The Ragamuffin, an imposing yet gentle cat, ideal for families.
The Ragamuffin, a Gentle and Affectionate Giant
The Ragamuffin is a relatively young cat breed, stemming from the Ragdoll, but recognized for its own distinctive characteristics. It is known for its large size, its medium-long and incredibly soft coat, and its large, expressive eyes. The Ragamuffin is an imposing cat but its appearance is softened by its sweet expression and friendly nature.
Its temperament is one of its greatest qualities: it is extremely gentle, affectionate, patient, and tolerant, making it an exceptional family companion, getting along well with children and other animals.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : The Ragamuffin's medium-long coat is dense and soft, but doesn't tangle easily thanks to its texture. Regular brushing (two to three times a week) is recommended to prevent mats and reduce shedding. This is a very social cat that hates loneliness. It needs a lot of attention, petting, and gentle play. Make sure to provide an enriching environment with toys and frequent interactions, as it thrives when spending time with its family.
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Identifying the Ragamuffin: Characteristics of the Gentle Giant
The gentle gaze and abundant coat are hallmarks of the Ragamuffin.
The Ragamuffin is a large-sized cat, robust and well-muscled. Its growth is slow, and it can reach its adult size around 4-5 years of age.
Size: Large cat, substantial and muscular, with solid boning.
Coat: Medium-long, dense, soft, and silky, with a rabbit-like texture. All colors and patterns are accepted, with or without white.
Head: Broad and rounded, with a slightly domed forehead and full cheeks.
Eyes: Large, expressive, oval to round in shape. All colors are accepted, unrelated to coat color.
Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, well-set apart, and slightly rounded at the tips.
Tail: Long and very bushy, proportional to the body.
Dimensions and Key Information (Ragamuffin)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 35 cm
20 – 30 cm
20 – 35 cm
Weight
6 – 9 kg
4 – 7 kg
4 – 9 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 16 years
12 – 16 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the Ragamuffin is a large-sized cat with slow growth, reaching its full physical maturity around 4-5 years of age.
Behavior: Affectionate, Gentle, and Easygoing
The Ragamuffin is a cat breed known for its incredibly gentle, affectionate, and placid temperament, making it an exceptional family companion. Derived from the Ragdoll, from which it inherits the ability to completely relax when held, the Ragamuffin distinguishes itself with a greater diversity of colors and a slightly more robust body. It is a cat of great patience and endless tenderness, loving human company and cuddles.
These cats are "velcro cats" who follow their owners everywhere, gently seeking attention and affection. Their intelligence makes them capable of learning tricks, and they enjoy interactive games that don't require excessive energy. Ragamuffins get along wonderfully with children, other cats, and even dogs, thanks to their adaptable nature and great sociability. Their meow is soft and melodic, rarely insistent.
With their luxurious coat and imposing stature, Ragamuffins are cats of great beauty. Their grooming is similar to that of other long-haired cats, requiring regular brushing. If you are drawn to large, affectionate cats with a gentle temperament, you will find similar traits in the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat, and the Siberian. For those who appreciate long-haired cats with great serenity, the Birman and the Persian are also charming options, with the Ragamuffin offering a unique blend of all these qualities.
Origin and History
The history of the Ragamuffin began in the 1990s in California, USA. It originated from a group of Ragdoll breeders who wanted to create a new breed with greater genetic diversity and a wider range of colors and patterns. They crossed Ragdolls with domestic long-haired cats and Persians to develop the Ragamuffin, which was officially recognized by the ACFA in 1994, and then by other associations.
The name 'Ragamuffin' was chosen to reflect the idea that these cats are sweet and adorable 'vagabonds' seeking a home. Despite its youth, the breed quickly gained popularity thanks to its magnificent appearance and golden character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ragamuffin
What is the main difference between a Ragamuffin and a Ragdoll?
Ragamuffins originated from crosses of Ragdolls with other breeds to broaden their genetic pool. They can have more colors and patterns than Ragdolls and have a rounder head. Their temperament is very similar: gentle and affectionate.
Is the Ragamuffin a good family cat?
Yes, the Ragamuffin is renowned for being an excellent family cat. It is patient, gentle, affectionate, and tolerant of children and other pets.
Does the Ragamuffin need a lot of grooming for its coat?
Its medium-long coat is soft and doesn't tangle easily, but regular brushing (two to three times a week) is recommended to prevent mats and minimize shedding.
How long does it take for a Ragamuffin to reach its full size?
The Ragamuffin is a slow-growing breed and can take up to 4-5 years to reach its full physical maturity and adult size.
Is the Ragamuffin vocal?
The Ragamuffin is generally a quiet cat, but it will communicate with soft meows to express its needs or ask for cuddles.
