Are RagaMuffins cats good pets?

Yes, RagaMuffins make loving pets due to their affectionate, gentle, and patient nature. They are also people-oriented, thrive on companionship, and fit into a variety of lifestyles, whether you live in the city or the countryside. They are also laid-back, making them equally good companions for kids, adults, and older pet parents.

How much does a RagaMuffin kitten cost?

RagaMuffin kittens may cost $800–$3,500, although prices vary considerably by breeder, pedigree, and location. Pedigreed, show-quality cats tend to cost more, so it depends on what you’re looking for.

Are RagaMuffin cats hypoallergenic?

No, RagaMuffins are not hypoallergenic cats ; they have a long coat that sheds.

RagaMuffin

Updated September 8, 2026

The fluffy RagaMuffin’s favorite place to be? Anywhere you are. These so-called Velcro cats are social, loving pets who can’t get enough of their people. If you’re looking for a family-friendly pet fit for all ages, the RagaMuffin might be your next best feline friend.

Temperament

Easygoing, Docile, Playful

Weight

10–20 pounds

Life Expectancy

12–16 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Jump to section

The RagaMuffin is renowned for their laid-back, gentle, affectionate, and easygoing nature, says Helen Sallows, chairperson and breed advisor for The United Kingdom RagaMuffin Cat Society (UKRMCS). “They are often described as one of the most people-oriented breeds and can be almost doglike when following you around.”

Unlike more aloof cats, a RagaMuffin will greet you at the door and love to snuggle in your lap. If you’re considering adding one of these cuddly cats to your family, here’s everything you need to know about caring for these precious pets.

RagaMuffin Characteristics

Remember: Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Vocal Level

Likes to be Picked Up

Likes to be Pet

RagaMuffin Appearance

The RagaMuffin is a medium to large cat breed with soft, medium-length fur that is similar in texture to a rabbit’s. They can be any color and pattern, and they have a sweet expression that follows them into adulthood: large, expressive, walnut-shaped eyes and puffy whisker pads, says Laurie Godshall, president of the RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers and a breeder with Colorado-based High Country Cats.

Ears
RagaMuffins have medium-sized rounded ears that tilt slightly forward. The ears are set as much on the sides of the head as they are on top of the head.
Eyes
RagaMuffins have large, expressive, walnut-shaped eyes. Most eye colors are accepted, including odd-colored eyes, a condition called heterochromia. Mink RagaMuffins should have aqua eyes, while sepia RagaMuffins should have yellow-gold to green eyes.
Nose
Their nose leather may be any color, and the profile has a noticeable dip or scoop. A short, rounded muzzle and puffy whisker pads contribute to the breed’s characteristic sweet expression.
Coat Length
Their coat is medium to medium-long, with soft, dense, silky fur often compared to rabbit fur. The hair is slightly longer around the face and neck, creating a ruff.
Coat Color
RagaMuffins come in nearly every color and pattern, including solid, tabby, mink, sepia, bicolor, and calico. Under the CFA breed standard, pointed colors are not accepted for showing.
Tail
Their long, fully furred tail is proportionate to the body and resembles a plume or soft bottlebrush. It is medium-width at the base and tapers slightly toward the tip.

RagaMuffin Temperament

The RagaMuffin is known not only for a beautiful appearance but also for their exceptional temperament. “Their loving, relaxed personality, combined with their intelligence and devotion, makes them an outstanding companion for families, couples, retirees, and first-time cat owners alike,” Sallows says. They also make excellent emotional support animals, she says.

These lap cats are friendly and love to get involved with their people, whether that’s following you around the house, being picked up and loved on, playing games, or just chilling next to you. They also do well with other pets, but it is always important to properly socialize your cat and introduce them to other animals in your home to ensure their relationship gets off to a good start.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the RagaMuffin

Find RagaMuffins to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a RagaMuffin

RagaMuffins are generally easy to care for—they have a lower-maintenance grooming routine than you might expect—and average diet and exercise needs. These cats are typically not super active but still enjoy playtime—perhaps more as a way to bond with you than to work up a sweat.

