Ragamuffin Cat Vs Ragdoll Cat – the battle of the fluffy giants! Most people get confused with these two breeds.
I know this confusion is quite understandable. Because both of them have some similarity. But they also have some uniqueness that sets them apart.

In this article I am going to talk about all the facts and differences about two huge and fluffy breeds – ragamuffin and  ragdoll, to clear away your confusion. Let’s begin- 

Origins and History

The origin of Ragamuffin and Ragdoll- indeed a controversial topic. Some people are not sure how the Ragdoll breed started and changed over time. This might be why Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are different from each other. 

In the 1960s, the Ragdoll breed was created in California by a woman named Ann Baker. She bred Josephine, a white long haired cat like a Persian or an Angora, with some Burmese-like cats. And got kittens that were very large, soft, and floppy. 

Josephine was very sweet and relaxed, and she would go limp when someone held her. That’s how the Ragdoll cats got their name and fame.

Ragamuffin Cat

The ragamuffin is a breed of cat that came from the ragdoll breed.  She registered the name Ragdoll in 1971, called IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association). And did not let other breeders change anything about her cats.

After Ann Baker, other breeders also started working on the breed. They used some of her ragdoll cats and mixed them with other breeds, such as Persian, Himalayan, and domestic long-haired cats.

They could not use the name Ragdoll anymore, so they called their new breed Ragamuffin. The ragamuffin was recognized as a separate breed from the ragdoll in 1994 by some cat associations. 

Difference of Physical Appearance

Ragdoll and Ragamuffin – both are big, fluffy, and cuddly cats. But do you know the difference between these two breeds? How can you tell them apart?

Yes… By their appearance!  

How Can You Distinguish Ragamuffin From Ragdoll Based on Their Appearance?

Both Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats are quite big. They can weigh up to 15 lbs. They also have beautiful eyes, but the eyes are where they differ the most.

Ragdolls have bright blue, oval-shaped eyes. Ragamuffins, on the other hand, can have eyes of any color, and their eyes look like walnuts, roundy shape. 

The color and patterns of their coat or fur is another way to separate them. Ragamuffins have a lot of variety in their coat colors.

They often have white patches, but they never have pointed colors.

But, here Ragdolls have pointed colors. This means their faces, tails, legs, and ears are darker than the rest of their bodies. Ragdolls have white markings on their feet, though. 

Both breeds have medium-long fur with a fluffy tail, but Ragamuffins have fur that is easier to brush and does not get tangled.

Temperament of Ragamuffin and Ragdoll 

Let’s talk about the differences between these two breeds in terms of their temperament.

Are Ragamuffin Cats More Calm and Enduring than Ragdoll?

Ragamuffin and Ragdoll both cats are super sweet and easy to get along with. You can’t really make a wrong choice when picking either of them as a pet. 

It has been said that Ragamuffins are great for families with kids because they’re really patient and calm. They can tolerate a lot of handling and noise, and they rarely get angry or aggressive.

Those who look for cats that are gentle and steady, ragamuffins can be a great choice. But as they’re so laid-back, it’s important to play with them often to keep them healthy and active. 

Ragdolls are also very gentle and easy-going. But they can be more sensitive and shy than Ragamuffins. They may prefer a quieter and more peaceful environment. Also, they may not like being picked up or carried around too much.

Do Ragdoll Cats Tend To Be More Affectionate than Ragamuffin?

When it comes to cuddly cats, both Ragdolls and Ragamuffins are very affectionate with their owners. They both show a lot of love and care, and it’s tough to pick one over the other. 

Though Ragdolls are more attached and loyal than Ragamuffins. They love being close to people and often snuggle up in your arms, like little puppy cats.

Ragdolls often hang out with their human companions or say hello when they come home. 

Ragamuffins also like to cuddle and snuggle with their owners, and they may even go limp in their arms like a ragdoll. They are very friendly and sociable, but they may be more independent and adventurous compared to Ragdolls. 

They may enjoy exploring their surroundings or playing with toys, and they may not always seek attention or contact from their owners.

What To Feed Both Ragdoll and Ragamuffin Cats? 

Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats are both big and fluffy. So, when it comes to feeding them, you should be careful not to feed them too much. Especially Ragamuffins. 

