Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a large semi-longhaired domestic cat breed founded in the United States in 1994.

The breed formed when a contingent of cat breeders broke away from the International Ragdoll Cat Association to establish an autonomous standard with diverse coat colors. The American Cat Fanciers Association granted championship status in 2001, followed by the Cat Fanciers' Association advancing the breed to championship competition in 2011.

This heavy-boned feline has a broad chest, sturdy shoulders, and a characteristic fatty pad on the lower abdomen. Mature females reach 4.5-6.8 kg (10-15 lb), while males grow to 6.8-9.1 kg (15-20 lb), taking up to four years to achieve full physical size. The broad wedge-shaped head shows rounded contours, puffy whisker pads, medium ears, and large walnut-shaped eyes. Semi-long fur forms an encircling ruff framing the neck and wispy britches across the hind legs. All patterns and coat colors occur with or without white markings, excluding pointed coat varieties for exhibition.

Official breed standards highlight a sweet, docile, and trusting temperament that welcomes family members, visitors, and other household animals. The cat frequently relaxes limp in human arms, follows people between rooms, and participates in calm fetching games. Because the plush coat resists matting better than that of many longhaired breeds, a weekly session with a wide steel comb manages loose hair and preserves the silky texture. Seasonal molting demands extra grooming during spring transitions. Safe indoor quarters protect this unchallenging cat, which lacks territorial defense instincts and relies on companionship.

Routine upkeep calls for regular claw clipping, weekly ear canal evaluations, and consistent dental cleaning with feline toothpaste. Portion control and daily interactive play prevent excessive weight gain, as the relaxed lifestyle and natural abdominal fat pad predispose older individuals to surplus body mass. Supporting the cat's substantial rear quarters during handling protects the spine and joints. Documented health issues in the breed include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, calcium oxalate bladder stones, corneal dystrophy, feline lower urinary tract disease, and periodontal disease.