Blog | RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

Entering the World of Pedigreed Cats and Cat Shows

author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

When I turned 50, I decided I wanted a purebred cat for the first time in my life. I had rescues over the years that were beautiful, wonderful cats, but I wanted a cat bred for specific looks and temperament. I chose the RagaMuffin breed and waited two years for my kitten. Kaerik Rags Bon Bon of Canterbury came from a reputable breeder. He was an adorable package of fluff and attitude. I visited my first cat show with a friend to see what it was like. Having shown horses and dogs, it did not take much for me to get the bug. I entered my first show with Bon Bon. With help from his breeder, I learned the intensive grooming procedure that was required. It paid off. My sable with white boy won a Best Kitten in Show under one judge. I was thrilled! And hooked!

As I was new to this activity, I sought out mentors in the show world. I learned so much from other exhibitors. They were always extremely supportive and helpful; Persian, Burmese, Household Pet, American Short Hair exhibitors were always around to help me. My next show cat was Bon Bon’s son, Kaerik Canterbury Nougat. From the start, Nougat was an exceptional show cat. He won Best Ragamuffin Kitten in Show at the ACFA RagaMuffin National, his first show. He continued on in CFA shows to Grand Champion, Breed Winner, Grand Premier of Distinction and multiple Regional Winner. Now that Nougat is retired from the show ring, he makes nursing home visits and continues to be a fabulous pet. Every now and then, I dust him off and he goes to a show as a Pet Me cat for spectators and to show in Veterans class.

After Nougat’s success, I have had other cats that continue to keep me going : Ganache, Buttons, Fudgie, Pixi Stix to name a few. I knew a lot about cats before I started this; I have learned so much more. Do you have any idea how complicated cat colors can be??? That in itself is a significant challenge! It has been an interesting journey, making new friends, learning new skills and most of all, enjoying cats.

What’s It Like To Live With a RagaMuffin?

author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

Living with a RagaMuffin is like living with a breathing, squishy, silky throw pillow. While they do have a playful side, their favorite pastime is, well, hanging out. They like nothing better than being petted and loved on.

My first show cat GC GPD RW BW Kaerik Canterbury Nougat is a wonderful example of the RagaMuffin breed. while he did climb the pole for judges, it was always in slow motion. I mean really slow. The cat has never been in a hurry for anything. He loves meeting people and being admired. I dust him off occasionally to go to a show as a Pet Me cat. He loves dressing in his outfits, having his picture taken and getting pats from spectators. Nougat could sit on the grooming table all day, like a king holding court.

His great granddaughter RW GC iCandy Pixi Stix is a laid back girl. While she moves a bit more than Nougat, she has been known to be taken out of the judging cage in a final to be shown off in a reclining position. She has an affinity for sinks whether at home or at a hotel. It seems to be the perfect place for her to relax. At shows, Pixi Stix likes to hang out upside down on her groom spot. I think she knows I am as enamored with her upside down as I am right side up.

Kittens I have placed from my breeding program seem to worm their way into their family’s heart quickly. Red and white boy Pickle went to live with a red headed little girl named Ellie. From the beginning, it was a match made in heaven between the two red heads. From watching Frozen together many times, to naps, to video games, the two are inseparable. My heart sings when I see a new photo from mom.

iCandy Waldo also went to a family that adores him. He has been dressed for Halloween to match his human brother, gone to school for drama practice and ended up on stage with the actors, and had a birthday cake made in his likeness.

I go to a nursing home to visit regularly. I take a dog sometimes and other times I take a cat or two. The sweet demeanor

of my muffins is perfect for this. Residents adore petting the silky, luxurious fur and hearing the loving purrs.