Ragamuffin
A close relative of the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin is a large, plush, semi-longhaired cat bred for an exceptionally docile, affectionate nature. Gentle, cuddly and people-oriented, it loves to be held. It suits families and quieter homes who'll offer plenty of company and regular brushing — this is a soft, devoted lap cat that dislikes being left alone.
Picked for a Ragamuffin
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Bestpets Sleep & Play Cat Scratcher
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Ancol Cat Cactus Tree
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3M Synthetic Under Bandage Padding for Pets
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Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves & Climbing Set
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Overview
A close relative of the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin is a large, plush, semi-longhaired cat bred for an exceptionally docile, affectionate nature. Gentle, cuddly and people-oriented, it loves to be held. It suits families and quieter homes who'll offer plenty of company and regular brushing — this is a soft, devoted lap cat that dislikes being left alone.
Good to know — a Ragamuffin is devoted lap cat and needs constant company. Every cat is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Ragamuffin is devoted lap cat and excellent with children of all ages. They tend to be quiet and needs constant company. As with any cat, give them space to retreat, teach children to handle them gently, and introduce them to a new home calmly.
- Families with respectful children
- People who want a cuddly companion
- Homes where someone is around often
Energy & play
A Ragamuffin is generally low energy. They are fairly laid-back and happy to relax, but still enjoy short, regular play sessions to stay fit and engaged.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is moderate. The coat is generally easy to care for; an occasional brush keeps it tidy and cuts down loose hair. All cats benefit from regular nail checks and a clean, quiet place to groom themselves.
Cat grooming brushes for this coat →Feeding a Ragamuffin
Cats are obligate carnivores, so a Ragamuffin should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced cat food appropriate for its life stage — this provides essential nutrients like taurine that cats can only get from animal products. Portion to your cat’s ideal body weight and activity to avoid weight gain, and provide plenty of fresh water. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
A complete cat food, first
Cats are obligate carnivores and need nutrients — taurine among them — that they cannot make for themselves, which is what "complete" on a label means and why it is not optional. Treats should stay under about 10% of the day's calories.
Water intake is the thing to watch
Cats evolved to take most of their water from prey and are not naturally big drinkers, so wet food does real work here. A fountain or a second bowl away from the food helps too.
Complete cat foods that suit a Ragamuffin
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Ragamuffin and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Whiskas 1+ Salmon Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete salmon dry food for adult cats in a practical 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Whiskas Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food
Complete chicken dry food for kittens, available in several bag sizes
From£3.19
Felix as Good as It Looks Meaty Selection in Jelly
Twelve 85G pouches of chunks in jelly, in a selection built for a cat who changes its mind
£5.79
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food Turkey
A grain-free turkey dry food for adult cats, with potato rather than rice or wheat for carbohydrate
£24.65
James Wellbeloved Kitten Dry Cat Food Fish
Single-protein fish dry food for growing kittens, excluding common allergens
£21.79
James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Cat Food Turkey
A single-source turkey dry food for senior cats, formulated with added joint-care ingredients
From£21.79
James Wellbeloved Light Adult Dry Cat Food Fish
A lower-calorie fish dry food for adult cats managing their weight, with joint-support ingredients
£24.65
Whiskas 1+ Lamb Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete lamb dry food for adult cats in a practical 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Bella & Duke Cat Complete Chicken
A complete raw chicken meal for kittens, adult and senior cats, 98% chicken. Frozen 250g tub.
£3.65
James Wellbeloved Hairball Adult Dry Cat Food Turkey
Single-protein turkey dry food for cats, with natural fibres to reduce hairballs
£24.65
James Wellbeloved Kitten Dry Cat Food Turkey
A single-source turkey dry food for growing kittens, with rice for carbohydrate rather than wheat
£21.79
Purina One Kitten Chicken
Chicken kitten food with added DHA, and a feeding guide from 6 weeks to a year
From£6.65
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Wonderfully affectionate and laid-back — loves being held and cuddled
- Gentle, tolerant nature that suits families with children
Things to consider
- Needs plenty of company and dislikes being left alone for long
- Soft, dense coat needs regular brushing to stay tangle-free
Similar breeds
Ragdoll
A large, docile, semi-longhaired cat famous for going limp when picked up — devoted, gentle and very people-oriented.
