Maine Coon vs Ragdoll: What’s The Difference?

Maine Coons are known for their sturdy appearance and large size. Ragdolls are prized for their friendly disposition and fluffy coat.

Since both of these cats are wildly popular, you’ve no doubt wondered which breed is best for you. You’ll likely learn that both breeds share similar traits in size, personality, and behavior, but a few differences set them apart. Read on to learn more about the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats.

Breed History

While the Maine Coon’s history is the stuff of legend, these cats likely evolved in the 1800s from long-haired cats that traveled from Europe to America on the ships of travelers and traders. The surviving cats arrived on land in Maine and bred with local cats to make what we now know as the Maine Coon breed.

The Ragdoll was bred in California in the 1960s by Ann Ba er. Baker used free-roaming neighborhood cats for breeding what she called the “Ragdoll.” While the full history of this breed is murky, we know that the Ragdoll was officially registered by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1966.

Appearance & Size

While both cats have been called “gentle giants” thanks to their size and demeanor, the Maine Coon takes the prize for the largest feline. Male Maine Coons typically weigh 15 to 25 pounds, and females 10 to 15 pounds. Ragdolls weigh from eight to 20 pounds, wi h males often weighing more than females.

Maine Coons can be up to five inches taller than Ragdolls and up to twice the length. Maine Coons range from 19 to 40 inches, and Ragdolls range from 17 to 21 inches.

Both cats have rectangular bodies that are well-proportioned. The Main Coon’s body will look very sturdy and rugged, in contrast to the more delicate appearance of the Ragdoll. These breeds have wedge-shaped heads and tapered ears. The Ragdoll’s face is slightly rounder, and you’ll notice the Maine Coon’s muzzle is square-shaped.

Coat & Colors

The Maine Coon cat breed is available in up to 75 color and pattern varieties. It has a long, shaggy double coat that feels silky to the touch. Just as the Maine Coon’s coat comes in various colors, so do their eyes. This feline may have green, blue, gold, copper, or odd-colored eyes.

The Ragdoll has medium to long hair that feels fluffy yet silky. This feline comes in six colors—chocolate, blue, seal, lilac, flame, and cream—and three patterns: bicolor, colorpoint, and mitted. A Ragdoll will only have blue eyes.

Personality & Temperament

The Maine Coon is known for its chill vibes and social nature. This cat loves to hang out with you throughout the day but isn’t considered a lapcat. The Maine Coon may want to be cuddled and picked up, but not always. Usually, this feline would prefer sitting by your side to being directly in your lap.

Ragdolls are the epitome of a lapcat. These felines are famed for going limp when picked up, which is how they acquired the name Ragdoll. Ragdolls thrive on cuddles and love to be held.

Both breeds are highly sociable, gentle, and affectionate. Both cats exhibit dog-like behavior. Expect these cats to greet you at the door, follow you around the house, and maybe even play fetch! These are friendly felines that love companionship. Despite this, you can expect both breeds to do well alone. Both cats enjoy playing, especially with water. Regular playtime with ensure your cat remains happy and healthy.

These breeds are family friends and will also be safe around dogs and other cats. The Maine Coon is more outgoing and confident, especially with strangers.

Maine Coons are natural hunters and love to spend time outside. This is a curious kitty who loves exploring. If you want to bring your cat on adventures, the Maine Coon is for you. Ragdoll cats are better suited for life indoors. They are not instinctively curious and are very gentle. Keep your Ragdoll inside for their safety.

Intelligence & Training

Both the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds are intelligent and trainable. In particular, the Maine Coon breed is admired for their high intelligence. Start training your cat at a young age, as they are less trainable as they age.

Activity Level

Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats enjoy playing and are moderately active. Both cats enjoy following their humans around the house, becoming very adorable shadows. Privacy goes out the window with these breeds.

Historically, the Maine Coon is a working breed, so you may find that this cat’s energy is higher than the Ragdoll. Despite their size, Maine Coons can jump fairly high. They require ample room to run. This breed will maintain a kitten-like playfulness through its adult years.

You won’t find a Ragdoll jumping on cabinets or bounding around the house. This breed prefers gentle play. Ragdoll cats are less-motivated than the Maine Coon and prefer cuddling on the couch over all-out play.

