Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin: What’s the Difference?

When I first heard about Ragamuffins, I thought someone just messed up saying Ragdoll. But nope. They’re two real breeds. And while they look a lot alike, they’re definitely not twins.

I’ve spent time with both. And let me tell you—they each have their own vibe.

Let’s break it down.

The Basics

Both breeds are big, fluffy, and ridiculously sweet. Think of them as the oversized teddy bears of the cat world.

But they’re not the same.

Feature	Ragdoll	Ragamuffin
Origin	1960s, California	1990s, also California
Size	Large	Also large, sometimes bigger
Coat	Silky, semi-long	Plush, thick, bunny-soft
Eyes	Always blue	Any color goes
Personality	Chill, floppy	Chill, cuddly, more playful

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

A fluffy white and gray ragdoll cat with blue eyes perched on a tree branch in an autumn setting. — Ragdoll

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

Their Start Stories Are Kinda Juicy

Ragdolls came first. A breeder named Ann Baker created them in the ‘60s. They became famous for going limp when picked up. Like actual ragdolls.

Ragamuffins were created later by a group that branched off from the Ragdoll scene. There was drama. Breeding disagreements. Think soap opera, but with cats.

So while they share genes, they split ways a while back.

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

Coats: Fluff Wars

I used to think all long-haired cats had the same kind of fur. Wrong again.

Ragdolls have silkier, sleeker coats. They’re easier to brush. Less poof.

Ragamuffins? They’re floof monsters. Their fur is thicker, more plush. Brushing takes more time, but it feels like petting a cloud. A very hairy cloud.

Both don’t have undercoats, so you’ll get less matting than you’d expect. Still, brushing is a must. Unless you like hair tumbleweeds rolling through your house.

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

Face Off: Those Eyes Though

Here’s an easy cheat code. Look at their eyes.

Ragdolls = always blue. No exceptions.

Ragamuffins = eye color buffet. Green, gold, blue, even odd-eyed.

I remember meeting a Ragamuffin with one green eye and one blue. I stared at her for five minutes straight. She blinked once and kept walking. Totally unbothered.

Shape and Size: Chonky but Graceful

These cats are not your average lap-size. They’re big.

Ragdolls are long and lean. Like runway models in fur coats. They can weigh between 10 to 20 pounds, sometimes more.

Ragamuffins tend to be rounder. Chunkier cheeks. Softer curves. They feel heavier when you lift them, even if they weigh the same.

When I picked up a Ragamuffin for the first time, my arms almost gave out. She looked at me like, “Rookie mistake.”

Personality: Lazy or Laid-Back?

Both breeds are super sweet. Total lovebugs.

But here’s the twist:

Ragdolls are more chill. They really do flop when picked up. Mine goes limp like overcooked spaghetti. He’ll lie in my arms for ages, like he’s forgotten how to cat.
Ragamuffins are playful. Still mellow, but they’ll chase toys, follow you around, and start conversations with little chirps.

If Ragdolls are the nap champions, Ragamuffins are the friendly neighbors always up for a chat.

Trainability: Yes, They’re That Smart

Both are clever.

You can train them to come when called, do tricks, and even walk on a leash.

I once taught my Ragdoll to sit for treats. It took two days and a lot of bribery. A Ragamuffin I cat-sat learned it in one afternoon. Show-off.

Living with Them

Here’s a quick rundown:

With Kids: Both are great. Patient, tolerant, and non-scratchy.
With Dogs: Totally fine, as long as the dog plays nice.
Apartment Life: No problem. Just give them cozy spots and your attention.
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing. More for Ragamuffins, slightly less for Ragdolls.