The primary differences between Ragdoll and Ragamuffin cats lie in their breed standards concerning coat color, pattern, and eye color. While both breeds are known for their gentle and affectionate temperaments, these specific physical traits are key identifiers.
Key Differences: Ragdoll vs. Ragamuffin
To distinguish between a Ragdoll and a Ragamuffin, observe these defining characteristics:
| Feature | Ragdoll Cat | Ragamuffin Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Color/Pattern | Always a pointed breed. This means they have darker coloring on their extremities (face, ears, paws, tail) with a lighter body. | Can exhibit any color or coat pattern, with the significant exception of being pointed. Their patterns can include solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and more. |
| Eye Color | Exclusively blue eyes. | Can have any eye color, including green, gold, blue, amber, or even odd-eyes (two different colors). |
Understanding the Distinctions
The Ragdoll breed standard is very strict regarding its appearance. They are celebrated for their distinctive "pointed" pattern, which is a form of partial albinism causing color to develop only in cooler areas of the body, and their striking blue eyes.
In contrast, the Ragamuffin breed, which originated from the Ragdoll, was developed to allow for a broader range of colors and patterns, and importantly, any eye color. This gives Ragamuffins a more diverse appearance, breaking away from the strict pointed pattern of their ancestors.
Therefore, if you encounter a large, docile, long-haired cat, the quickest way to determine its breed is to look at its coat pattern and eye color: a pointed pattern with blue eyes points to a Ragdoll, while any other color, pattern, or eye color (except pointed) suggests a Ragamuffin.
