Close-up portrait of a blue-eyed Ragamuffin cat with fluffy fur in soft, natural light.

Are Ragamuffin Cats Rare?

Ragamuffin cats are like fluffy clouds with legs. But are they rare? Yes. Kind of. Let me break it down for you.

I didn’t even know they existed until I saw one at a friend’s place. I thought it was a Ragdoll. It wasn’t. It was a Ragamuffin. And it was pure fluff magic.

What Makes a Cat Rare Anyway?

A breed is considered rare when:

  • There aren’t many breeders.
  • Registries don’t recognize them widely.
  • They have limited genetic lines.
  • You rarely see them in shelters or households.

Ragamuffins check most of those boxes.

By the way, if you're into Ragamuffin stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: How Big Do RagaMuffin Cats Get?

Origins: A Bit of a Cat Fight

Ragamuffins came from Ragdolls. Back in the ‘90s, some Ragdoll breeders wanted more flexibility. So they broke away and started their own thing. They introduced other breeds into the mix like:

  • Persians
  • Himalayans
  • Domestic longhairs

That’s how the Ragamuffin was born. But because they’re relatively new, there aren’t many of them around.

A fluffy Ragamuffin cat sits gracefully on a wooden bench in Istanbul, showcasing its beauty.

Oh, and speaking of Ragamuffin, here’s another one you might like: What Does a RagaMuffin Cat Look Like?

Show Me the Numbers

Here’s a quick peek at their rarity compared to other cats:

Cat BreedCommon in Households?Registered Breeders (approx.)
RagamuffinNoLess than 100
Maine CoonYesThousands
RagdollYesThousands
British ShorthairSomewhatHundreds

You get the picture.

Also, just throwing this in—this Ragamuffin post is a fun read too: Are Ragamuffin Cats Hypoallergenic?

Why You Don’t See Them Often

You won’t bump into a Ragamuffin at your local pet store. Or shelter. Here’s why:

  • Breeders are selective
  • They’re expensive
  • People confuse them with Ragdolls
  • They don’t appear in movies or media much

Also, they’re not street cats. They’re indoor fluff royalty.

Personal Ragamuffin Sighting

The first Ragamuffin I met was named Pickles. Pickles looked like a white-and-gray marshmallow with whiskers. He had these huge, soulful eyes and a coat that felt like velvet.

I asked my friend where she got him. She said, “It was harder than finding a good mechanic.”

No joke. She had to wait months.

So, How Rare Are We Talking?

Let’s put it this way.

If you walk into a room with 50 cats, maybe one is a Ragamuffin. Maybe. That’s assuming someone in the room even knows what a Ragamuffin is.

Here’s a scale to visualize:

Rarity ScaleCat Breed
Super CommonDomestic Shorthair
Somewhat CommonSiamese
UncommonScottish Fold
RareBurmese
Very RareRagamuffin

Cost of Being Rare

Ragamuffin kittens can cost anywhere between $1,200 to $2,500. Some go even higher depending on the breeder and lineage.

You’re not just paying for fluff. You’re paying for rarity, careful breeding, and those gorgeous eyes.

Are They Worth It?

If you want a cat that:

  • Is affectionate
  • Loves cuddles
  • Has the chill vibe of a sleepy yoga teacher
  • Looks like a living teddy bear

Then yes. Totally worth it.

But be prepared for:

  • Grooming. Lots of grooming.
  • Waiting lists.
  • Long conversations explaining to people it’s not a Ragdoll.

Not Just a Pretty Face

Even though they look like luxury pillows, Ragamuffins are:

  • Playful
  • Gentle with kids
  • Good with other pets
  • Big-time lap lovers

They’re not just rare. They’re also ridiculously lovable.

Quick Ragamuffin Checklist

Here’s how to spot one:

  • Large, muscular body
  • Long, plush coat
  • Big, round eyes (often in jewel tones)
  • Sweet, friendly personality
  • Likes to go limp when held (yes, like a Ragdoll)

Final Thoughts

Yes, Ragamuffin cats are rare. But that’s part of their charm. They’re like hidden gems in the cat world.

If you ever get to meet one, consider yourself lucky. If you get to own one? Even luckier.

Just be ready to explain their name a dozen times. My friend still gets “Ragamuppet?” all the time.