, silky texture. It's slightly longer around the neck and edges of the face, forming a ruff. The front legs are covered in thick, short-to-medium fur, and the back legs in medium-long fur. The breed's hindquarters have a wispy frill. All colors and patterns are allowed—except for pointed colors.
Distinctive Physical Traits
RagaMuffins have a rounded, wedge-shaped head and a short, rounded muzzle. Their medium-sized ears tilt forward slightly and have moderate furnishings adorning the rounded tips. Their walnut-shaped eyes come in all colors and contribute to their sweet expression. And their tails are long and plumed, with a slight taper at the end.
RagaMuffin Temperament
RagaMuffins are an excellent breed for families. They're patient, sweet-tempered cats that enjoy playing with kids and get along well with other pets. Due to their calm, supportive demeanor, they also make wonderful companions for seniors.
Following their humans around the house and cuddling in laps are two of the RagaMuffin's favorite pastimes. Family movie night? Count them in! But don't mistake their relaxed attitude for low energy. When the toys come out, these kitties are ready to play.
RagaMuffins are highly trusting and may not always properly perceive threats. So, it's best to keep them indoors.
RagaMuffin History
The RagaMuffin's history began in the 1960s with an eccentric Southern California breeder named Ann Baker. Starting with stray cats, Ann created several breeds—including the popular Ragdoll—under the label "Cheribum." Several breeders contracted with Ann as a franchise under her breeding program to further the Radgoll's development.
Ann grew more unpredictable and demanding as the years went on, and disagreements about the Ragdoll breed's development began to surface. In the 1990s, some of Ann's breeders decided to splinter off and form a new group. They used a mixture of all of the Cheribum breeds as the foundation for a new breed—which they named "RagaMuffin," as a nod to its street cat roots.
RagaMuffins share many similarities with Ragdolls. But unlike Ragdolls, they come in almost all colors and patterns. The CFA granted the breed registration status in 2003 and Championship status in 2011.
Today, the RagaMuffin's numbers remain low, with just a few dozen breeders in the United States and Europe.
RagaMuffin Care
Nutrition
These cats need a high-quality diet. Because nutritional needs vary for kittens, adults, and senior cats, opt for a formula that's age-appropriate for your pet.
This breed may be more prone to obesity than others. To avoid overfeeding, measure out meals and reduce portions if necessary. And don't forget to account for calories from treats in their daily totals. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat's calories.
Finally, all cats need access to fresh, clean water around the clock.
Grooming
The RagaMuffin's luxurious coat isn't prone to matting or tangles. Weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose fur is all it takes to keep your cat looking their best.
Most cats' nails require monthly trimming to prevent them from getting too long. Long nails are more likely to snag on something and become torn or damaged. They can even grow into your cat's paw pads, leading to pain or infection. In addition to clipping, providing a scratching post will allow your cat to do some nail maintenance themselves (thanks to their instinct to scratch).
No grooming routine is complete without a little dental hygiene. To support your RagaMuffin's overall health, brush their teeth daily and schedule visits with your veterinarian for professional dental cleanings and exams.
Health
The RagaMuffin's large size may make them more prone to issues with their bones or joints. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight will save their joints from unnecessary strain. Supplements may also help improve bone or joint health, but your veterinarian is the best person to ask about this.
Breed Group
Western
The largest of breed groups, the Western Group is mainly comprised of cats developed in Europe and the Americas. Due to the complexity of feline genetic diversity, however, cat breeds from other regions may also be found associated with this group.
