Ragamuffin vs. Ragdoll: Which Cat Breed Is Right for You? (With Pictures)

Many people get Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats confused, and it’s easy to see why: They’re both large, fluffy, affectionate cats. If you don’t know what to look for, telling them apart can be quite the chore.

One of the easiest ways to tell the two breeds apart is by their coloring. Ragamuffins can come in a wide mix of colors, but they’re often predominantly white; however, they don’t have any “points” (darker coloring on their ears, legs, tails, etc.). Ragdolls, on the other hand, are usually one solid color on their bodies, with darker points.

The Ragamuffin also has round eyes, whereas the Ragdoll’s are almond-shaped. If you’re still not certain which breed you’re dealing with, though, try picking them up — if they go limp in your arms, then they’re a Ragdoll.

The two breeds are actually related, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks that any prospective owner should be aware of before bringing one home.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Ragamuffin Overview

Ragamuffins are fairly new as a breed, but that’s not their fault — for many years, people thought that they were just a type of Ragdoll. However, in 1994, these cats were recognized as their own, distinct breed, known for their large size, broad chest, and short neck.

If you’re planning to buy a Ragamuffin from a breeder, you should start saving your nickels and dimes, as these cats aren’t cheap. Buying from an established breeder could set you back anywhere from $800 to $2,000, depending on the reputation of the breeder and the cat’s bloodlines.

Personality

These cats are even-tempered, making them great family pets. They aren’t prone to lashing out and can be patient with children, although their massive size means they can do some damage if pushed past their breaking point.

They’re quite playful and can be rather dog-like in this regard. Some Ragamuffins can be taught to play fetch and other games, but for the most part, they’ll be content to play with some string or a feather toy for hours on end.

Ragamuffins are extremely affectionate and loving, and many will greet you at the door whenever you come home. They’ll likely glue themselves to your side as well, and forget about having your lap to yourself whenever you sit down.

Due to their emotional neediness, this breed doesn’t tolerate being alone for long stretches very well. If you’re not planning on being able to spend much time with your cat, finding a more aloof breed is likely the more compassionate thing to do.

They get along well with other pets, so giving them a friend to play with may be a good idea. Also, unlike many other cats, Ragamuffins aren’t bound to their schedules, so introducing new distractions (like a dog or a baby) won’t throw them into a tizzy.

Training

Most people find it hard to believe that you can train a cat to do anything, but Ragamuffins are actually quite eager to learn new behaviors.

The catch is that you can’t really get them to do anything that they don’t want to do, so your best bet is to shape behaviors that match their existing interests. If they love to chase after balls, for example, you can teach them to play fetch.

Some Ragamuffins have even been taught to walk on leashes, so you may be able to lure your cat into the neighborhood for a leisurely stroll. This can be a tremendous bonding experience, and it exposes the cat to all manner of new stimuli. However, be absolutely certain that they’re securely fastened into their harness before you leave. It’s extremely difficult to find a lost cat, so don’t take any chances.

Take training slow and always use positive reinforcement. Many Ragamuffins respond well to just praise and affection, but you can always add treats into the mix as well. Be careful not to go overboard, though, as these large cats can be prone to obesity.

Never use harsh punishments when training your Ragamuffin. While these cats are affectionate and placid, they have long memories, so any mistreatment will likely haunt you for years to come.

Health and Care

Ragamuffins are a fairly healthy breed, but they can have a few issues that you should be aware of. The two biggest are polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so make sure you take your cat in for regular checkups to make sure these issues aren’t cropping up.

These cats should be fed diets consisting almost exclusively of meat. You can serve them wet food, dry kibble, or a mixture of the two; we prefer mixing the foods, as that gives them the best of both worlds. If you’re confident in your abilities, you can also feed them a raw diet, but we’d recommend checking with your vet first.

The breed is known for being fairly lazy, so it’s easy for them to become overweight. To guard against this, don’t allow them to free-feed, but instead, give them portion-controlled meals at regular intervals. You should also encourage them to play as much as you can.

Their long, silky coats are tangle-resistant, so it’s not imperative that you brush them daily. Once a week or so is probably fine. They won’t shed much, regardless.

You will need to brush their teeth, trim their claws, and clean their ears regularly. They can also be prone to eye infections, so wipe any discharge away from their eyes using a clean, damp cloth.

Suitability

These loving, affectionate cats make great companions for just about anyone. They even do well in houses with other pets or small children, although you should always monitor those interactions. Ragamuffins are often compared to dogs, as they’re patient, eager to please, and demanding of attention.

The one exception that we can think of is anyone who doesn’t have much time to spend with their pet. These cats are needy, so they’ll likely become depressed and unhealthy if left to their own devices for too long.

