While adding any cat companion to your home can be a treat, it sometimes benefits owners to invest in a particular breed. Whether it be concerns regarding child safety, grooming requirements, allergies, additional costs, or numerous other factors, it makes sense that a person might choose a specific breed that matches their lifestyle needs.
As gentle giants, both the RagaMuffin and Maine Coon are affectionate cats that make great family pets. While both these pedigreed breeds have become popular in their own right, you may wonder which cat is best for you. Read on to explore our look at the differences and similarities between the Ragamuffin and Maine Coon cat breeds.
Breed History
Baker had developed the Ragdoll cat using free-roaming neighborhood cats. After seeing the Ragdoll, other breeders were interested in expanding the variety of coat colors and patterns, which was against Baker’s wishes. So, others set out to make a new breed completely. From there, the development is clouded, but we know the RagaMuffin was developed using the Ragdoll to create a new, distinctive breed. In 2011, the RagaMuffin was accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
The Maine Coon developed naturally throughout the 1800s in the United States, descending from cats traveling to America on trade and traveler boats. Though Maine Coons were popular throughout New England, there were especially prevalent in the state of Maine. Thus, they were given the name Maine Coon. This feline initially survived as a working cat, killing mice and other vermin. Thus, the Maine Coon developed a sturdy, muscular body and a water-resistant coat.
A female Maine Coon named Cosey won Best Cat at North America’s first cat show, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1895. The Maine Coon lost popularity and was rumored to be extinct in the 1950s; however, this breed bounced back and was accepted for the CFA championship status in 1976, cementing its transition from a glorified mouser to a pedigreed cat. Today, the Maine Coon is accepted by all significant feline organizations, including the CFA and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Size
RagaMuffins weigh from eight to 20 pounds, with males growing significantly larger than females. These cats can reach up to 33 inches long. These cats are heavy-boned, muscular, and full-bodied with a rectangular shape. There should be a fatty pad on the lower abdomen.
Maine Coons average nine to 18 pounds, with males weighing up to 25 pounds or more. These cats reach 30 to 40 inches in length, making them one of the largest domestic cat breeds. This breed with well-proportioned, muscular, and rectangular.
Appearance
RagaMuffins are sturdy cats with long, plush coats in white, black, blue, lavender, red, chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, and platinum. Their tails are long and fluffy, with a slight taper. RagaMuffins have medium-length legs in proportion to their bodies. These cats have medium-sized ears atop a rounded head. The muzzle is short and round. RagaMuffins have puffy cheeks and whisker pads that add to their sweet look. Their eyes are large and expressive and may be of various colors: amber, gold, blue, green, and odd-eyed.
Originally a working cat, the Maine Coon is a solid and rugged cat with a smooth, shaggy coat. Coat colors can be any of the following: solid (white, black, cream, blue, and red), tabby (classic, mackerel, and ticked), bi-color (black and white, red and white, blue and white, cream and white), parti-color (tortoiseshell and white, blue-cream and white), shaded and smoke, and shaded/smoke and white. The Maine Coon has a long, full tail. Their legs are medium-length and in proportion to their body. A Maine Coon’s head has a square muzzle and high cheekbones. Their eyes are large and oval-shaped, and may be green, blue, gold, green-gold, copper, or odd-eyed.
Personality & Temperament
The RagaMuffin and Maine Coon have been called dog-like thanks to their tendency to follow you wherever you go. They are friendly, intelligent, and sociable. Both breeds are adaptable and can thrive in various home environments, including those with young children and other pets.
Taking a page from their parent breed, the Ragdoll, the RagaMuffin is also famed for going limp when picked up. This docile lapcat loves cuddles and thrives on attention. Alternatively, the Maine Coon loves to follow you around but prefers sitting by your side to being directly in your lap.
While both breeds are adventurous, the RagaMuffin is better suited for life indoors. If you want a cat to be your adventure buddy, choose the Maine Coon.
