At a glance the quick version
CFA, GCCF and PetMD give about 10-15 lb (4.5-6.8 kg) for females and up to or over 20 lb (about 9 kg) for males; Hill's says both sexes usually exceed 12 lb (5.4 kg). A slow-maturing breed that can take about four years to reach full size.
Coat and looks how to spot one
semi-long to long, soft, dense and silky; heavy-boned rectangular body
A big, solid cat with a broad chest, a rectangular body and plenty of bone. The head is a broad, rounded wedge with medium rounded ears, large walnut-shaped eyes and full whisker pads that give a sweet look. The medium-long coat feels plush, often likened to rabbit fur, and is longest around the neck and on the belly. A soft fatty pad on the lower tummy is normal for the breed.2135
Personality what they are like
A soft-natured, trusting cat that loves company and is happiest on or beside its people. It is calm and even-tempered, takes changes in routine in its stride and tends to be friendly with visitors as well as family. Owners often describe a playful, slightly goofy side, and many learn to fetch or walk on a harness.2354
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Not a highly athletic cat, but it enjoys gentle interactive play such as wand toys and fetch, and daily play helps keep it trim.452
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Moderate. The coat resists mats, so combing once or twice a week with a long-toothed comb is usually enough, with extra attention to the belly fur. Occasional baths keep the coat looking its best; some owners prefer brushing more often.2345
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to most homes, including apartments. Provide sturdy scratching posts and cat trees built for a heavy cat, plus cosy spots near the family.53
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A protein-rich, complete and balanced food for its life stage. Kittens eat three to four times a day and adults about two measured meals, with portions kept in check.4
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and dislikes being left out. Gets along with children and other pets and does best in a home where someone is often around.234
The story where it all began
The story begins with the Ragdoll, created by Ann Baker in Riverside, California in the 1960s. Baker trademarked the Ragdoll name and ran her own registry, the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), with tight breeding rules. In 1994 a group of IRCA breeders broke away. Because they could not use the Ragdoll name, they considered options such as 'Liebling' before choosing 'RagaMuffin', a name suggested by Curt Gehm. The founders had worked with lines such as IRCA Miracle Ragdolls, Honey Bears and Maxamillion cats, and they later added outcrosses to domestic longhairs and Persians to widen the gene pool and allow more colours. UFO and ACFA recognised the breed in 1994, CFA followed with registration in 2003 and championship in 2011, and the GCCF granted championship status in 2015.1235
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name RagaMuffin was chosen partly because the breakaway breeders were not allowed to use the trademarked Ragdoll name.3
- 2
'Liebling', German for darling, was one of the names considered before RagaMuffin won out.1
- 3
RagaMuffins mature slowly and can take up to four years to reach full adult size.2
- 4
Their soft, dense coat is often compared to rabbit fur.2
- 5
Many RagaMuffins learn to fetch or walk on a harness and lead.2
- 6
The GCCF standard says the only extreme allowed in the breed is its very docile nature.3
- 7
Almost every colour and pattern is accepted, and eyes can be any solid colour, with the more intense shades preferred.2
Recognised by the official bits
- UFO (United Feline Organization)
- First registry to grant full championship status, 19941
- ACFA
- Accepted shortly after UFO in 19941
- CFA
- Registration (Miscellaneous class) in 2003, championship status in 2011; pointed cats may be registered but not shown2
- GCCF
- Section 2 (Semi-Longhair), Group 1; championship status granted 17 June 20153
- TICA
- Not listed among TICA's recognised breeds6
- FIFe
- Not listed among FIFe breeds7
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ragamuffin. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 3 days
- Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayAbout 20 minutes of play a dayevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia - Ragamuffin cat en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, colours, naming
- CFA - RagaMuffin cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, weight, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, fun facts
- GCCF - RagaMuffin gccfcats.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, temperament, grooming, history
- PetMD - RagaMuffin petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, diet, exercise, grooming, temperament
- Hill's Pet - Ragamuffin hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, activity, temperament
- TICA - Browse all breeds tica.orgused for TICA recognition status
- FIFe - Breeds fifeweb.orgused for FIFe recognition status
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.