There are many distinct things to take into account when contrasting the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds. Both the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll are huge cats with sociable dispositions. Ragdoll cats are often smaller and shorter than Maine coons. Both cat types have calm, placid temperaments and are quite intelligent. Only a few Maine Coons are lap cats, compared to the majority of Ragdoll cats. In contrast to ragdolls, Maine coons are excellent hunters. Despite the fact that both cat breeds are long-haired, big cats, there are some significant distinctions in terms of the cat’s size, weight, temperament, and personality.
Before making a purchase, potential owners should take this into account. The Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll’s main similarities and distinctions are discussed in this insightful article. Therefore, be sure to take into account the minute distinctions before deciding which cat breed you would choose. Check out the Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll comparison chart below to learn which cat breed is best for your household.
Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Cat Breed Overview
You may have already noticed how very similar the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds are if you are attempting to determine whether to get one of them. There are unmistakable changes, for sure, but prospective owners will need to conduct a little more thorough investigation to find these. But to spare you time and trouble, here is a quick comparison of the main similarities and differences between these two native American cat breeds:
| Factor | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest domestic cat breed | Large cat breed |
| Weight: | 9-25 lbs. | 8-20 lbs. |
| Fur | a long, shaggy coat | medium-long fur |
| Temperament | relaxed, easygoing, and gentle | relaxed, easygoing, and gentle |
| Aggressive | Not aggressive | Not aggressive |
| Curious | Very curious | Not very curious |
| Intelligence | Very Intelligent | Very Intelligent |
| Family Friendly | Good with families | Good with families |
| Indoor / Outdoor | Suited to indoor and outdoor living | Suited to indoor living |
| Hunting Skills | Great hunter | Not a good hunter |
| Lifespan: | 9-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Price: | $400–1500 (average price: $1000). Show kittens up to $2500 | $400 – $1000 |
1. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Personality
A cat’s personality refers to the innate characteristics of their breed that they are born with. Whichever cat breed you choose, there is virtually no contest between the personality of a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll cat. This is due to the fact that both are generally renowned for their amiable, kind, and relaxed personalities. Additionally, they are both quite intelligent and effective in households with young children. The following table summarizes the main personality characteristics of these two breeds and points out a few minor variations that prospective owners may find significant when deciding which breed would be preferable:
| Personality Trait | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | Very friendly | Very friendly |
| Gentle / Docile | Gentle and easygoing | Gentle and easygoing |
| Sociable | Very social | Very social |
| Affectionate | Extremely affectionate | Extremely affectionate |
| Dog-Like Behavior | Very dog-like | displays some dog-like behavior |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent. easily trained while still a kitten. | Very intelligent |
| Voice | very vocal and talkative. Trills, chirps, and chattering sounds | not that vocal. very quiet breed of cat |
| Lapcat | technically a lapcat. Some Maine coons like to be picked up and cuddled, though not all are considered aloof | . loves to be picked up |
| Aggressive | not aggressive, unless severely provoked, i.e., someone attacks them. | Non-aggressive cat breed |
| Energetic | Moderately energetic | Moderately energetic |
2. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Characteristics
When we discuss a cat breed’s qualities, we are talking about the personality traits that a cat has developed during its life. These elements are more susceptible to alteration under various conditions. For instance, a cat that has been mistreated by small children will probably be less relaxed and kind if a youngster is present. The following table contrasts the main qualities of a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll cat:
| Characteristic | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Companionship | adores human company. wants to be around you at all times. likes to lay next to you whilst you work rather than on you. | wants to be with or on you at all times. If you are not available, they will sit at your desk and watch you work. |
| Other Pets: | Good with other pets in a household | Good with other pets in a household |
| Suitable For Family | Suitable for young families due to its laid back, calm nature. | interacts well with a young family. does not usually extend claws, making them a safer option for young children. |
| Strangers | Males are immediately friendly with strangers. Females take more time to interact, but ultimately they are friendly. | can be shy around strangers, potentially running and hiding from them. will ultimately adapt to their presence. |
| Follows You: | Will follow the owner around the house. | will follow the owner around the house. |
| Likes Water? | Loves water. | Fascinated by water |
| Playful | remain kitten-like in terms of playfulness until late in their adult lives. | very playful cat breed |
Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Price
If you have your heart set on owning a Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat because you adore their appearance and temperament, you were probably astonished to learn how expensive they are! These extremely sought-after cats aren’t cheap; they’re two of the priciest cat breeds you can acquire. Given that the average price for a purebred cat is an astounding $1000, the Maine Coon is the more expensive of the two animals.
However, the cost of your new Maine Coon kitten will often range from $400 to $1500, depending on the cat’s quality, vaccination record, etc. Take a seat before reading this if you’re searching for a Maine Coon kitten of show caliber. This is due to the fact that show Maine coons can cost up to $2500 each! WOW! People can acquire a Ragdoll for between $400 and $1000 per kitten, while it is not a particularly “affordable” alternative.
