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Ragamuffin vs Ragdoll
The Ragamuffin grew out of the Ragdoll; the scores match and the real difference is that the Ragamuffin accepts every colour and pattern.
Verdict
These two are very close, and the profiles agree on every score: affection, energy, grooming, children, other pets, independence and apartment life. The thing that decides it is the coat colour and availability. The Ragdoll is limited to colourpoint, mitted and bicolour patterns with blue eyes, while the Ragamuffin accepts every colour and pattern, with or without white. The Ragdoll is very common, and the Ragamuffin is uncommon. Choose the Ragamuffin for colour choice and the Ragdoll for the classic pointed look and wider supply.
Choose the Ragamuffin if
- You want any colour or pattern, with or without white.
- You want a soft, dense coat of medium to medium-long length with a ruff around the neck and face.
- You accept a breed that is uncommon rather than very common.
- You want a CFA championship breed since 2011, with no breed-specific concerns listed in its profile.
Choose the Ragdoll if
- You want seal, chocolate, red, blue, lilac or cream points with blue eyes.
- You want the breed that is easier to find, listed as very common.
- You want the longer CFA record, a championship breed since 2000.
- You would ask your vet about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the breed's listed concern.
Where they are alike
Both are large, placid, gentle cats that score 5 for affection, children and other pets and 1 for voice. Each wants a person at home, combs out with a brush once or twice a week and suits an indoor life.
Side by side
| Ragamuffin | Ragdoll | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United States | Riverside, California, United States |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Typical weight | Males up to about 20 lb (9 kg); females up to about 15 lb (6.8 kg) | Females 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males 12-20 lb (5.4-9.1 kg) or more |
| Lifespan | — | Recent UK data put the median near 12 to 13 years |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat | Soft, dense, silky coat of medium to medium-long length, with a ruff around the neck and face | Soft, silky, semi-long coat made mostly of guard hairs, with little undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2011 | Championship breed since 2000 |
| How common | Uncommon | Very common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 3 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| Trainability | 3 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Ragamuffin sheds a moderate amount, and people who react to cats usually react to it as well. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Ragdoll's coat has little undercoat and sheds moderately, but people who react to cats usually react to this breed too. |
| Suits | A family or a home with other pets that wants a large, gentle, affectionate cat and will comb the coat once or twice a week. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a large, placid, affectionate indoor cat and will comb the coat twice a week. |
| Less suited to | A household that wants an athletic, climbing cat, or one that is away from home all day. | Anyone who wants an active, climbing cat, a cat that copes with long hours alone, or a breed with no known heart risk. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026