Intelligence & Training
Anyone blessed with a RagaMuffin or Maine Coon knows these breeds are intelligent. Begin training your cat at a young age, when they are more willing to learn new tricks. These cats can pick up new tricks quickly. Teach these cats to sit, fetch, high-five, or even walk on a leash.
Activity Level
These breeds are moderately active, and both would benefit from daily playtime. Both cats are curious and can be found wherever the action is in the home.
Vocalness
Both the RagaMuffin and Maine Coon tend to vocalize. If you love the idea of a chatty cat, consider the Maine Coon. This breed is highly talkative and loves to tell you exactly what’s on their mind. They are primarily known for “trilling,” an adorable combination of a purr and a meow.
Grooming
Despite their long, silky coat, RagaMuffins require less grooming than standard long-haired cats. Still, they do tend to shed quite a bit. Give your kitty a brushing once or twice a week to remove debris and catch any hair before it ends up on your couch.
On the other hand, Maine Coons are a breed that requires regular detangling, thanks to their thick, double coat. Brush your Maine Coon at least once a week. Their long, shaggy coat is slightly oily, making their coat semi-water-resistant. Because of their oily coats, an occasional bath made be needed to help the coat look and feel clean.
With both breeds, you should trim their nails regularly. Like most breeds, these cats can develop periodontal disease without proper dental hygiene. If you cannot brush your feline’s teeth daily, try once per week. You should also regularly check your cat’s ears and clean them with a pet-safe cleanser. Redness or excessive debris could indicate an infection or infestation. Contact your veterinarian promptly.
Nutrition
As with all large cats, you should monitor your RagaMuffin and Maine Coon’s food intake to avoid overfeeding and eventual weight gain. Feed your cat high-quality food twice daily that coincides with their age and activity level. Consult your vet if you are unsure of serving sizes for these larger breeds.
Staying lean is especially important for Maine Coons, who are prone or hip dysplasia and joint pain. Excess weight can exacerbate these issues. If you think your cat is gaining too much weight, talk about adjusting your pet’s diet with your vet. Never put your cat on a diet without first consulting an expert.
Health & Lifespan
While the RagaMuffin and Maine Coon are considered healthy breeds, they do have a genetic predisposition to specific health conditions:
RagaMuffin Health Conditions
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Periodontal Disease
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
Maine Coon Health Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Periodontal Disease
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Stomatitis
Both cats are prone to obesity, so avoid free-feeding these breeds and schedule meal times twice daily. You can expect these breeds to live long, healthy lives with a quality diet, daily exercise, and regular medical care. Maine Coons average 12 to 15 years, and RagaMuffins may live up to 18 years.
Getting pet insurance at a young age is a fantastic way to ensure any health needs are cared for financially, as younger pets tend to have fewer pre-existing conditions that are excluded from coverage.
Price & Costs
The average RagaMuffin from a quality breeder costs $800 to $1,500. Alternatively, expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a Maine Coon cat. Prices will vary best on the cat’s pedigree, healthy, and breeder’s location.
Because these are large breeds, they will require more food than smaller cats. Before bringing one of these cats into your home, keep in mind food costs will be higher for these large breeds. Both the RagaMuffin and Maine Coon will also require regular veterinary checkups to care for any accidents or illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RagaMuffins And Maine Coons Family Friendly?
Both these breeds interact easily with kids and other pets. They are highly friendly and affectionate, making them a perfect fit for big families with lots of love to give.
Do RagaMuffins and Maine Coons Have Different Growth Rates?
The RagaMuffin and Maine Coon don’t reach full size until around year four. Eventually, the Maine Coons will grow larger than the RagaMuffin.
Final Thoughts
Any cat is a blessing, but the RagaMuffin and Maine Coon are true characters. Both cats are curious, intelligent, and friendly. If you are looking for a cuddle buddy, consider the RagaMuffin. Alternatively, the Maine Coon makes a great travel companion, so long as they fit in their travel space!