Because they are big cats and can look a lot like Ragdolls. Therefore, feeding them without limit can sometimes lead to overfeeding and health problems.

What your Ragamuffin cat should eat depends on things like age, whether they’re male or female, and how active they are.

But, in general, they should have at least one serving of good-quality cat food every day. You can also mix things up by adding wet food to their diet.

Here’s a big no-no: Don’t try to feed your Ragamuffin veggies or fruits. These breeds are carnivores. It means they need meat-based nutrients to stay healthy and strong. 

Many people find it hard to get Ragamuffins to eat plant-based stuff. So it’s crucial to make sure they get nutrients from meat. You should make sure that your cat’s food is rich in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates and fillers.

When it comes to food, Ragdolls and Ragamuffin cats need pretty much the same stuff. It’s interesting that Ragamuffins are connected to the Ragdoll breed. This also links them to Himalayan and Persian breeds, and they all need similar foods.

Both Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats do really well with a raw food diet. It’s like what they’d eat in the wild. This is especially good for Ragamuffins because they sometimes eat too much. A raw diet can help them lose extra weight, which is good for their hearts.

Being overweight often happens because of carbs and fillers in regular cat food, especially kibble. A raw diet can help your cat in many ways: it can improve their urinary health, digestion, teeth, joints, energy, and their coat and skin.

In short, the best food for Ragamuffin cats should:

• Not have any extra stuff added
• Skip garlic
• Be mainly made of meat
• Have a good balance of protein and fat

Comparison of Characteristics Between Ragamuffin and Ragdoll Cats

1. Height and Weight

• Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats are both large breeds, but Ragamuffins tend to be slightly bigger and heavier than Ragdolls.

• The average weight for Ragamuffins is between 10 to 20 pounds, while the average weight for Ragdolls is between 8 to 15 pounds.

• The average height for Ragamuffins is between 10 to 15 inches, while the average height for Ragdolls is between 9 to 11 inches.

2. Coat Hue

• Ragamuffins come in various coat colors, including white, black, brown, gray, red, ebony blue, orange, chocolate, silver, sable, lilac, and cinnamon. Their colorful coat options make them visually diverse.

• Ragdolls primarily have color-pointed coats, meaning their bodies are lighter, and their faces, tails, ears, and paws are darker. This pointed coat pattern gives them a distinct appearance.

3. Lifespan

• The average lifespan of Ragamuffin cats is around 12 to 16 years. Some cats can live longer than 16 years, which means they can have a long and healthy life.

• Ragdoll cats also tend to live for a similar duration. About 9 to 15 years is the average.

• However, this can vary depending on the cat’s health, diet, environment, and genetics. Some cats may live longer or shorter than the average.

4. Fur Shedding

• Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats have medium-long fur that requires regular grooming. 

• However, Ragamuffins have fur that is more resistant to matting and tangling than Ragdolls. This means that they may shed less and need less brushing than Ragdolls. 

• Both breeds should be brushed at least once a week to keep their coats healthy and clean.

5. Sociability or Friendliness

• Ragamuffin cats are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They get along well with families, other cats, children, and even the elderly. Their amicable behavior makes them great companions for various households.

• Ragdolls are also exceptionally friendly and affectionate, often referred to as “puppy cats” due to their love for human company. They are highly sociable and enjoy interacting with people.

6. Intelligence Level

• Ragamuffin cats are of average intelligence, making them quick learners when it comes to play and interaction. 

• Ragdolls are known for their gentle and docile personalities. However, Ragamuffins may be more independent and adventurous than Ragdolls. 

7. Vocalization

• Both breeds are quiet breeds that do not make a lot of noise. They may vocalize when they want something or when they are happy or unhappy. 

• However, they do not meow or purr excessively or loudly. They have soft and sweet voices that match their gentle personalities .

What Patterns Are Commonly Found in Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats?

Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll cats have a beautiful variety of coat colors and patterns that make them stand out. Their coats can be different colors, such as seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, flame, cream, and tortie. 

These colors can be darker on some parts of their body, such as their face, ears, legs, and tai- called a color point pattern. 

Their coats can also have white markings on their paws or chest, which is called a mitted or bi-color pattern. 

