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Ragamuffin cat

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The Ragamuffin is a specific breed of domestic cat known for its friendly personality.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

These cats are recognized by their thick, soft, and silky fur. They possess a substantial body type characterized by heavy bones. Their physical structure includes a rectangular body with a broad chest. They also have broad shoulders that support a short neck. This sturdy build makes them appear quite large and strong. Many people enjoy these cats because they bring charm to households worldwide.

To understand the Ragamuffin, one must look at its specific physical traits. The head is a broad, modified wedge shape. It features a moderately rounded forehead and a muzzle that is short or medium-short. There is an obvious dip in the nose area. The muzzle itself is wide with puffy whisker pads. The hindquarters are moderately heavy-muscled and as broad as the shoulders. A fatty pad in the lower abdomen is an expected trait. The fur is longer around the neck and face, creating a ruff.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

Ragamuffin cats display a massive variety of colors and patterns. Kittens are usually born white and develop their true colors as they mature. Every color and pattern is allowed, with or without white markings. Coats can be solid, striped, spotted, or patched. Common colors include black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and seal brown. Their eyes can be any solid color. Some cats even exhibit heterochromia, which means they have different colored eyes.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

The history of this breed is tied to the Ragdoll cat. In the 1960s, Ann Baker developed Ragdolls in California. Ragdolls were named for their tendency to be limp and comfortable when handled. In 1975, a group of breeders left the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). Baker had trademarked the names "Ragdoll" and "Cherubim" and set strict rules. The departing breeders wanted more freedom in their breeding choices. They wanted to keep positive Ragdoll traits while allowing more color variety.

In 1994, this group officially established the Ragamuffin as a separate breed. They could not use the name Ragdoll or Cherubim due to the trademark. One of the founders, Curt Gehm, suggested the name Ragamuffin. This was chosen as an alternative to the proposed name, Liebling. To improve genetic health, they allowed limited outcrosses. These were breeding matches with other cats, such as Domestic Longhairs or Persians. To be an "Authentic Ragamuffin," a cat must have at least one Ragamuffin parent.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

Several organizations have recognized the breed over the years. The United Feline Organization (UFO) was the first to grant full show champion status. The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) accepted them that same year. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) is another major group. The CFA placed them in the Miscellaneous class in February 2003. They later moved them to the Championship class in February 2011. Currently, acceptable outcrosses include the Siberian, the Long Haired Selkirk Rex, and the British Longhair.

It is easy to tell a Ragamuffin apart from a Ragdoll. Ragdolls require a specific type of color called point coloration. Ragamuffins are not restricted and can have any pattern. Their eyes are also different in shape. Ragamuffins have large, rounded, walnut-shaped eyes with a pinch at the corner. Ragdolls have thinner, slightly angled, almond-shaped eyes. The body contours also differ significantly. Ragamuffins have rounded contours between the ears and a nose scoop.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE

Finally, the two breeds differ in their overall body lines and coat textures. Ragamuffins are described as having a flatter topline on their backs. In contrast, Ragdolls have a more angular topline with raised hindquarters. The texture of the Ragamuffin coat is specifically described as plush. Ragdolls are permitted to have coats that are either silky or plush. These distinctions help breeders and judges maintain the unique identity of the Ragamuffin breed.

Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
Ragamuffin kitten-GRACIE
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