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If you’re anything like the rest of the population, you might think that the Ragamuffin and the Ragdoll are the same cat. If you are a cat fancier, then you know that they are actually two separate breeds. Whether you’re talking about Doll or Muffin, one thing is for certain: they are both lovable, fluffy, creatures who you just want to hug.
Ragdoll History; Everyone Descends From Josephine
The Ragdoll breed is relatively new in the class of cats. It was created in California in 1963 when breeder Ann Baker decided to breed a cat that had a loving and gentle personality. She took a longhaired white domestic cat named Josephine and bred her with other longhaired and gentle domestic males. Josephine also had Siamese-type markings which created the points seen on today’s Ragdolls. The Cat Fanciers Association began to register these big beauties in 1993 and they became fully recognized in 2000. And they all owe their very existence to the mother of all Ragdolls, Josephine.
Ragdolls Inside and Outside
Ragdolls are the most snuggle able cats of all. They are most tolerable of being carried around and will actually go limp in your arms, which is how they got their name. They are laid back and easy going, loving their families and getting along famously with other pets (even dogs). They will even let kids dress them up and push them around in a baby carriage. Ragdolls are big cats, males can weigh up to 20 pounds, females 10-15. They are semi-long hair beauties and come in 4 patterns and six colors creating a variety of looks. Ragdolls are pointed cats, meaning that their bodies are lighter in color than their extremities (paws, ears, tails, and face) and they have blue eyes. To know a Ragdoll is to love one so if you desire affection and companionship, this is the cat for you.
Who Knows Where The Ragamuffin Came From
The Ragamuffin is the pretty cousin of the Ragdoll. Though the exact origins are unknown, they came into being when breeders wanted to expand the colors and patterns of the Ragdoll. Since Ann Baker controlled the Ragdoll breeding, different breeders took domestic long haired cats and bred them with Persians and Himalayans. Ragamuffins can be found in many different colors and patterns, from tortoise shell to tabby. Ragamuffins gained registration status in 2003 and championship status in 2011.
Fluffy, Cuddly Ragamuffins
Just like their cuddly cousins, the Ragamuffin will curl up in your lap and stay there until you move. They are loving and gentle cats who are calm and patient; perfect for families with children and other pets, as well as older adults who live alone and desire companionship. As much as he loves to lounge, he loves to play with toys and you can even teach your Ragamuffin to fetch. When it comes to grooming, though this pretty kitty has medium-long hair, it is thick and soft and will rarely mat or tangle. It is easy to groom and though they do shed, it is not as excessive as some breeds.
Wellness Cat Food For Ragdoll Kittens
Ragdoll kittens are known for rapid growth spurts so it is important that they are fed well. If they eat everything in their bowl, feed them a little bit more so that they are satisfied. Ragdolls do not reach full size until age 4, so you can begin to ration his food at that time to keep his weight in check. A very nutritious kitten food to consider is Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Kitten, which provides an incredible amount of goodness. Not only does it contain plenty of real meat, it includes excellent ground flaxseeds which can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Wellness Cat Food For Ragdoll Adult Cats
When it comes to adult cats, both pedigreed cats and mixed-breeds have varying degrees of health issues. Issues that may affect a Ragdoll cat include an inherited form of heart disease that can be discovered with testing, and an increased risk of bladder stones. Giving your cat a nutritious offering that is low on carbohydrates and high on the lean meat and fish can help reduce stone formation. Try Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula, which is high on protein, and has Alfalfa meal, which is a rich mineral food that has trace minerals such as zinc, iron, and manganese.
Wellness Cat Food For Ragamuffin Kittens
Ragamuffins are a generally healthy breed, so when it comes to kitten food, just be sure that you are providing something substantially nutritious for your kitten. As you know by now, cats are carnivores, so meat must be on the menu. Watch out for kitten formulas that have only one meat-based ingredient in the first 5 as your kitten needs more than that to thrive. The first 5 ingredients in Innova Kitten food, for example, includes turkey, chicken, chicken broth, whole eggs, and chicken meal, making it a meaty-rich choice.
Wellness Cat Food For Ragamuffin Adult Cats
All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems. Ragamuffins can develop heart and kidney disease, so be sure to keep up on regular checks with the vet to monitor health as they grow. When it comes to food choices, the thing to remember for all breeds is that corn and corn products can cause allergies in some cats; try to avoid anything with corn on the ingredient list. A great brand to try would be Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Adult Fish, as it includes plenty of fishy protein and Omega-3 and 6 which will keep Ragamuffin’s coat gorgeous.
So curl up on the couch with a cup of hot tea, a good book, and your Ragdoll or Ragamuffin. If anyone can cure your blues, it will be one of them.
