RagaMuffin

RagaMuffins are usually docile, people-loving cats that thrive on companionship. They enjoy tummy rubs, lap time and cuddling up with their own family or almost any willing visitor, and Purina notes they have earned the nickname "Velcro cat". They typically greet people at the door and like to be involved in whatever their owners are doing.

They are also playful and clever. Many learn to fetch and do tricks, and some can be walked on a lead. RagaMuffins take around four years to mature, so their playful kitten phase lasts a long time.

This is a substantial cat with heavy bone, a broad chest and a rectangular body. Females are usually much smaller than males. Purina gives a typical weight of about 3.5 to 9 kg; GCCF says females usually weigh 10 to 15 lb and some males more than 20 lb.

The coat is medium to medium-long, soft, dense and plush, with a ruff around the neck, a plumed tail and tufts between the toes. Eyes can be any solid colour, and some cats have odd eyes. GCCF accepts all colours and patterns for showing except the Siamese-style colourpoint pattern associated with the Ragdoll.

RagaMuffins are not especially athletic, and Purina describes them as sluggish by nature, but they do enjoy play. They like climbing scratching posts, chasing toys on strings and playing fetch.

Because they tend to become lazy and love their food, they need encouragement to move. Purina suggests a few daily games, cat trees, and food-dispensing toys or puzzles for part of the daily ration rather than leaving food out all day.

The coat is long but tangle-resistant. GCCF says a few minutes of brushing or combing once or twice a week is enough to remove dead hair, while Purina suggests a few minutes each day, which is also a good chance to bond and check for wounds or parasites. Purina rates shedding as low.

A greasy coat can be a sign that a cat has stopped grooming itself, which may point to poor health or excess weight.

RagaMuffins can enjoy some time outdoors, but Purina advises this should be supervised in a secure garden or in a secure cat run only. They are too trusting and laid-back to be let out freely, which makes them vulnerable to theft and predators, and Purina says it is best to keep them as indoor cats. Cat trees and warm, sunny resting spots are appreciated.

They do not like to be alone. Purina says long periods alone or ignored can stress them and even make them ill, so they are a poor fit for people who are out of the house for long hours.

RagaMuffins are usually tolerant, patient family cats that cope well with a busy household. Purina stresses that extra care is needed to make sure children do not take liberties with such a placid cat.

Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.

RagaMuffins are typically friendly towards other cats and dogs, and GCCF also mentions birds, rodents and lizards. It still advises introducing pets slowly and in controlled circumstances so they learn to get along.

GCCF says there are currently no reported problems in the breed, and that cats imported into the UK for GCCF breeding have tested negative for HCM and PKD. Purina also reports no common disorders at present. GCCF gives a lifespan of about 12 to 16 years.