View breed guide →Maine Coon
One of the largest domestic breeds — a gentle giant that is sociable, intelligent and known for soft chirps and trills.
View breed guide →Persian
A calm, quiet, luxurious longhair that prefers a peaceful home and a comfortable spot to lounge.
View breed guide →Scottish Fold
A sweet, mellow breed known for its folded ears — calm, affectionate and happy to potter quietly around the home.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
What is a Ragamuffin cat?
The Ragamuffin is a large, sweet-natured semi-longhaired cat known for being exceptionally affectionate and docile. Closely related in origin to the Ragdoll, it has a soft, silky, plush coat, a sturdy muscular body and a famously gentle, people-loving personality.
What is the difference between a Ragamuffin and a Ragdoll?
The two share a common ancestry and a similar laid-back temperament. The main differences are in coat colour and eyes: Ragdolls are always pointed with blue eyes, while Ragamuffins come in a much wider variety of colours and patterns and can have any eye colour. Their bodies and faces also differ subtly in the breed standards.
How big do Ragamuffin cats get?
Ragamuffins are one of the larger cat breeds, with a heavy, muscular, broad-chested build. Males in particular can be substantial, and the breed is slow to mature, often not reaching full size and weight until around four years of age.
What is the Ragamuffin's temperament like?
Ragamuffins are renowned for being calm, affectionate and devoted. They love human company, often greeting owners at the door, following them around and happily being carried or cuddled. Many go limp and relaxed when picked up. They are playful but gentle, making them very easy-going companions.
Are Ragamuffin cats good with children and other pets?
Yes. Their patient, gentle and sociable nature usually makes them excellent family cats, tolerant of respectful children and happy to live alongside other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Their trusting temperament does mean they are best kept as indoor or supervised cats for their own safety.
Do Ragamuffins need a lot of grooming?
Their medium-to-long, silky coat is less prone to matting than some longhaired breeds, but still benefits from regular brushing, ideally a couple of times a week, to remove loose hair and keep it in good condition. Routine grooming also gives a chance to check skin, ears and overall health.
How long do Ragamuffin cats live?
With good care, Ragamuffins typically enjoy a long lifespan, commonly into their mid-teens and sometimes beyond. As with any breed, buying from a responsible breeder who health-tests their cats, maintaining a healthy weight and arranging regular veterinary care all help support a long, healthy life.
Are Ragamuffins good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide they are tolerant and sociable in a family home. Always teach children to handle cats gently and give the cat space to retreat.
Are Ragamuffins affectionate?
Devoted lap cat. Ragamuffins typically love close company and lap time.
Are Ragamuffins vocal?
Quiet. They are generally quiet and undemanding about it.
How much grooming does a Ragamuffin need?
Regular brushing; shedding is moderate. The coat is generally easy to care for with the occasional brush.
Can Ragamuffins be left alone?
Needs constant company. They strongly prefer company and can become stressed or lonely if left for long periods — a feline companion or a less empty house suits them better.
Are Ragamuffins energetic or playful?
Low energy. They are fairly laid-back and happy to relax, though they still enjoy short play sessions.
Recommended for your Ragamuffin
Picked for a Ragamuffin — with their typical need for fresh-water options, a cosy bed, scratching posts.
Hotties Microwavable Pet Heat Pad — Stays Warm for 4 Hours
A microwavable heat pad that keeps dogs, cats, and small pets cosy for up to four hours — no electricity needed.
£20.99
Palm Tree Cat Scratching Post with Sisal Ball, 45cm
A 45cm sisal scratching post dressed as a palm tree, with a sisal scratching ball beside it and ball tracks set into the wooden base.
£22.99
Raised Pet Sofa Bed with Wooden Legs
A raised pet sofa on wooden legs with a plush, waterproof cover, keeping cats and smaller dogs off cold hard floors and making an accident a wipe rather than a wash.
From£64.99
Mushroom Cat Scratching Post with Ball Track and Feather
Two sisal scratching posts, one shaped like a mushroom, on a wooden base with a two-level ball track, hanging pom-poms and a feather on a spring.
£25.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual cat.
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Every cat is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet cats in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet.