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Ragamuffin cat

life science Maturity 5-7 Next article →

The Ragamuffin is a special kind of domestic cat.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

These cats are known for being very friendly and sweet. They have thick, soft, and silky fur. Many people love them because they bring charm to homes. They are quite different from other cats you might see. Their bodies are broad and have heavy bones.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

This makes them look very substantial and strong.

There are many ways these cats look. Their bodies are shaped like a rectangle. They have broad chests and broad shoulders. Their necks are usually short. The fur is longer around the neck and face. This creates a ruff, which is a ring of hair.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

Kittens are usually born white. They grow into their colors as they get older. They can have stripes, spots, or patches of white. They can be blue, red, cream, or even chocolate. Their eyes are large and shaped like walnuts. Some cats even have heterochromia, which means they have two different eye colors.

This breed has an interesting history. It started in California during the 1960s. A woman named Ann Baker created them from Ragdoll cats. Ragdolls were famous for being limp and relaxed when held. In 1975, some breeders left to find more freedom. They wanted to breed cats with many different colors. In 1994, this group became the Ragamuffin breed.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

A man named Curt Gehm suggested the name Ragamuffin. It was chosen instead of the name Liebling.

Many groups now recognize these cats. The United Feline Organization was the first to accept them. The ACFA accepted them in that same year. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) is another big group. They put Ragamuffins in a special class in February 2003. Later, they moved them to the Championship class in February 2011.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

To be an Authentic Ragamuffin, a cat needs a Ragamuffin parent. They also need an accepted outcross from groups like the ACFA or CFA.

You can tell a Ragamuffin apart from a Ragdoll. Ragdolls must have specific colors called point coloration. Ragamuffins can have any color or pattern they want. Ragdoll eyes are shaped like thin almonds. Ragamuffin eyes are rounder and look very sweet.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

Ragdolls also have a more angular body shape. Ragamuffins have a flatter topline on their backs. This makes them unique and easy to identify.

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