These days, it seems like the internet is obsessed with Maine Coon cats. And it’s easy to see why. They’re extremely large and long felines with grace to spare, but they’re not the only big and fluffy cat breeds out there. Ragamuffin cats can also grow to be well over 10 or even 20 pounds, but their fluff makes them appear even larger. They’re popular among cat owners because of their social and affectionate demeanor, but a browse on their breed profile page won’t tell you everything you need to know about these cuddly kitties.
We dug a little deeper to find these fun facts about ragamuffin cats and what makes them so special — as if cat lovers needed any more reasons to love this adorable breed!
A trick of the eye makes ragamuffins’ heads appear larger than they really are
Ragamuffin cats are already on the larger side, weighing over 12 pounds in adulthood, but many people find this cat breed’s large face to be particularly charming. Think about it — big puppy eyes can do wonders on a dog, and it’s no different for cats.
However, ragamuffins’ large faces are actually an optical illusion. Their faces and heads are perfectly “medium-sized,” according to Hill’s Pet, but their fur makes their faces appear much larger than they truly are. How interesting.
Ragamuffins branched off from ragdoll cats due to breeder conflicts
It can be easy to forget that all modern domestic cat breeds are the result of human efforts. Ragamuffin cats are closely related in looks and genetics to ragdoll cats, and that’s no coincidence. Ragdoll cats were around first, but the breed eventually split into two branches — ragdolls and ragamuffins — because of a disagreement among breeders.
Some wanted the ragdoll cat to keep its distinct color point coat, while others wanted other coat patterns and colors to be accepted within the breed. As a compromise, those cats with new coat patterns were bred separately, creating a breed that can look exactly like ragdolls on occasion.
Ragamuffins don’t go limp when you hold them
While it’s true that ragdoll cats got their name from their tendency to go limp when held, this isn’t a commonly seen behavior in their ragamuffin relatives. It was, however, very common in the original ragdoll breeding stock back when Ann Baker was still developing the breed. She even trademarked the breed’s name. Although Baker ended up becoming a controversial figure in the feline world, it’s impossible to deny the impact she had on both the ragdoll cat and ragamuffin cat breeds.
These cats may actually like tummy rubs
Cats and dogs have been portrayed as opposites for decades, with cats usually hating the kinds of things that dogs love. Sometimes, that’s true in real life, too, but it’s important to remember that generalizations and knowledge about cats, in general, can only get you so far.
In general, for example, cats are known to dislike tummy rubs or any kind of touching on their stomachs. They’re more sensitive than dogs due to their instincts as prey animals, but many ragamuffin cats actually enjoy — and even ask for — tummy rubs! It’s still your responsibility to take it slow when petting your cuddly cat, especially if they’re a new rescue pet, but before long, your fluffy kitty will learn that it’s safe to roll onto their back.
Ragamuffins are extremely smart cats
Some cat breeds seem to pass a single brain cell back and forth between them, while others hog all the brain cells for themselves. Fortunately, ragamuffins fall into the latter category. They’re quite intelligent kitties that enjoy playing, chasing, and exploring, though they’ve even been known to solve simple puzzles. They’re great candidates for walking on a leash and learning tricks, though some individual cats excel at this more than others.
These cute cats can be couch potatoes
Ragamuffins are naturally fluffy, so it’s not always easy to notice when they start packing on the extra pounds. In reality, though, this cat breed can be downright lazy! Many ragamuffin owners have to entice their cats to move with cat treats or toys, but even using mealtime as enrichment by putting dry food in a puzzle feeder can make a huge difference. These cats love to interact with their family, so you may be their biggest motivator to move and exercise. Why not disguise it as play?
Ragamuffins can be born with a pure-white coat
Just like their ragdoll cousins, many ragamuffin kittens are born pure white, without even a spot of color on their coats. This often changes as they grow, with kittens developing their color starting around a few weeks of age. This is most common among colorpoint cats, which is the only coat pattern seen in ragdoll cats. Many ragamuffins are also colorpoint and will develop their color later in kittenhood, though some can be born with markings already present, too.
How cool! There are so many little fun facts to learn about the ragamuffin cat breed, and this is only the beginning. But here’s the thing: No matter how accurate a breed standard or typical behavior may be, not every cat in that breed will follow suit perfectly. No two pets are the same, even if they’re born in the same litter.
