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Ragdoll Cat vs. Maine Coon: Main Differences (With Pictures)

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By Nicole Cosgrove

maine coon vs ragdoll

When thinking of owning a cat or adopting one, you have plenty of choices. It can be hard to choose between a Ragdoll and a Maine coon. They are both great breeds and have a lot to offer as pets.

Both the Ragdoll cat and the Maine coon are family-friendly cats. They have long fur, playful, and they love company. However, they are not entirely the same. Cat owners must do their due diligence before they buy or adopt either of these cat breeds.

The Maine coon and the ragdoll cats differ in size, shape, temperament, and so much more. Understanding each breed is the key to finding the cat you want to add to your home. Furthermore, depending on your needs, you have to get a cat that fits your definition of a family pet.

Visual Differences

ragdoll vs maine coon

At a Glance

Ragdoll
  • Average height (adult): 10 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 15-20 pounds
  • Lifespan: 15-25 years
  • Exercise: Less than an hour a day
  • Grooming needs: High
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Calm, Mild-mannered, Loving, Affectionate, Kid-friendly, Gentle

Maine Coon
  • Average height (adult): 21-26 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 55-80 lbs
  • Lifespan: 10-13 years
  • Exercise: 2+ hrs a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent but stubborn

 

Ragdoll Cat Pet Breed Overview

flame point ragdoll cat
Image Credit: Carolyn R, Shutterstock

Ragdolls cats have a color point coat and blue eyes. In the 1950s, an American breeder, Ann Baker, developed the breed. They are excellent pets as they are docile with a calm temperament.

Ragdolls are heavier cats with V-shaped eyes and a thick coat and limbs. They are also bi-color or tri-color.

They are large and snuggly, and they curl up when picked up. You will enjoy the cat’s companionship as ragdolls are tolerant. Additionally, ragdolls are docile pets as they can withstand pain and befriend kids.

Personality 👪

Ragdolls have a friendly personality. They are described as cats with a dog-like personality as they like to follow you around. Cat lovers like how loyal ragdolls can be, just like dogs. Additionally, they are very gentle despite their heavy set bodies.

Due to their gentle nature, they are tolerant, and they can easily accommodate kids. They are rarely aggressive, and they make a good playmate for kids. If your kids love petting the cat, a ragdoll is a good pick as they do not twist and roll when you pick them up.

Ragdoll cats are not good climbers, and they love to relax. You do not have to worry about your cat climbing all over things and breaking some in the process.

Ragdolls are indoor cats. They love companionship and cuddles. Ideally, the cats are perfect for people who want to share space with their cats all the time.

Training 🧶

Ragdolls love to play, and they are easy to train. They can play fetch with humans or even a game of hiding and seek. They love to keep you company and will follow you wherever you go.

Ragdolls are eager to please, and so they will pick up instructions quickly. If you are looking for an animal that you can train, a ragdoll is the right pet for you.

Health & Care 🏥

Ragdolls and Siamese cats are among the cat breeds with the lowest survival rates. Research by Swedish insurance data shows that cats survive between 12 to 15 years. Also, they are susceptible to health issues like Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, urinary tract diseases, feline infectious peritonitis, and vision or joint problems.

The Ragdolls are a bit heavier; be careful not to overfeed your cat. Ensure that your cat is on a proper feeding regimen to prevent cat obesity, although it is not an issue with cats. Check with the breeder the list of health conditions that may affect your cat before you make any deals.

Remember to take your ragdoll to the vet for regular visits and to feed them the right diet. With proper care, your cat can live longer and have minimal health issues.

ragdoll cat sitting on a cat tree
Image Credit: izmargad, Shutterstock

Exercise 🐈

Ragdolls need exercise at least daily. Since they are heavy, they must take regular walks for about an hour or any other exercise activity. A fair amount of play is also vital, and you should get your ragdoll enough cat toys.

Suitable for

Ragdolls make good family cats. They are dolls and thrive indoors. Ultimately, your kids will enjoy playing and petting the cat. If you also need a handy companion, ragdolls offer good company, and they are trainable to play games and enjoy outdoor life.

Ragdolls love a lot of attention, so you need to consider that before you take the cat home. However, do not leave the cat alone for a long time as they may get lonely.

