Are Maine Coons Better Than Ragdolls?

If you are trying to decide between buying a Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat, then you might have already noticed these two cat breeds are remarkably similar.

There are some important differences that you haven’t noticed though. Can you think of more?

Maine Coon Origins

1. Natural Evolution In Harsh Climates

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.

These cats developed naturally in the cold, rugged environment of Maine, USA. Over time, their thick, water-repellent coats, large tufted paws (acting like snowshoes), and muscular bodies evolved to survive in the harsh winters.

2. Theories About Their Ancestry

The true origins of the Maine Coon are still debated, but popular theories include:

• Viking Cats: Maine Coons may have descended from long-haired cats brought to North America by Viking explorers around 1000 AD. Their resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat supports this theory.
• Seafarer’s Cats: Another theory suggests that long-haired cats arrived on ships with European sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries and bred with local short-haired cats.
• Marie Antoinette’s Cats (Highly Unlikely, but Fun!): Legend has it that when Queen Marie Antoinette of France tried to escape to America during the French Revolution, she sent her long-haired Angora cats ahead to Maine.

3. Recognition & Popularity

Maine Coons became popular in cat shows during the late 19th century, but their fame declined when exotic breeds like Persians were introduced.

However, dedicated breeders revived the breed in the mid-20th century, and today, the Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

Ragdoll Origins

1. The Breed Was Created In The 1960s

Unlike the naturally evolved Maine Coon, the Ragdoll cat was intentionally bred in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder in Riverside, California. She wanted to create a breed with an exceptionally calm temperament, long fur, and striking blue eyes.

2. The Mysterious Mother Cat: Josephine

The foundation of the Ragdoll breed was a white domestic long-haired cat named Josephine, who allegedly had an unusual trait – when picked up, she went completely limp, like a ragdoll.

Ann Baker bred Josephine with other cats, including Birman-like and Persian cats, to enhance this docile, floppy nature.

3. The Controversial Start

Ann Baker trademarked the Ragdoll name and set strict breeding regulations, which caused disputes among early breeders. Eventually, others broke away from her rules, and the breed became recognized by major cat associations.

4. Recognition & Popularity

Ragdolls quickly gained fame due to their friendly, dog-like personalities and stunning appearance. They are now one of the most sought-after cat breeds worldwide.

2. Size

Both the Maine Coon and Ragdoll are among the largest domestic cat breeds, but there are key differences in their size, build, and weight distribution.

Here’s how they compare:

Weight Comparison

• Maine Coons tend to be heavier overall, especially the males, which can easily exceed 20 lbs.
• Ragdoll males can reach similar weights, but they typically don’t get as large as the biggest Maine Coons.
• Female Maine Coons and female Ragdolls fall within a similar weight range.

Length Comparison

• The Maine Coon is typically longer, holding the record for the longest domestic cat in the world (Stewie at 48.5 inches).
• Ragdolls can also grow long, but their tails are often shorter and fluffier than the Maine Coon’s long, bushy tail.

Height Comparison

• Maine Coons are taller, with long legs and a strong, muscular build.
• Ragdolls have shorter legs and a stockier build, making them appear more compact.

Body Build & Structure

• Maine Coons have a more rugged, muscular frame, built for survival in harsh climates.
• Ragdolls are softer and less muscular, with a looser, floppier body due to their relaxed genetic trait.

3. Shape

Maine Coons and Ragdolls are both large, fluffy cat breeds, but their body shape and physical structure differ significantly. Below is a detailed comparison of their overall shape, including their body, head, tail, and features.

Body Shape

• Maine Coons have a long, rectangular body shape, built for strength and endurance.
• Ragdolls are more compact and rounded, with a looser, floppier build due to their relaxed muscle tone.

Head & Facial Structure

• Maine Coons have a square-shaped head with high cheekbones, giving them a more defined, wild look.
• Ragdolls have a rounder, softer face, with a less prominent muzzle.

Ears & Lynx Tips

• Maine Coons have large, pointed ears with lynx tips, which make them appear more wild and alert.
• Ragdolls have medium-sized ears with rounded tips, lacking the dramatic lynx tufts.

Tail

• Maine Coons have a longer and bushier tail, helping them survive in cold climates.
• Ragdolls have fluffy tails, but they are not as thick or dramatic as a Maine Coon’s.

Legs & Paws

• Maine Coons have long, powerful legs that contribute to their large, rectangular body.
• Ragdolls have medium-length legs, making them appear stockier and more compact.

4. Colors

Maine Coons and Ragdolls both have stunning coats, but their color options, patterns, and genetic limitations differ.

Below is a detailed comparison of their coat colors, patterns, and how their genetics influence their appearance.

Coat Colors

Maine Coon

• Maine Coons can be found in almost any color, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, and silver variations.
• They do not have any genetic restrictions on their coat color.

