Ragamuffin cat
The Ragamuffin is a large, long-haired domestic cat breed known for its gentle temperament, plush coat, and wide range of colors and patterns.
Ragdoll: A large, semi-long-haired cat breed known for blue eyes, colorpoint coat patterns, and a relaxed temperament. Ragamuffins developed from cats related to this breed but have broader coat colors and patterns.
Ann Baker: An American breeder who developed the Ragdoll cat breed in the 1960s. Her Ragdoll breeding program forms part of the Ragamuffin’s early history.
Cat grooming: Care of a cat’s coat, skin, claws, ears, and teeth through brushing and other routine maintenance. Regular brushing helps keep the Ragamuffin’s long coat free of tangles and loose fur.
Persian cat: A long-haired cat breed known for a rounded head, short muzzle, and dense coat. Both have plush long coats, but the Persian has a flatter face and different breed history.
Domestic cat: The domesticated feline species, Felis catus, kept as a companion and working animal. The Ragamuffin is a selectively bred variety of domestic cat.
Ragdoll breeding history: The development of the Ragdoll breed from cats bred by Ann Baker in California. Some breeders who later formed the Ragamuffin line broke away from Baker’s program.
Cat nutrition: The dietary requirements and feeding practices that support feline health throughout life. Appropriate portions help maintain a healthy body condition in a large-framed breed.
Birman: A semi-long-haired cat breed with blue eyes, colorpoint markings, and white feet. Its restricted colorpoint pattern contrasts with the Ragamuffin’s broad range of colors.
Cat coat genetics: The inheritance of genes that determine a cat’s coat color, pattern, length, and texture. Its many recognized colors and patterns arise from combinations of coat-color genes.
International Ragdoll Cat Association: A cat-breeding organization established by Ann Baker to oversee her Ragdoll program. Restrictions associated with this organization contributed to breeders seeking an independent breed identity.