Since they are smaller than coons, ragdolls are perfect pets for people who live in apartments. Their easy-to-train attributes make it easier to fit into the apartment-living lifestyle easily.

Maine Coon Pet Breed Overview

tabby maine coon sitting on grass
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The Maine coon has been around for a long while, unlike its counterpart. It’s Maine’s first long-haired coons. Notably, there is a rich history around the cat and its origin. According to one theory, in 1789, Queen Marie Antoinette had to flee France during the French revolution.

The queen was to use a cruise to America with the help of Captain Samuel. Though she did not make it, her cats made it to Wiscasset, Maine. On reaching Maine, they crossbred with short-haired cats in Maine, creating the breed.

Another theory is about a famous sailor by the name, Captain Samuel Clough. Maine’s were a product of crossbreeds from sailors and short-haired cats. Coons were common in the 1800s.

The Maine coon is heavier than the ragdoll. To understand more about Maine coons, let us take a look at some features of the pet.

Personality

The Maine coon is a family-friendly cat. They are friendly and dog-like, and they tend to be gentle. Additionally, they have cat-like attributes like being social and the classic curiosity of a cat.

The felines love company and will do well in homes with kids and other pets. They also love companionship in that they will enjoy sitting on your lap.

Lastly, coons are very intelligent.

Exercise 🐈

Coons need exercise like all other animals. A good exercise session could be play outside or even a walk. Also, Coons will play with toys or engage in human games like their counterparts. The cat needs to exercise for at least two hours every day.

tabby maine coon playing
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

Training 🧶

Since coons are very intelligent, they are easy to train. Train the cat some few house rules and even how to take instructions. They can learn to fetch easily and even enjoy an occasional swim. Additionally, the coons love toys as well as playing and hunting.

Maine Coons can be very stubborn. Training may take a little more effort as the cat can present many challenges in the process.

Health & Care 🏥

Coons have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are susceptible to some diseases and health problems. Like ragdolls, coons have a high likelihood of contracting diseases, like hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardio Myopathy, Spinal muscular Atrophy, and Polycystic kidney disease.

Suitable for

If you are looking for a fun family cat, you can get the Maine coon. They do well around kids, and they will work wonders if you want a cat that can hunt down rats and other small rodents in your home. If you want a cat that you can take outside for a game of catch, then the Maine coon is your best bet.

blue smoke maine coon cat lying on the couch
Image Credit: Okeanas, Shutterstock

 

Are Ragdolls and Maine Coons Related?

The two breeds are very similar in appearance and temperament. They are cuddly and make great snuggle pets. However, their only relation is the high number of similar characteristics and features.

What Are the Costs of Having a Maine Coon Vs. Ragdoll?

It will not cost the same amount of money to keep either the Ragdoll or Maine coon cat breeds. However, the two have similar costs, from adoption/ purchase to care and maintenance.

Notably, the cost of getting a cat from the breeder depends on ancestry, age, vaccination as well as other factors.

Ragdolls and Maines require similar care and maintenance practices. The amount of money you spend on each will depend on your choice of items and how well you can take care of a well-bred cat.

What Are the Grooming Requirements for Maine Coons and Ragdolls?

Cats love some pampering. If you want to own the Maine coon or a ragdoll, you need to know how to care for the cat. Brush the coat as often as possible to prevent shedding and prevent tangles ad matte.

Ragdolls love a good pampering. Just like the name suggests, they can enjoy good pampering while bonding with you.

Here is a list of care practices for both breeds.

  • Bathing once a week
  • Brushing teeth regularly
  • Brushing the coat
  • Clipping nails

Which Breed is Right for You?

Now that we have exhaustively analyzed each cat breed, it would be fair to pick the winner. However, both cats share a fair amount of pros and cons. If you have to choose, go for the breed that Resonates with your needs.

Some of the negatives listed should also not discourage you from getting the breed that you would love to have in your home. Get started by buying or adopting a cat from a reliable center and take good care of your pet.

No doubt by now you have something in mind. Good luck on your adventure with the new furry member of your family.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Ragdoll (Luxurious Ragdoll), Shutterstock | Maine Coon Cat: Okeanas, Shutterstock

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