Is My Cat A RagaMuffin?

surfing web to find breed of cat that has "stubby" legs. Found term "ragmuffin" which eventually got me here.I originally thought she was lynx-point but her ears have softened as she was fed. She is whinning now--before rarely she had a little "bark". I think she has been traumatized, abandoned and abused. I noticed the legs. Her coat is medium, brown color tabby. The "voice" and stubby leggs and perky ears got me to wondering about "breed". And I agree, breed only is a relevant point with purebreds. But again, looking up genetic weaknesses and common disorders can be useful.

I hope you know that Ragmuffins are quite rare but its does look likef he has a bit of Ragmuffin =D to me he looks more like a moggie or even a Maine Coon. that all i know but hope i helped =D

Lisa

He was acquired in poor condition when he was a year old by my boyfriend, advertised as a ragdoll by a family who could no longer afford to keep him. He clearly isn't a ragdoll, but I thought they may have been confused with a Ragamuffin.

He has many characteristics including the friendliness and ability to do tricks etc but does not go limp when picked up.

I am not really concerned by breed, I have always wanted a friendly lap cat and he certainly meets the criteria.

Hi Camilla. You say he was undernourished as a kitten, which indicates that you probably found him as a stray, got him from a shelter or similar humble beginnings? The chance of a purebred kitten ending up in that situation is rather slim, let alone a RagaMuffin, which I believe to be a rare breed in Britain.

As Michael suggests, he is probably a mixed breed - and it is almost impossible to determine what's in a mix. Here in Denmark a kitten like him most likely would have a father or a grandparent of Norwegian Forest cat origin. They are quite common in the UK too, but that of course is purely guessing...

Whatever he is, he is a great looking cat and no doubt very affectionate. And if he was mine I would not hesitate to call him "Muffin" anyhow. 😉

I too had thought about DNA testing and in fact suggested it concerning a feral cat that looked like a Bengal cat (in Australia) but although there are DNA tests that can isolate certain categories I don't think that is, as yet, a DNA profile for any specific cat breed against which a DNA test can be compared to assess the breed.

One day it will no doubt be possible, however. It would be very useful.

The most common use of DNA testing in the cat world is for genetic diseases such as PKD in Maine Coon cats, for example. There are genetic markers that tell us if a cat is predisposed to diseases that occur more frequently in certain breeds.

The purpose is to allow breeders to stop breeding from cats that are carrying the defective gene and so reduce the overall incidence of the disease in the breed.

I laughed at your Main Coonish comment earlier. I know this issue comes up again and again here on the POC. I recently learned that there is an inexpensive DNA test that can be done on dogs to find out their breed, or breeds as is usually the case. I wonder if there is the same for a cat? Usually, it is nothing more than taking a saliva sample from the cheek. Something to look into I think. I recall the DNA test for dogs only ran about $50 bucks. If I were a better person, I'd research it again before commenting, but alas....I have enough to think about giving Bigfoot antibiotics twice a day for three weeks. He hates me for an hour after.

Best to all, as always.

dw

PS Camilla, your cat is beautiful whatever breed he is.