Choosing the right cat for your home is a tough task to do as there are so many breeds available nowadays. Among the popular choices, Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds are known for their distinctive characteristics with affectionate personalities. In this article, you will learn about these two breeds of cats in-depth along with their similarities and differences. Upon completion, you will be able to select the right breed for your home.
At a Glance
| Characteristics | Maine Coon Cat Breed | Ragdoll Cat Breed |
| Average Height | 10–16 inches | 9–11 inches |
| Average Weight | 5.4–10 kg | 3.6–9.1 kg |
| Average Length (with tail) | 19–38 inches | 17–21 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 15–25 years |
| Maturation Period | 3–4 years | 3–4 years |
| Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Grooming Needs | Higher than Ragdoll | Lesser than Maine Coon |
| Breed-specific Diet | Not Compulsory | Not Compulsory |
| Temperament | Sociable, Intelligent, Trainable, Playful, Agile | Affectionate, Sociable, Attentive, Docile, Playful |
| Maintenance Cost | Comparatively high | Comparatively Less |
Maine Coon Cat Breed Overview
Maine Coon cats are sturdy, long-haired native to North America, specifically to Maine state. Maine Coon cats are available in about 75 different colors. They are sociable cats, but they do not require constant attention. They are affectionate, intelligent, and trainable. The average lifespan of Maine Coon cats is 12–15 years.
Origins and History
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed. This breed originated from the Maine state of the U.S. where it is the official state cat. Maine Coon cat is known for having adapted to the harsh winters.
There are so many theories about the origin of Maine Coon. One myth claims that the Maine Coon cat is a hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat. Another story claims that these cats are the descendants of Viking ship cats, known today as the Norwegian Forest Cats.
Physical Characteristics
The Maine Coon is a long or medium-haired cat. They have a bushy tail. The coat is soft and silky although the texture may vary with coat color. Minimal grooming is required for this breed compared to other long-haired breeds as they have a self-maintaining double coat. Also, the coat is subject to seasonal variation i.e. fur being thicker in winter and thinner during summer.
The Maine Coon cat is considered as the largest non-hybrid breed. They are known for their large size and robust bone structure. On average, males weigh from 8.2 to 10.0 kg and females weigh from 5.4 to 6.8kg. Maine Coon possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to mature. It takes about three to five years to grow them to their full size while other cats take about one year.
Temperament and Personality
Maine Coons are popularly known for their intelligence. These are very social and friendly domestic cats that love to interact with humans. Main Coon enjoys playing with their owner and other pet.
Maine Coon is more like an indoor as well as an outdoor cat. These cats occasionally sit on the lap of the owner and most preferably keep a short distance. These cats are adaptable and can suit various living environments. Maine Coon are highly energetic and thus they can climb the furniture as well as trees.
Care and Maintenance
Maine Coon are more susceptible to shed as well as matting and tangles of fur. So, they need regular grooming. During shedding season, it is normal for them to shed more.
Maine Coon cats are larger cats than other normal breeds, so the food cost will increase. Also if you do not maintain a proper diet for them, they can build belly fat and seem to be obese. The proper amount of food that the veterinarian directs according to their weight and age should be provided.
Also, these cats love to play with toys, so you need to spend a little bit on toys and scratching posts. Regular health check-ups should be carried out to prevent them from any diseases and infections. Exercise plays a vital role in shaping their health and fitness.
Suitable for
Maine Coons are a good choice if you love large and adventurous cats. Maine Coons are curious, intelligent and enjoy climbing high places. They are adaptable and highly energetic. Maine Coons also require higher maintenance costs than that of Ragdolls. It is easier to train Maine Coons as they enjoy learning new tricks.
Ragdoll Cat Breed Overview
Ragdolls are popular for their extraordinary beauty, cuteness, and blue eyes. They are best known for their docile, placid temperament and affectionate nature. Ragdolls come in six distinct colors. They can easily get along with children, dogs, and other cats. The average lifespan of Ragdolls is 15–25 years.
