Ragamuffin Cat vs Ragdoll Comparison – Are They Similar?
When you think of huge, fluffy cats, few breeds come to mind. Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are two of the biggest and furriest felines around.
Due to their similar appearances and affectionate personalities, the Ragdoll cat and the Ragamuffin cat are often confused with each other. Despite their similarities, these two breeds can be distinguished from the other by their eyes and coat colors.
Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the Ragamuffin and Ragdoll breeds in detail, including their origins, appearances, and temperaments.
Origins of Ragdolls & Ragamuffins
The Ragdoll cat was created by a breeder from California named Ann Baker in 1963.
According to The International Cat Association(TICA), a pure white long-haired cat named Josephine is credited as the matriarch of this breed.
After Josephine was hit by a car, Ann believed that her genes were somehow altered because all of her kittens had loving and docile personalities.
Furthermore, the kittens from Josephine’s litter after the accident each displayed the odd tendency of going limp whenever they were picked up.
Josephine along with Daddy Warbucks, a seal point mitted cat, and Blackie, a solid black cat are the foundation cats of the Ragdoll breed.
In contrast, very little is known about the beginnings of the Ragamuffin breed. Due to their close resemblance to the Ragdoll cat, it is assumed that these fluffy kitties are their close cousins.
Ragamuffins are most likely created by Ragdoll cat breeders looking to add more colors and patterns to the Ragdoll breed.
Ragdolls were probably bred with longhaired cats such as Persians, Birmans, and Turkish Angoras to produce Ragamuffins.
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll Quick Overview
| Ragamuffin Cats | Ragdoll Cats |
| The Ragamuffin is a large, longhaired cat often confused with the Ragdoll. Ragamuffin cats were most likely created by Ragdoll breeders cross-breeding with other longhaired domestic cats. | The Ragdoll cat is a big, semi-longhaired kitty frequently mistaken for the Ragamuffin. Ragdoll cats were created by Californian breeder Ann Baker in the early 1960s. |
| Ragamuffins have round, walnut-shaped eyes that vary in color. These kitties can be any coat color and pattern possible. | Ragdolls have stunning, blue eyes that resemble the shape of an almond. A purebred Ragdoll can have three possible color patterns and eight different coat colors. |
| The Ragamuffin cat could weigh as much as 20 pounds. | These big-boned cats weigh up to 20 pounds. |
| A Ragamuffin cat is even-tempered, cuddly, and deeply fond of people. | A Ragdoll cat is docile and affectionate. |
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll Appearance
Since they are closely related breeds, the Ragamuffin cat and the Ragdoll cat share many physical features. However, there are some subtle differences in their appearance.
Eyes
Ragdolls are known for their beautiful blue eyes. Though their eyes vary in shades of blue, all purebred Ragdolls have this eye color.
The Ragdoll cat’s blue eyes are one of their defining features and a characteristic that Ragdoll breeders specifically try to refine. Most breeders aim for Ragdolls with vivid blue eyes because some consider pale blue eyes as a sign of poor breeding.
However, a few purebred Ragdolls carry a rare genetic mutation that causes them to have only one blue eye and an eye of another color.
Similarly, some Ragdoll cat types such as Mink, Solid, and Sepia can have eyes that are green, aqua, or gold. Unfortunately, these adorable Ragdoll cats are not accepted by TICA and other cat associations as purebred Ragdolls.
While Ragdolls typically only have blue eyes, Ragamuffins usually vary in eye color. Ragamuffin cats are more prone than other breeds to heterochromia which results in two different eye colors.
Another difference between the Ragdoll cat and the Ragamuffin cat is the shape of their eyes. Ragdolls typically have oval, almond-shaped eyes, while the eyes of Ragamuffins are rounder and shaped like a walnut.
Coat Colors and Patterns
A Ragdoll is distinguishable from a Ragamuffin by its point coloration. This means their coat is darker on their face, legs, tail, and ears compared to the rest of their body.
Based on TICA’s standards, purebred Ragdolls have three possible color patterns: colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor. These gorgeous kitties can be blue, seal, chocolate, lilac, cream, red, cinnamon or fawn in color.
Ragamuffins, on the other hand, could be any genetically possible color and pattern. Like Ragdolls, Ragamuffin kittens are born with a white coat that gradually develops a color pattern as the cat grows up.
How Big Are These Cat Breeds?
Both Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are fairly large cats. In addition, these big-boned cat breeds have fluffy coats that make them appear even bigger than they actually are.
According to Vetstreet, a Ragamuffin cat and a Ragdoll cat may weigh up to 20 pounds. Males usually weigh between 15-20 pounds, while females weigh between 10-15 pounds.
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll Characteristics
Personality
Ragamuffins and Ragdolls share many similar personality traits. If you’re looking for a friendly and even-tempered cat, you will not go wrong by choosing either cat breed.
Affection
Although each cat has their own unique personality, Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats both have a reputation for being extremely affectionate. These loving cats are quite fond of their human companions.
Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are the type of cats to wait for you to come home by the door, treat your lap as their favorite napping spot, and follow you around the house like a shadow.
If you value your personal space, it might be better to adopt another breed that requires less attention.
Since Ragdolls and Ragamuffins enjoy spending time with their humans, these cat breeds are best for people who prefer emotionally needy kitties.
A Ragdoll or Ragamuffin cat will make you feel loved but these cat breeds expect the same amount of attention in return.
Energy and Playfulness
Despite their gentle temperaments, Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are both playful cats.
According to the McClellan Veterinary Clinic, a Ragdoll cat can be just as playful as a puppy. Similarly, Ragamuffins are characteristically playful and dog-like.
Ragdolls and Ragamuffins love cuddle time with their humans, but it’s also important to make sure these active cats have regular play sessions.
Both of these cat breeds have a naturally plump lower belly, but a lack of exercise could put them at risk of obesity.
General Habits
The Ragdoll cat has an adorable habit of going completely limp in their human’s arms. This is where the inspiration for their cute name comes from.
Ragamuffins seem to have adopted this trait from their Ragdoll descendants. When carried by humans, these cats also stretch out their arms and go limp like a Ragdoll.
Since these kitties are on the heavy side of the cat spectrum and very trusting of humans, it’s best practice to support their bodies with both hands and arms while holding them to prevent possible injuries.
How Trainable Are Ragdolls & Ragamuffins?
Due to their dog-like and docile personalities, both the Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cat are easily trainable.
Many Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are capable of playing fetch and learning other tricks.
Some Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cat owners even walk these cats on a leash.
Their easygoing temperaments and desire to constantly be with their favorite humans allow these cats to easily adapt to outdoor walks.
Health & Age Limits
Most Ragamuffins live to be 13 years old or more, while Ragdolls typically live for 12-15 years or more.
Ragamuffins are usually healthy. However, they are more susceptible to hereditary issues such as heart disease and kidney disease.
Ragdolls are similarly prone to health conditions like heart murmur, kidney disease, respiratory issues, hyperthyroidism, and urinary conditions.
Moreover, both of these heavy cat breeds are more susceptible to excessive weight gain because of their fondness for food.
It’s a good idea to regulate their diet and ensure they remain physically active through play.
Grooming and Care
Ragdolls have semi-long coats that require regular brushing. These soft and plush kitties must be brushed at least once or twice a week to properly care for their coats.
Ragamuffins have medium-long coats that must be groomed regularly to prevent tangles and mats.
These two cat breeds can be groomed with a stainless steel or “Greyhound” comb which adequately brushes through their long coats.
Similar to other cats, both the Ragamuffin cat and the Ragdoll cat require regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll: Which Breed is a Better Fit for You?
Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats are both extremely affectionate and gentle. These two beautiful cat breeds have calm personalities that adapt well to new environments.
These cats could make perfect pets for small apartments and large homes. Due to their gentle and cuddly temperaments, Ragdolls and Ragamuffins can be amazing furry friends for small children as well.
Since these cats love people and follow their human companions around the house, either a Ragdoll or Ragamuffin cat would be a great pet for someone who lives alone.
However, if you value your privacy and prefer some personal space, a less needy and more aloof cat breed might suit you better.
References
Main Image (Left side) by Kevin M Klerks (CC by2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/ledicarus/
Cats. (2021). McClellan Veterinary Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mcclellanvet.com/choosing-the-right-pet/cats/
Eric, M. (2021). Fun Facts About Ragamuffin Cats. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ragamuffin-cat-facts/
Patrick, C. (2021). Ragdoll Cat Facts. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ragdoll-cat-facts/
Patterson, J. (2019). The Ragdoll Breed. TICA (The International Cat Association). Retrieved from https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=1291:the-ragdoll-breed&catid=48
Ragamuffin Cat Breed Information. (2021). Vetstreet. Retrieved from http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/ragamuffin#overview
Ragdoll Cat Breed Information. (2021). Vetstreet. Retrieved from http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/ragdoll#overview
