Ragdoll cats and Ragamuffin cats are closely related with both breeds originating from the same original cat, Josephine. Both are popular types of cats but they have differences and similarities that set them apart. Here is a breakdown of what makes these two cat breeds different from one another.
What is a Ragdoll Cat?
The Ragdoll Cat is a cat breed known for its friendly, relaxed personality, large size, non-mating coat, and striking blue eyes. The defining trait of the Ragdoll Cat is their flopping motion – when they are picked up and held they go completely limp and relax. Ragdolls originated in California in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker.
What is a Ragamuffin Cat?
The Ragamuffin cat is an offshoot of the Ragdoll cat. Ragamuffins were created by crossing Ragdoll cats with other large longhaired cats, including Turkish Angoras, Himalayans, Persians, and domestic cats. This resulted in an expansion of their color and pattern options.
They were originally called the ‘Liebling’, which is German for ‘darling’. Later, the name was changed to Ragamuffin to reflect its Ragdoll Cat roots.
Ragamuffins started to be recognised as their own breed from 1994 and in February 2011, the Ragamuffin gained full recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
Ragamuffin Cat
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll – Size
Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are both one of the largest breeds of domestic cat out there, aside from the Maine Coon cat.
Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are equal in size and typically weigh between 8 and 20 pounds Both breeds are slow to mature with them reaching their full size at around 3 to 4 years.
Ragdoll Vs Ragamuffin – Appearance
Although Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are very similar cats, the big difference between the two breeds is their eye color and coat color and pattern. A traditional Ragdoll cat’s eye color can only be blue, whereas the Ragamuffin’s eyes can be a variety of colors including odd-coloured eyes. The Ragamuffin cat has rounded, walnut-shaped eyes, in contrast to the Ragdoll’s almond-shaped eyes.
Ragdoll cats come in 6 colors – seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, flame and cream and 3 patterns – bicolor, colorpoint and mitted, with variations of lynx and tortie.
Ragamuffin cats, on the other hand, come in a variety of patterns and colors, including White, Black, Blue, Cream, Red, Brown, Lilac, Platinum, Fawn, Chocolate, Chestnut, Cinnamon, Lavender, Cameo, and Silver. The Ragamuffin echoes the patterns of the traditional Ragdoll but is not limited to those three types. In addition, a Ragamuffin can be found in solid, tortoiseshell, smoke, tabby, mink and tuxedo patterns.
Ragamuffin and Ragdoll kittens are born completely white, with the color developing on their extremities during the first few weeks of their life.
Ragamuffin Cat
Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll – Coat
The coat of both cat breeds is identical. Both are a medium to long-haired cat breed that has a silky and shiny coat. Their coat is non-mating and has a similar texture to that of rabbit fur. Despite the fluffy coat, both breeds do not have an undercoat, unlike many other cat breeds. The absence of undercoat results in less hair shed by the cat. There is a belief that Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are hypoallergenic due to their lack of undercoat, but sadly this is not true.
Ragdoll Vs Ragamuffin – Personality
Both breeds of cats are known for their large size and their placid nature. Both make good family pets.
One of the characteristics that the Ragdoll breed is famed for is that they go limp when they are picked up, hence the name Ragdoll. Although the Ragamuffin is a descendant of the Ragdoll it does not exhibit this characteristic.
Many cats enjoy having a companion to keep them company, and both breeds are known for their sociability. If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, it would be advisable to make sure your cat has a playmate to keep them entertained. Numerous studies have shown that cats with companions are happier and more active.
Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats are typically better suited to living inside than outdoors. Many breeders specify in their purchase agreement that the cat will only be raised indoors – this is for the cat’s safety since they are very trusting animals.
Ragdoll Cat
Friendliness
Both the Ragdoll and Ragamuffin are known for being one of the most friendly cat breeds. They are both very dog like, with the Ragdoll earning the nickname ‘puppy-dog’ for their dog-like nature. Both breeds are known to greet you at the front door when you enter the house and spend time following you around the home.
Vocalness
Both cats are said to be less vocal than other cat breeds and have a soft, quiet meow.
Intelligence
Both breeds are intelligent cats that can be easily trained to walk on a harness or play a game of fetch.
Playfulness
Both breeds of cats are moderately energetic and retain their kitten playfulness as adults. Both cats are known to happily indulge in a game of fetch. Activity Level Ragamuffins are typically more active than Ragdoll cats. They love to play and are always on the move. Ragdoll cats are more laid back and may prefer to lounge in one spot for a long time.
Compatibility with Children and other pets
Both cat breeds make great family pets. They are both sociable animals and tolerant of young children and other family pets. Neither cats are aggressive, nor do they have a highly territorial nature.
Ragmuffin Cat
Ragdoll Vs Ragamuffin- Health issues
Both Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are relatively robust cat breeds with few common health issues.
Ragdoll & Ragamuffin Health Issues
If their nutrition intake is not controlled, both cats can be prone to obesity.
If you are looking to purchase a kitten, it is important to seek out a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding healthy kittens from parents who have been genetically tested for certain hereditary conditions.
Ragdoll Cat
Ragdoll Vs Ragamuffin – Lifespan
Both cats are known for their longevity. The average lifespan of the Ragdoll averages 15 to 20 years whereas the Ragamuffin is 18 years plus.
Ragdoll Vs Ragamuffin – Cost
Ragdoll cats are generally more expensive than Ragamuffin cats. The average price for a Ragdoll ranges from $500-$2000 compared with the Ragamuffin which ranges from $600 – $1500
The Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are two different cat breeds that share a unique history. They are both large and long-haired, and have a lot in common appearance-wise. This is why they’re so popular among cat lovers; they’re friendly, relaxed, and easygoing at home.
Ragamuffin Cat
Other cat breed comparisons with the Ragdoll Cat