Some Ragdolls even have white markings all over their body – called a van pattern. Ragdoll cats are truly beautiful and unique. 

Ragamuffin Cats

Ragamuffin cats have a wide range of coat colors and patterns. Such as black, blue, chocolate, cream, fawn, lilac, red, and white. These colors can be dark or light. 

Common patterns are solid, tortoiseshell, tabby, and mink. Not only that. They have some of the less common patterns are calico, bi-color, tuxedo, and smoke.

Ragamuffin cats are very attractive and varied in their appearance.

Ragamuffin vs ragdoll

Which breed is more trainable, and why?

Both breeds are intelligent and can learn some basic commands or tricks, but Ragamuffins may be more trainable than Ragdolls.
This is because Ragamuffins are more curious and adventurous, and they may enjoy learning new things or solving puzzles. 

Ragdolls, on the other hand, are more laid-back and relaxed, and they may not be very interested in training or challenging activities.

However, both breeds can be trained with positive reinforcement and rewards, such as treats or praise.

What are the exercise requirements for Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats?

When it’s about burning some calories, well both of them are not very active or energetic, and they do not need a lot of exercise. However, they still need some physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. 

Ragamuffins may need less exercise than Ragdolls, because they are more independent and playful. Additionally, they may entertain themselves with toys or exploration. So, for them a simple playtime will do.

On the other hand, Ragdolls may need more exercise than Ragamuffins. It’s because they are more attached and loyal to their owners.

Also, they may prefer to play with them or follow them around. That’s why ragdolls need a bit more exercise to stay healthy and active. So, be prepared for some interactive play sessions with your Ragdoll.

Both breeds should have at least 15 minutes of playtime per day, preferably with interactive toys or games.

Are either of these breeds more dog-friendly?

Both breeds are very dog-friendly, and they can get along well with canines of any size or temperament. They are very sociable and friendly, and they do not mind sharing their space or attention with other animals. 

They are also very gentle and easy-going, and they do not get angry or aggressive easily. They may even become good friends or companions with dogs, especially if they are introduced at a young age.

So, if you have a dog in your home, either of these cat breeds can make friends with them.

What are the grooming needs and ideal weight for each breed?

Since both Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are big cats, they require a moderate level of grooming. Regular brushing to remove dead hair or fur is essential for both breeds. Their grooming needs are pretty similar.

When it comes to ideal weight, it varies, but keeping them at a healthy weight is crucial. 

In general, the ideal weight for Ragamuffins is between 10 to 20 pounds, while the ideal weight for Ragdolls is between 8 to 15 pounds. 

You should feed your cat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs. Obviously avoid overfeeding or giving them too many treats, even if they are giving you ‘innocent-kitty eyes’ look! 

 You should also monitor your cat’s weight regularly and consult your vet if you notice any changes or concerns. Your vet can guide you on what’s ideal for your specific cat’s size and age.

FAQ

Are Ragamuffin low maintenance?

Yes, Ragamuffins are relatively low-maintenance cats. Their coats do not matt as easily as other longhaired breeds. So they only need to be brushed a few times a week.

Ragamuffins are also known for being gentle and easygoing, so they are not as demanding of attention as some other breeds.

How can I tell if my kitten is Ragdoll or Ragamuffin?

The most reliable way to tell if your kitten is a Ragdoll or Ragamuffin is to look at its eye color. Ragdolls always have blue eyes, while Ragamuffins can have any eye color.

Additionally, Ragdolls have a more pointed pattern on their face, ears, legs, and tail than Ragamuffins.

Is a Ragamuffin bigger than a Maine Coon?

No, Ragamuffins are not typically bigger than Maine Coons. Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed, and they can weigh up to 25 pounds. Ragamuffins typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.

Final Thought of Two Unique Breed 

In the clash of the cat titans, Ragamuffin and Ragdoll, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and any allergies when choosing the perfect feline companion. Ragamuffins are lively, playful, and hypoallergenic, while Ragdolls are gentle, loyal, and larger in size.

Both breeds make wonderful pets, so the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a world of fluffy companionship.

Don’t forget to share your opinion with us, and stay with Catflix for more engaging pet comparisons and informative articles!