Given their size, they eat more than most other breeds, so you may not want to bring one home if your budget doesn’t have room for tons of cat food. Otherwise, though, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll regret adding a Ragamuffin to your family.

Ragdoll Overview

Ragdolls were developed by an American breeder named Ann Baker in the 1960s, and they have one extremely distinctive trait: the tendency to go completely limp in your arms when picked up — you know, like a ragdoll.

Like Ragamuffins, buying a Ragdoll from a breeder will be expensive. You may be able to snag a kitten for as little as $400, but a show-quality cat can run as much as $2,000 or more.

Personality

Ragdolls are so laidback and tolerant, there’s a myth that they’re actually pain-resistant (they’re not, so please don’t test it). One of the most frequently used adjectives to describe these cats is “floppy.”

These are lap kitties, so don’t be surprised to find that your personal space no longer belongs to you. They’re not shy about demanding affection, and like Ragamuffins, they will often greet you at the door as soon as you come home.

They make great family pets because they’re just as accepting of children as they are of adults. In fact, your biggest problem will be how the kids treat the cat, not the other way around.

Having many people or pets at home is good for these cats, as they’re prone to loneliness. They’ll seek out company, even if it means just sharing a room with you. It would be cruel to adopt one and then not spend much time with them, so only get one if you’re confident that you can provide them with all the attention that they need.

These cats make excellent emotional support animals because they tend to be in tune with their owners’ mental state. If you’re sad or anxious, expect your Ragdoll to be by your side in seconds to comfort you. Then again, you can also expect your Ragdoll to be by your side no matter what emotions you’re experiencing (but it’s an especially nice pick-me-up when you’re feeling blue).

Training

It’s possible to teach your Ragdoll to do a few tricks, but in general, these are fairly independent cats. They march to the beat of their own drummer, and while they’ll take your desires into account, they don’t feel a particular need to make you happy.

They can also be quite stubborn, so if you start getting pushback during training, it’s probably best to just cut your losses. Continuing to press will likely cause them to dig in their heels, completely defeating the purpose.

Your best bet is to convince them to do something that they already enjoy while luring them with high-value treats. Don’t give them too many, though, because like their Ragamuffin cousins, these cats can easily become overweight.

You won’t have any luck with any tactics other than positive reinforcement, as punishing them only reinforces their stubborn nature. What you’re basically trying to do is bribe them into performing a certain behavior, but if they’re not interested, it simply won’t happen.

If you’re experiencing behavioral problems with your Ragdoll, the best way to deal with it is by redirecting the behavior and removing any stumbling blocks. For example, provide them with a scratching post while simultaneously making their favorite chair off-limits. Punishing them will be counterproductive at best.

Health and Care

Ragdolls are a healthy breed, but they don’t often live as long as Ragamuffins. They’re also prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but instead of kidney disease, you’ll need to worry about bladder stones with these cats.

They also require a meat-based diet, and we recommend a mix of dry and wet food. These cats don’t fully mature until age 4, so you can feed them until they stop eating while they’re kittens. Once they’re mature, though, you should be careful not to overfeed them, giving them tightly portion-controlled meals on a regular schedule.

They require more grooming than Ragamuffins, as their coats can become tangled and matted. As a result, you should take a brush to them every day if you can. Most Ragdolls enjoy being brushed, though, so this can be a positive bonding experience.

They do shed a fair amount but far less than many other breeds of cats. Still, given their propensity for climbing in your lap, don’t be surprised if most of your clothes have Ragdoll fur on them sooner or later.

Ragdolls need their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly, and beyond that, the only special grooming requirement that they have pertains to their ears. You’ll need to clean inside the ears once a week with a damp cloth to prevent bacteria from building up and potentially causing an infection.

Suitability

Ragdolls are well-suited for just about any living situation, provided that they have someone to give them plenty of affection and companionship. They’re a poor choice for people who are never home, but then again, most pets are.

They enjoy being around people of all ages and generally get along with dogs and other pets, and they’re usually friendly and welcoming toward strangers.

However, if you or a family member doesn’t like cats, this breed might be a bad fit. They tend to be in-your-face with their attention demands, so it’s hard to escape from them when they have love on their mind.

Ragamuffin vs. Ragdoll: Which Cat Breed Is Right for You?

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing between Ragdolls and Ragamuffins, as both breeds are extremely loving and affectionate. These are dog-like cats, and they offer all the things that you love about kitties with few downsides.

Ragamuffins tend to live longer, which is a big plus for them. They’re also a little more eager to please, which comes in handy if you’re hoping to train your cat to do tricks. Then again, they’re also needier, so you may feel overwhelmed by all the attention.

At the end of the day, though, these cats are quite similar, so if you like one breed, there’s a good chance that you’ll adore the other as well.

• You may also like: Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll: Which Breed Is Right for You?

Featured Image Credit: CNuisin, Shutterstock