If you adore the two breeds but cannot afford the price, take a look at these somewhat less expensive alternatives:
- Adopt from a shelter or cat rescue center.
- Purchase an older Maine Coon or Ragdoll.
- Consider buying a mixed Maine Coon or Ragdoll mix.
4. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Origins
It’s crucial to first comprehend where both cat breeds originated in order to understand the variations between the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds.
Where Did The Maine Coon Originate?
The history and pedigree of the Maine Coon cat are still shrouded in mystery and intrigue despite being such a well-known and adored cat breed. It is still unclear how this magnificent longhaired cat ended up in the state of Maine. The popularity of the Maine Coons hasn’t been hindered by their enigmatic origins; in fact, the State of Maine has designated these adorable gentle giants as its “State Cat of Maine”! Additionally, the Maine Coon cat was chosen as one of the top three cat breeds to possess in 2015 by Americans.
Even though it’s not quite clear where the Maine coon came from, folklore beliefs about it continue to circulate. The most well-known myths assert: “Let’s investigate these myths more thoroughly to ascertain their veracity.” Each folktale is presented for the reader to decide whether or not to believe it.
Where Did the Ragdoll Originate?
In contrast, the history of the Ragdoll cat breed, which was created in the 1960s by a breeder called Ann Baker in Riverside, California, is much more well-known. Given that it was not registered with the CFA until 1993, this cat breed is regarded as being very new. The CFA claims that the origin of the Ragdoll cat breed was the adoption of several local feral cats by breeder Ann Baker. It’s believed that she opted to breed certain of her cats since she was so taken with their personalities.
It’s thought that Ann bred Josephine, a domestic long-haired white female cat, with some friendly male cats she had adopted. Thus, the progeny of this female cat gave rise to the Ragdoll cat breed, which is well-known and adored today for its charming and distinctive temperamental qualities.
5. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Size
These two breeds are the best options if you want a big cat. Males of these gentle giants are likely to grow to a height of between 11 and 16 inches, in addition to weighing up to 20 to 25 pounds. Although a Maine Coon’s ears are unquestionably larger and more pronounced than a Ragdoll’s, both cat breeds have huge features to match their large size. Look at their broad paws since this will give you a fair idea of how big your Maine Coon or Ragdoll kitten will become.
Purebreds are typically seen as being in proportion, meaning that no one characteristic should be more prominent than another. This helps you get an idea of how big your kitten will probably get.
6. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Weight
The weights of a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll differ significantly less. In fact, you can anticipate that both cat breeds will mature into large, adult cats. The average weight of a Maine Coon is 8 to 25 pounds, whereas a Ragdoll is only slightly lighter, at 8 to 20 pounds. Both of these cat breeds typically have lighter females than males, which is a characteristic that unites them.
The average weight of a male Maine Coon is between 15 and 25 lbs (6.8 and 11.3 kg), whereas that of a female Maine Coon is between 8 and 12 lbs (3.6 and 5.4 kg). The average male Ragdoll weighs between 15 and 20 lbs (6.8 and 9.07 kg), whereas the average female Ragdoll weighs between 8 and 15 lbs, despite the fact that there appears to be some variety in the weight statistics of the Ragdoll across the internet (3.6 and 6.8 kg).
To better understand the weight variations between Ragdolls and Maine Coons, look at the table below:
| Breed | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 15–25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg). | 8–12 lbs (3.6–5.4 kg). |
| Ragdoll | 15–20 lbs (6.8–9.07 kg) | 8–15 lbs (3.6–6.8 kg). |
The males of these two cat breeds only differ in potential weight by an average of 5 pounds, as shown in the table above. There may be a 3 lb difference in weight between the females, which is also quite small.
7. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Shape
It’s crucial to think about how the Maine Coon and Ragdoll’s shapes differ from and resemble one another while comparing the two breeds. The Maine Coon and Ragdoll are both huge cats with broad chests and solid-looking muscles. Their long, rectangular bodies should have an equal distribution of body parts so that no one part appears to be more dominant than the others. Additionally, both breeds have pointed skulls and huge, wedge-shaped ears.
The Maine Coon cat’s large, distinctive ears are slightly larger than those of the Ragdoll cat, which many people believe are more proportionate to their bodies. Face shapes that are more rounded can be used to identify ragdolls. The muzzles of both breeds also differ noticeably, with the Maine Coon having a square-shaped snout that should never appear tapered or pointed. The ragdoll face form is rounder in contrast. Thirdly, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll have thick, robust legs that are about mid-length. Their broad paws ought to be equal in size to their bodies.
Both breeds have tufts on their paws to keep them warm in cold weather, but a Maine Coons’ tufts will be “well tufted,” whereas a Ragdoll’s are “feather tufted.” Last but not least, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll both have lengthy hair that doesn’t fully develop until they are 2 years old. They also develop slowly since Ragdolls mature at around 4 years old, but a Maine Coon is expected to reach maximum size between 3 and 5 years of age.
8. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Colors
Did you know that practically any color you like is available for a Maine Coon cat? There is literally a Maine Coon color out there for everyone, according to the Cat Fanciers Association, who estimate that there are an astounding 75 different colors available. However, it’s crucial to be aware that certain hues fall outside of the pedigree brand’s acceptable range before purchasing.
- Chocolate
- Lavender
- Himalayan pattern
- Any of the combinations above, with white
People who want to buy a Ragdoll, on the other hand, might be dissatisfied to hear that there are only six various colors for this particular cat breed. Options for color include:
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Blue
- Seal (dark brown) Cream
- Red
9. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Patterns
There are many different designs available for Maine Coon cats, including:
- Solid
- Tabbies
- Tabbies with white
- Tortoiseshell
- Smoke
- Shaded
- Bi-Color
- Parti-Color
The most prevalent coloration for Maine Coons is tabby, which is distinguished by the other pattern categories listed below:
- Classic Tabby Pattern: characterized by dense, broad, and clearly defined markings. Blotches on the sides and an “M” marking on the forehead A butterfly wing pattern covers the cat’s shoulders. unbroken necklace markings on the neck and upper chest.
- Mackerel Tabby Pattern: Clearly defined and dense parallel stripes run down their sides. “M” marking on the forehead Narrow pencil lines run from head to shoulders. unbroken necklace markings on the neck and chest
- Ticked Tabby Pattern: These cats have pronounced ticking across their bodies, clear tabby markings over their faces and legs, and lighter undersides.
The ragdoll, in contrast, has four patterns, including:
- Mitted: white chin. white belly stripes and white feet in the front. White boots that go up the back of the legs might have a star, hourglass, or blaze-shaped white patch on the nose or forehead.
- Colorpoint: There are no white markings on their coats. The only classic pointed markings
- Bi-Color: All four paws, chests, and underbodies are white. white upside-down “V” marking on the face. Sometimes they have a splash of white on their backs. Darker markings are visible only on the tail, ears, mask, and a few dots on the body.
- Van: Only a few darker spots of marking are on cats’ tails, ears, and top of their mask.
The CFA states that ragdolls have colored points that can be solid, tortie, torbie (lynx and tortie), or tortie and lynx. The color of their body will essentially be a lighter hue than the points on their legs, face, tail, and ears as a result of these points. The Ragdoll’s unique trait of having all of its newborn kittens have white fur is remarkable. Then, as they become older, their patterns and colors will change. This happens as a result of a genetic mutation that “affects an enzyme in the metabolic route between tyrosine and their final pigment” in Ragdoll cats.
The color of the Ragdoll cat is thought to be ultimately determined by this enzyme, which is believed to be temperature-sensitive. Maine coons are renowned for having luxuriously long coats of fur that frequently appear heavy and shaggy. This kind of cat has three coats: a third, longer outer coat and two shorter, dense undercoats. Their coats are different lengths all over their body; for example, a Maine Coon’s coat should be longer on their britches and stomach and shorter on their shoulders. They have thick coats, especially in the winter when the breed’s fur thickens to better withstand the colder weather.
However, when spring’s warmer weather draws near, you will start to see significant amounts of fur shedding as their bodies get ready for the warmer months. The long fur around their necks, sometimes known as their “mane,” of hair, helps to identify Maine Coons. Their mane gives them the appearance of “small lions,” which may contribute to the reason why some owners give their Maine Coons lion cuts in the sweltering summertime. It is easy to notice how similar the fur coats of the Maine Coon and Ragdoll are when compared, which makes it even more difficult to tell the two breeds apart at a glance.
A Ragdoll’s medium-length fur coat, however, will catch your eye right away. This coat has two layers of fur: a thin woolly undercoat and thick guard hairs on top. Cat shows frequently view a ruff as desirable. The Ragdoll’s hair should flow across the cat’s body without matting and get longer near the tail. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, Ragdolls with thick undercoats that protrude from their bodies are punished.
11. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Eye Color
The eyes are one of the simplest ways to tell a Maine Coon cat from a Ragdoll cat. This is due to the fact that an adult purebred Maine coon will have big, either green, copper, or gold eyes. The Ragdoll, in contrast, has incredibly eye-catching spherical eyes that are a vibrant blue color. But just to make things complicated, not all Maine Coon cats can be identified using this straightforward technique. People should be aware that white Maine coons have blue or “strange” eyes because of this (two different colored eyes).
All of the kittens of these two cat breeds are born with blue eyes, which is an amazing truth about their eyes. The Maine Coon kitten’s eyes will progressively change in color as the melanin in their eyes settles in their iris, whereas the Ragdoll’s eyes will continue to be blue.
12. Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll Kittens
A photo of a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll kitten is shown below. As you can see, they both have very similar physical characteristics and are utterly gorgeous. When these two breeds are kittens, you can immediately tell them apart by observing the hues of their eyes and recognizable hair markings.