Despite their long, silky fur, RagaMuffins have a naturally tangle-resistant coat that doesn’t need a lot of brushing.

Brushing: According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), brushing your cat once or twice a week is plenty to prevent knots and matting. They have an undercoat, however, so Godshall says a professional-quality brush, like the Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, that can remove the undercoat is recommended.
Bathing: RagaMuffins also groom themselves, meaning they only need the occasional bath.
Nail care: Godshall says it’s important to keep your RagaMuffin’s nails trimmed and suggests weekly nail trimming to keep up the regular habit.
Dental care: All cats are susceptible to dental disease, RagaMuffins included. The best prevention is to brush your cat’s teeth every day with a cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

RagaMuffins don’t have breed-specific dietary requirements, Sallows says. Feed your cat a complete and balanced food formulated for their life stage, whether it’s wet, dry, fresh, or a combination. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label, and ask your veterinarian how much and how often to feed your cat.

Some go-to cat foods include Royal Canin Adult Instinctive food, Hills Science Diet Indoor Adult food, and Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials. Your vet can help you choose the best food for your unique cat.

“RagaMuffins don’t require much exercise, but a good cat tree is essential for climbing, stretching, and scratching,” Sallows says. “Some owners even use harnesses and take their cats for walks!”

Despite their more laid-back lifestyle, RagaMuffins still need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy. A RagaMuffin’s favorite activity is interactive play with their humans, Godshall says, and she encourages pet parents to invest in wand toys, balls, catnip toys, spring toys, or any other toy that hones their hunting skills. She also recommends enrichment items like tunnels and cardboard boxes for them to play in and explore.

RagaMuffins need lots of time and attention from their family members, so they should never be kept isolated. And if you are away from home a lot, this breed might not be the best fit.

If you must leave your RagaMuffin home alone, set up your space with plenty of mentally stimulating activities like climbing trees, interactive toys, a puzzle feeder, and a window perch to let them watch the world go by outside. You may also want to consider getting more than one pet to help prevent loneliness. When you are home, you’ll always find your RagaMuffin nearby, interested in whatever you’re doing.

RagaMuffin Health

RagaMuffin cats typically live 12–16 years and are generally healthy with few health problems. However, there are several conditions common in cats to be aware of, including:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): RagaMuffins can carry a genetic mutation linked to HCM, a disease that causes the heart muscle to become too thick. Cats with two copies of this mutation have a higher risk of severe disease, which may develop as early as 1–2 years old. Reputable breeders should test their breeding cats for this mutation and screen them for heart disease. However, a negative genetic test does not rule out every form of HCM. Talk to your vet about your cat’s risk.
Polycystic kidney disease: RagaMuffins can inherit a PKD1 mutation that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts may appear before 1 year of age and can lead to kidney failure later in life. Reputable breeders should test their breeding cats for the mutation.
Obesity: Like any cat, a RagaMuffin can gain excess weight if they consume more calories than they burn. However, the breed naturally has a fatty pad on the lower abdomen, and many cats also have a normal primordial pouch that may sway when they walk. Neither should be mistaken for obesity based on appearance alone. Ask your veterinarian to assess your cat’s body condition and recommended daily calorie amount.

RagaMuffin History

The RagaMuffin cat breed is descended from the Ragdoll cat, which was first developed by breeder Ann Baker of Riverside, California, in the 1960s. Because restrictions surrounding the Ragdoll breeding program were strict, a group of breeders decided to develop the RagaMuffin as a new breed.

By crossing Ragdolls with other cats, including Persians and domestic longhairs, the RagaMuffin breed was established. The breed was first recognized by the CFA in 2003.

FAQs

RagaMuffins and Ragdolls share common ancestry, Sallows says, but they are distinct breeds.

“RagaMuffins have a softer and more rounded appearance with full cheeks and a sweet, gentle expression,” she says.

The other main differences include their coloring and eye color. Ragdolls are recognized only in pointed patterns like colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor, while RagaMuffins come in virtually every color and pattern. Also, Ragdolls have distinctive, striking blue eyes, and RagaMuffins’ eyes can be any color.

This content was medically reviewed by Sarah Wooten, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the RagaMuffin

RagaMuffin