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    Persian & Longhair Group

    RagaMuffin

    A larger, sweeter-tempered Ragdoll cousin. RagaMuffins share the Ragdoll's docile, dog-like personality but come in every color and pattern, with a slightly heavier build and an even broader range of coat colors. Generally healthy with fewer breed-specific issues than the parent Ragdoll line.

    Red tabby and white RagaMuffin cat with large green eyes sitting on a knitted wool blanket

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    USA (1994 — split from Ragdoll lineage)
    Weight (M / F)
    15–20 / 10–15 lb
    Lifespan
    12–16 years
    Coat
    Plush semi-long silky coat
    Shedding
    medium
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Grooming need
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Climber
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    RagaMuffins split from the Ragdoll breed in 1994 over disputes about breed-club governance. Founders introduced Persian, Himalayan and domestic longhair outcrosses, broadening color genetics. CFA recognized the RagaMuffin in 2011.

    Temperament & Personality

    Extremely placid, lap-loving, dog-like. Even more tolerant of handling than Ragdolls.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    Breed-elevated risk

    Thickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Lower than Ragdoll due to outcrossing.

    Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

    Polycystic kidney disease

    Low with screening

    Inherited renal cysts.

    Screening: DNA test

    Obesity

    ≈60% of indoor cats (AAHA)

    Excess weight increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis and shortens lifespan by ~2 years.

    Screening: Monthly body condition score (target 4–5/9); measure all food; structured play 2× daily

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Bladder stones

    Slightly elevated

    Encourage water; annual urinalysis.

    Screening: Annual urinalysis

    Enrichment & Play

    Calm, ground-level play and bonding time.

    • Wand toys
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Pet drinking fountains
    • Daily brushing
    • Cat TV
    • Harness walks

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 280–360 kcal/day. Slow growth — full size at 4 years.

    Two measured meals daily; obesity prone.

    Common allergens to watch: Beef, Chicken.

    ⚠ Easily 20+ lb — body-score monthly.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush 2× weekly. Plush coat resists matting better than Persian.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for RagaMuffin: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the RagaMuffin

    These three costs move together. The RagaMuffin’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Moderate

    Multiple breed-specific health watchouts

    Vet service load

    Moderate

    Several conditions worth annual screening

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Long coat tangles without weekly grooming

    Most spend goes to coat care, not the vet — a grooming budget matters more than rich insurance.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $60

    Routine vet

    $45

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$165/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Excellent family cat. Apartment-friendly. Indoor-only.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Choose CFA-registered breeders testing for HCM and PKD. Pet-quality kittens $800–$1,500.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the difference between a Ragdoll and a RagaMuffin?

    RagaMuffins are slightly larger, available in every color and pattern (Ragdolls are restricted to colorpoint variations), and have a broader genetic base from Persian and Himalayan outcrossing.

    Related breeds

    Seal-point Ragdoll cat with bright blue eyes lying relaxed on a white linen bed

    Ragdoll

    The cat that goes limp when you pick it up. Ragdolls are large (10–20 lb), gentle and famously docile — they tolerate being carried like a baby and follow their humans room-to-room. Health watchout: HCM affects this breed at elevated rates; insist on DNA testing (Ragdoll-specific MyBPC3-R820W) and parental echocardiograms.

    Seal-point Birman cat with sapphire blue eyes and white paws sitting on an ornate cushion

    Birman

    The Sacred Cat of Burma. Birmans have seal-point coloring, brilliant blue eyes and four pure white 'gloved' paws — a defining feature unique to the breed. They are sweet, gentle and somewhat more active than Persians. Generally healthy with a long lifespan and lower hereditary disease load than most longhairs.

    Brown tabby Maine Coon cat sitting on a sunlit wooden porch

    Maine Coon

    America's gentle giant. Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed — 13–25 lb of friendly, dog-like companion with a tufted lynx-like face and shaggy waterproof coat. They're calm, talkative in trills and chirps, and bond deeply with their household. Health watchout: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia — buy from breeders who DNA-test and ultrasound parents.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.