Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon Cats: The Differences (With Pictures)

If you have set your heart on owning an affectionate, family-friendly, large cat you may find yourself comparing the Ragamuffin and the Maine Coon cat breeds in your search for the right companion.

The Ragamuffin and the Maine Coon originate in the United States, though from opposite coastlines. Maine Coons are giant-sized, weather-hardy cats that are built to withstand the harsh winters of the northeastern United States. They are avid hunters who make great mousers, and they make great indoor as well as outdoor cats.

Ragamuffins, on the other hand, are slightly smaller than the Maine Coon and best suited as companions for indoor-only living.

Both breeds are large-sized and share similar traits. Ragamuffins and Maine Coons are known for being docile, gentle, affectionate, and very family-friendly felines. They do have some notable differences though, and that’s where we will try and help you make a good comparison.

 

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Ragamuffin Overview

Characteristics & Appearance

The history of the Ragamuffin goes hand in hand with the history of the Ragdoll cat breed that was created in California in the 1960s. It is believed the Ragdoll was bred with other pedigree cat breeds, eventually making way for the Ragamuffin’s existence. They used to be considered a variant of the Ragdoll cat breed but were established as a separate breed in 1994.

They are large cats, but they tend to look a bit larger than they are due to their coat. They are long-bodied with normal, medium-sized heads. The fur around the face gives it a larger appearance. The ears are set on the sides of the head, giving their face a triangular look with their distinct chin. They have oval-shaped blue eyes.

Ragamuffins will come in a variety of different coat colors and patterns including piebald, tortoiseshell, tabby, solid, bicolor, and tricolors., many like the Ragdoll. Bi-color Ragamuffins have a notable inverted V on their forehead and have white stomachs and legs. Their silky, plush coat can vary in length from medium-long to long hair which is both voluminous and luxurious.

It is truly hard to be the temperament of the Ragamuffin. They are known as the velcro-like teddy bears of the cat world for good reason. They are very friendly, loving, calm, and patient. They will love nothing more than to snuggle up in your lap and always keep close to you. You can go as far as to say they are attention hogs.

In addition to having overall wonderful temperaments, they are also great with children and other pets, including dogs (provided they are cat-friendly). They can bring out their spunky side and do not mind enjoying some much-needed playtime with their family either.

Suitable For:

Ragamuffins were created as companion animals with lovable personalities and not only do they fit the criteria, but they also go above and beyond. These docile kitties are not made for the outside world and do best as indoor cats.

With their tolerance for children and other pets, coupled with their easy-going nature and overall fantastic temperament, you cannot find a more ideal housecat.

They are not your typical hunters, though that is dependent on the individual. Ragamuffins are made to be house cats and should not be left outside to roam and fend for themselves. They are not an ideal choice for anyone looking for an outdoor or barn cat.

Maine Coon Overview

Characteristics & Appearance

The Maine Coon is unquestionably one of the most well-known pedigree cat breeds in the world today. They are heavily boned, muscular cats that originated in the state of Maine, USA. They were originally bred as outdoor cats used to keep rodents under control.

Their history left them rugged, hardy, and very adaptable, especially in cold weather conditions. The Maine Coon has a large head with tall ears with a slight dip under the eyes. They sport a lion-like mane, which is one of their most well-known physical traits. They have thick legs, broad chests, and a rectangular body shape.

They have a double coat that is silky, shaggy, and heavy. Their coat comes in varied colors and patterns including white, black, blue, red, cream, brown, silver, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, and golden. They are known to come in solid color, tortoiseshell, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, and smoke patterns.

The Maine Coon is known as a gentle giant, and they get this name honestly. This large cat is very sociable, loving, and very sweet-tempered. They do great in homes with children and other animals.

Suitable For:

As mentioned, the Maine Coon is very hardy, adaptable, and does well in cold weather. They were bred for hunting purposes, so they are excellent hunters and make great mousers for those who like to keep mice under control in or around the home.

While this breed fairs well as either an indoor or outdoor cat, they make wonderful companions, and most owners will undoubtedly want to keep them close to enjoy their amazing, loving personalities. They are a great choice for a family pet.

What Are the Differences Between Ragamuffins & Main Coons?

To understand the differences between the Ragamuffin and the Maine Coon, it is important to know the similarities. Both cat breeds are larger and have very similar temperaments and both are known for being docile, sweet, and loving companions that do great with other animals and even young children. Both breeds are long-haired with more high-maintenance grooming needs.

Ragamuffins are prone to health problems like heart disease, upper respiratory tract disorders, kidney disease, cystitis, and infectious diseases while Maine Coons are prone to hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Ragamuffins have long, silky fur that is medium-to-long in length. Main Coons also have long hair that is shaggier with a distinct lion-like mane. Ragamuffins have walnut-shaped eyes, and the common colors are blue, green, amber, gold, and hazel. Maine Coons have slightly oblique eyes that come in include green, gold, or copper.

Ragamuffins weigh between 10 and 20 pounds fully grown and tend to reach a maximum height of 10 to 15 inches. The Main Coon is slightly larger, typically weighing between 10 and 20 pounds but reaching a height of up to 16 inches.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The good news is that both Ragamuffin and Maine Coons make excellent family pets with their winning temperaments and social, affectionate natures. Understanding more about their similarities and differences can help you make an informed decision on which cat breed is best suited for you and your family.

Now that you have all the information regarding their similarities and differences, hopefully, it makes your decision-making a bit easier. Though these two breeds in particular make it a difficult choice, considering how incredible they both are!

Related Reads:

• Savannah vs Maine Coon Cats: The Differences (With Pictures)
• Maine Coon vs American Shorthair Cats: The Differences (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Scampi, Shutterstock | (R) Dora Zett, Shutterstock