Vocalness

The Ragdoll cat is considered less vocal than other breeds. You will notice a tiny, soft meow when you hear this cat speak. The Maine Coon is more vocal and is known for “trilling,” a combination of a purr and meow.

Grooming

As long-haired cat breeds, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll will require regular grooming to keep their coats silky and shiny. From there, the cat’s coat composition will affect the amount of grooming you should provide.

Cats may have three types of hair: guard hair is the coarse, long, and straight hair found in the outer coat; awn hair is medium-length hair also found in the outer coat; and soft, short, fluffy down makes up the undercoat.

Main Coon cats have a double coat, which means they have all three types of hair. This breed’s guard hair is longer than most other cat breeds and develops with age. Guard hair provides protection from the elements. These hairs are slightly oily to repel water and protect from sun and snow. The Maine Coon’s awn hair, which comprises most of its top coat, creates a denser coat to add further protection from outdoor elements and helps regulate body temperature. Finally, the undercoat provides a cat with additional insulation to regulate body temperature.

Maine Coons, like all cats, are fastidious self-groomers and will do a great job maintaining their outer coat; however, the undercoat is a different story. The Maine Coon’s undercoat is notoriously thick and tends to get knotted. Left unattended, these tangles can lead to mats that pull the cat’s skin and create sores. Attentive care to the Maine Coon’s coat each week prevents matting.

Alternatively, the coat of Ragdoll cats is primarily comprised of long, fluffy guard hairs and a minimal wooly undercoat. The naturally non-matting coat of the Ragdoll makes grooming a breeze. The absence of an undercoat significantly cuts down on shedding and requires considerably less grooming. Still, regular grooming is encouraged to help your cat maintain a healthy coat. Keep in mind that coat structure can vary, and your Ragdoll may need more grooming depending on the thickness of their undercoat.

Both of these cats require regular maintenance of nails and teeth. Because long hair tends to collect unwanted debris, both breeds may need the occasional bath.

Nutrition

The quality of the food your purchase for your cat will impact their overall health and lifespan. It is recommended to purchase high-quality, well-balanced food for both breeds to ensure their diet hits all of their nutritional requirements.

You may also consider supplementing your cat’s food with healthy oils to support heart health, immunity, and healthy skin. Omegas will give your cat a shiny coat while reducing inflammation, making them suitable for a cat inside and out. Look for a supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6, which are both required by felines.

Health & Lifespan

Overall, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll are healthy breeds, but they do have a genetic predisposition to specific health conditions. With a nutritious diet, daily exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, your cat may never be affected by these issues.

Maine Coon Health Conditions

• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Periodontal Disease
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Stomatitis

Ragdoll Health Conditions

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Periodontal Disease

Both felines are prone to obesity, so controlled feeding and regular exercise are essential to overall health.

Price and Costs

Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a Maine Coon cat, depending on their pedigree. Show kittens can cost up to $2,500. As the popularity of the Ragdoll cat has increased, so has the price. Price may range from $800 to $3,500 for a Ragdoll kitten, with the average price being around $2,000. A quality breeder is essential for the health of the cat. This, alongside the cat’s pedigree, will affect cost. While less likely, you may be able to find one of these breeds at a rescue facility for significantly less cost. Look at your local animal shelter, and you may adopt a Maine Coon or Ragdoll for under $400.

The Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds are oversized and will require more food than a small-sized cat. Keep this in mind when factoring in the cost of food. As male cats of both breeds tend to be larger, expect food costs to be higher.

These cats will also require regular veterinary check-ups. Both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that may require regular veterinary care. Quality pet insurance will reduce costs by reimbursing you for eligible vet expenses, including accidence and illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Maine Coon Or Ragdoll Larger?

While both breeds have similar weights, the Maine Coon is the larger cat overall.

Is There A Temperament Difference Between The Maine Coon And Ragdoll?

The Maine Coon and Ragdoll are social, easy-going, gentle, and adaptable. The Ragdoll is a quieter breed, less likely to “talk” to you. Ragdolls are also naturally shyer, taking more time to warm up to strangers.

Final Thoughts

The Maine Coon and Ragdoll are two fantastic breeds that are easy to love. These sturdy kitties are both intelligent breeds with calm temperaments. The Maine Coon and Ragdoll love to love and make great companions. These breeds are well adaptable and thrive in most home environments, whether single-person or multi-family, multi-pet households.