Ragdoll

• Ragdolls only come in color-pointed varieties due to a specific recessive gene (like Siamese cats).
• Their body is always lighter, with darker “points” (ears, face, paws, and tail).
• Solid-colored Ragdolls do not exist—they always have a form of the color-point pattern.

Coat Patterns

Maine Coon Patterns

• Tabby is the most common pattern (classic, mackerel, or ticked).
• They can also have solid, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-color, shaded, and smoke variations.

Ragdoll Patterns

• All Ragdolls are color-pointed (like Siamese cats).
• The three main Ragdoll patterns are:
  1. Colorpoint (darker face, ears, paws, tail, no white)
  2. Mitted (like colorpoint but with white paws and chin)
  3. Bi-Color (dark points, but with a white inverted “V” on the face and white belly)

Eye Colors & Genetics

• Maine Coons can have almost any eye color, including green, gold, copper, and blue.
• Ragdolls always have blue eyes, as a result of their color-point gene.

Color Genetics

Maine Coon Genetics:

• Maine Coons have diverse genetic variation, allowing for many colors and patterns.
• The dominant agouti gene (A) determines whether they are solid or tabby.

Ragdoll Genetics:

• Ragdolls have the Siamese color-point gene, which means they are always born white and develop darker points over time.
• The temperature-sensitive enzyme (TYR gene) causes darker fur in cooler body parts (ears, face, paws, tail).

5. Coat

Maine Coons and Ragdolls are both long-haired breeds, but their coats differ in texture, density, maintenance, and shedding.

Below is a detailed comparison of their fur coats.

Length & Density

• Maine Coons have a thick, water-resistant double coat, designed for harsh winters.
• Ragdolls have a single-layer, ultra-soft coat, which is lighter and silkier than the Maine Coon’s.

Texture & Feel

• Maine Coon fur has a rougher, slightly oily texture, which helps repel water.
• Ragdoll fur is silky, smooth, and fine, giving them a plush, soft-to-the-touch feel.

Single Vs. Double Coat

• Maine Coons have a thick double coat, with an insulating undercoat and long guard hairs on top.
• Ragdolls lack an undercoat, making their fur less dense but softer.

Patterns & Colors

• Maine Coons come in a huge range of colors and patterns, including solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells, and shaded varieties.
• Ragdolls are always color-pointed, meaning their face, ears, paws, and tail are darker than their body.

Shedding & Grooming

• Maine Coons shed more heavily, especially during seasonal changes, because of their thick undercoat.
• Ragdolls shed less overall, as they lack an undercoat, but still need regular brushing to prevent knots.

Protection & Weather Adaptation

• Maine Coons are built for harsh winters, with a dense coat that keeps them warm.
• Ragdolls are better suited for indoor life, as their fur lacks weather resistance.

6. Personality

Maine Coons and Ragdolls are both affectionate, social cats, but their personalities differ in key ways. Below is a comparison of their temperaments, behaviors, and how they interact with humans and other pets.

Personality Traits

• Maine Coons are playful and adventurous, often nicknamed “gentle giants” due to their friendly yet active nature.
• Ragdolls are ultra-affectionate lap cats, known for going limp in their owner’s arms when picked up.

Intelligence & Trainability

• Maine Coons are highly intelligent and love interactive puzzle toys.
• Ragdolls are smart but more passive, often preferring to be pampered rather than challenged.

Social Nature & Interaction With Humans

• Maine Coons are affectionate but maintain some independence, often following owners from a distance rather than demanding constant attention.
• Ragdolls crave human interaction and are much more likely to be lap cats.

Interaction With Other Pets & Children

• Maine Coons are playful and interactive, making them great for families with kids and active pets.
• Ragdolls are docile and gentle, ideal for calm households and multi-pet environments.

Playfulness & Energy Levels

• Maine Coons have a strong prey drive, loving games that mimic hunting.
• Ragdolls prefer gentle play, often carrying soft toys in their mouths like kittens.

Vocalization & Communication

• Maine Coons chirp, trill, and meow frequently, using different vocalizations to communicate.
• Ragdolls have soft, gentle voices, often meowing quietly to get attention.

7. Price

The price of a Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat varies based on factors such as age, pedigree, breeder reputation, and whether the cat is a rescue, shelter cat, or a retired breeder.

• Maine Coons tend to be more expensive than Ragdolls, especially for show-quality kittens.
• Ragdolls are slightly cheaper overall, but high-quality breeding lines can still be costly.
• Rescue and shelter cats are the most affordable option, though purebred Maine Coons and Ragdolls are rare in shelters.
• Retired breeding cats are an excellent way to get a purebred Maine Coon or Ragdoll at a lower price.