Origins and History
The Ragdoll breed was developed in the 1960s by the American breeder Ann Baker. This breed was developed in Riverside, California. According to Ann Baker, the original cats of the Ragdoll breed were “alley cats”. All Ragdolls are descended from Baker’s cats through matings of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat. Baker trademarked the name Ragdoll and set up her registry around 1971.
Physical Characteristics
The Ragdoll is also one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. The coat may have various patterns such as colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor. Although the breed has a plush coat, it consists of long guard hairs. Ragdolls may have a noticeable increase in shedding in the spring season.
Ragdoll is greatly known for its large round deep blue eyes. On average, males weigh from 5.4 to 9.1kg and females weigh from 3.6 to 6.8kg. They have long, muscular bodies with broad chests and short necks. A Ragdoll can take up to four years to gain its full size. Ragdoll kittens are born white: they have good color at 8–10 weeks and full color and coat at 3–4 years.
Temperament and Personality
The personality trait of Ragdoll is known to have a floppy and calm nature. They are often known as “puppy cats”, “dog-like cats”, “cat-dogs”, etc., because of their affectionate behavior. They often follow their owner from room to room as well as seek physical affection as that of certain dog breeds. They have a very playful nature throughout their lifetime.
Ragdolls are suited to live indoors. Unlike many other breeds, Ragdolls prefer staying low to the ground rather than being at the high surfaces so they do not enjoy climbing the furniture. These cats are friendly with children, dogs, and other cats. They love toys and games and playing with humans. These cats also love to sit in your lap. Ragdolls are quiet cats and meow rarely.
Care and Maintenance
Ragdoll has shorter fur than that of Maine Coon. It does not mean that they do not need regular grooming. They also need proper diet and nutrition according to the direction of the veterinarian. Regular health check-ups should be carried out to keep them free from diseases and infections.
As these cats are more affectionate, you should give more time to them. Play with them to keep them fit and fine. You need to spend on some toys and scratch posts too. Proper hygiene should be maintained as they are more susceptible to various diseases. Regularly, consult with the veterinarian to keep them in perfect shape.
Suitable for
Ragdolls are suitable if you like a dog-like affectionate cat. Ragdolls are extraordinarily sweet cats with attractive blue eyes. They love to spend time with their owner and most of the time they love to sit in your lap. They do not enjoy climbing high places. Ragdoll cats are friendly with other cats, dogs, and strangers too. They do not need high exercise and often stay quiet.
Which cat breed is right for you?
Both the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds of cats are popular for their affectionate personalities, cute appearance, and gentle nature. While they share some similarities like longhaired coats and behaviors, they also have some differences in their body size, temperament, and maintenance requirements.
Ultimately, the choice between a Maine Coon and Ragdoll depends on personal preferences, surrounding environments, and your lifestyle. Both of them are perfect companions for cat lovers seeking a loyal and affectionate friend.
FAQs
Do Maine Coons get along with Ragdolls?
Yes, both the Maine Coons and Ragdolls are friendly and sociable by nature. So, these breeds can get along with each other nicely.
Are Ragdolls the friendliest cats?
Ragdolls are recognized as one of the friendliest cat breeds in the world. They love nothing more than to spend time with their owner.
Which cat is bigger, Maine Coon or Ragdoll?
In terms of height and weight, Maine Coon cats tend to be bigger than that of Ragdolls. The height of adult Maine Coons can vary from 10 to 16 inches whereas the height of an adult Ragdoll can vary from 9 to 11 inches.
Which is better, Ragdoll or Maine Coon?
It depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a friendly lap cat then undoubtedly Ragdoll better suits you. Else, if you want an adventurous cat then, Maine Coon better suits you.
Do Ragdoll cats like dogs?
Yes, Ragdolls are one of the friendliest cats in the world. So, they can get along with dogs as well