I think I don’t have to point out especially how both Maine Coon and Ragdoll are awesome felines that make wonderful companions for humans – I think that all you cat fanciers are well aware of this!
Still, if you have some doubts about which one of these two breeds will be more suitable for you, then the following words on the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll debate might be helpful for you.
These two cats are similar in some ways, but there are also some differences that can be decisive factors for future pet owners.
Let’s see how Maine Coon and Ragdoll are similar (or different) in terms of appearance, temperament, behavior, health, lifespan, and price.
Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll Breeds Overview
| Maine Coon | Ragdoll | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11-25 pounds | 10-20 pounds |
| Height | 10-16 inches | 9-11 inches |
| Coat type | Heavy, shaggy, silky | Silky, plush |
| Coat colors | Many different colors and patterns | blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, red, seal |
| Temperament | Intelligent, sweet-natured, vocal | Calm, friendly, quiet |
| Health problems | Obesity, hip dysplasia, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy | Urinary tract infections, digestive disorders, Polycystic kidney disease |
| Lifespan | around 12 years | 12-15 years |
| Price | $500 to $2,500 | $800 to $3,500 |
Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll Appearance
Size
With an average weight of 11 to 25 pounds and a height of 10 to 16 inches, the Maine Coon is considered the largest domestic cat worldwide.
According to the Ragdoll growth chart, this cat is a medium to large breed. Her weight isn’t much different from the Maine Coon’s – since most of these cats weigh 10 to 20 pounds.
However, these two cats differ in height. Ragdolls are smaller and are usually 9 to 11 inches tall.
Coat Type And Colors
The Maine Coon has a heavy and silky coat that can come in almost any color you can imagine.
The Ragdoll’s coat is also silky, and plush. Recognized Ragdoll colors are blue, cream, chocolate, lilac, red, and seal. Besides these basic colors, Ragdolls also have four coat patterns: Bi-color, colorpoint, mitted, and van.
Maine Coon cats might shed a lot. While some of them shed only seasonally, some Maine Coons shed all year-around. So, these cats aren’t considered hypoallergenic, but neither are Ragdolls.
True be told – Ragdolls aren’t so likely to trigger allergic reactions in humans. You should know that there isn’t a 100% hypoallergenic breed, so, when comparing a Ragdoll and a Maine Coon in the term of allergy-causing – the Ragdoll is a better option.
Interesting Read: A Guide To The Stunning White And Black Maine Coon
Facial Features
Maine Coons have large and rounded eyes that are gold, copper, or green. White Maine Coons might also have blue eyes.
This cat’s nose is straight, and her ears are large and wide, with long tufts on the tips. Her face is large, and her cheekbones are high.
The Ragdoll has a slightly smaller head, but it appears larger because of the cat’s fur. This cat also has medium-sized ears, set on the sides of the head.
Ragdolls have blue oval eyes, and a well-developed chin.
Body Features
The Maine Coon is a large and massive cat, but her body is balanced and well-proportioned.
Her paws are large and round. Her tail is very long and shaggy, which puts her on our list of bushy-tail breeds.
Ragdolls have long and muscular bodies. Their legs are heavy and stocky, and their paws are rounded.
This cat also has a thick and short neck.
Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll Temperament And Behavior
The Maine Coon is known as the gentle giant. According to The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, this cat is affectionate, tactile, and very intelligent, capable of learning how to fetch, and even open doors.
You can see an adorable Maine Coon performing tricks in the video below.
Although these cats are very big, they have a very sweet nature and are very friendly and playful. They love to be around their humans, but are not clingy.
Maine Coons aren’t lap cats, but they tend to get on very well with children, as well as with dogs and other cats.
Another interesting fact about this cat is that it’s very vocal. So, living with a Maine Coon means hearing a lot of chatters, trills, and chirps!
The description of the characteristics and behavior of the Maine Coon will surely delight every cat lover, but the Ragdoll is not far behind in this area either!
The International Cat Association (TICA) describes the Ragdoll as an affectionate cat that gets along well with children and other pets. This cat’s name describes her perfectly, since she loves to be carried around the house!
This is one happy, relaxed cat that’s not overly active. She is more of a laid-back and tolerant feline. Still, a Ragdoll will always be up for some fun playtime with children!
Ragdoll is also very intelligent and calm. This breed is in general considered to be quiet, which is the opposite of the rather vocal Maine Coon!
Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll Health And Lifespan
Some of the most commonly seen health problems in the Maine Coon breed are hip dysplasia, obesity, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in felines, and is especially present in the Maine Coon breed, with an estimated prevalence of 9.5-26.3%, according to Mia Godiksen and her associates [1].
On the other hand, Ragdolls tend to struggle with digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and Polycystic kidney disease.
While the Maine Coon’s average lifespan is estimated at up to 12 years, Ragdols tend to live longer – up to 15 years.
Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll Price
Price is, of course, another important factor for anybody who’s trying to decide which cat breed would be a perfect fit for him and his family.
The average price for a Maine Coon cat goes from $500 up to $2,500. Still, Maine Coons from champion bloodlines can cost over $3,500.
The Ragdoll price can also vary depending on the factors such as the breeder’s reputation, a kitten’s background, pedigree, etc. This purebred cat can cost from $800 up to $3,500.
See Also: 6 Maine Coon Breeders In California That You Can Trust
Which Cat Is A Better Choice For You?
So, who’s the winner in the debate Maine Coon vs Ragdoll?
I believe this will ultimately depend on every person’s life surroundings and expectations when it comes to sharing a living space with a furry friend.
While Ragdolls are lap cats that will enjoy being carried around, Maine Coons might not take this attempt from their owners very well. Well – this could be the deciding factor for some of you.
Ragdolls tend to shed less than Maine Coons, although they too will require occasional brushing.
If you are looking for a cat that will make you laugh with the funny sounds it makes – the Maine Coon is made for you! Ragdoll is a better option for all those who prefer the company of quiet and calm cats.
In any case, both of these cats are gentle, social, and intelligent. They truly make wonderful companions, and I'm sure you won't go wrong with whichever one you choose!
References:
[1] Godiksen MT, Granstrøm S, Koch J, Christiansen M. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young Maine Coon cats caused by the p.A31P cMyBP-C mutation–the clinical significance of having the mutation. Acta Vet Scand. 2011 Feb 9;53(1):7. DOI, Retrieved July 06, 2023.Read Next: Black-Footed Cat Compared To House Cat
