Maine Coon vs Ragdoll
When comparing the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat breeds there are many different factors to consider.
The Maine Coon and Ragdoll are large cats, with family-friendly personalities. Maine Coons are usually taller and larger than Ragdoll cats. Both cat breeds are highly intelligent with laidback, docile temperaments. Most Ragdoll cats are lap cats, though only some Maine Coons are. Maine Coons are great hunters, unlike Ragdolls.
Whilst both cat breeds are long-haired, large cats, there are also some important differences relating to the cat’s size, weight, personality, and temperament.
Potential owners should consider this before making a purchase.
This informative article covers the key similarities and differences between the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll.
Therefore, before making your decision as to which cat breed you would prefer, make sure you have considered the subtle differences.
Find out which cat breed is most suited to your family by checking out our Maine Coon vs Ragdoll comparison table below.
Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Cat Breed Similarities And Differences
If you are trying to decide between buying a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat, then you might have already noticed that these two cat breeds are remarkably similar.
There are obvious differences for sure, but potential owners will have to dig a little deeper in their research to identify these.
To save you time and hassle though, take a look at the table below to see a snapshot comparing the key similarities and differences between these two native American cat breeds:
| Factor | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest domesticated cat breed | Large cat breed |
| Weight | 8 – 25 lbs | 8 – 20 lbs |
| Height | 8 – 16 Inches | 9 – 11 Inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 Inches | 17 – 21 Inches |
| Fur | Long shaggy fur | Medium to long fur |
| Temperament | Laidback, docile and gentle | Laidback, docile and gentle |
| Aggressive | Not aggressive | Not aggressive |
| Curious | Very curious | Not instinctively curious |
| Intelligence | Highly Intelligent | Highly Intelligent |
| Family Friendly | Good with families | Good with families |
| Indoor / Outdoor | Can live indoors or outdoors | Suited to indoor living |
| Hunting Skills | Superb hunting capabilities | Not considered a good hunter |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years | 12 – 15 years |
| Price | $400 – $1500 (average price $1000). Show kittens up to $2500. | $400 – $1000 |
For more information on the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat breeds, keep reading to see our more in-depth assessment of these two remarkable cat breeds.
1. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Origins
In order to understand the differences between the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat breeds, it is important to first understand where both cat breeds came from.
Where Did The Maine Coon Originate?
Despite being such a popular and well-loved cat breed, the Maine Coon cat’s history and lineage remain steeped in mystery and intrigue.
To this day it is unknown how this fabulous longhaired cat came to appear in the State of Maine.
Their mysterious roots haven’t held the Maine Coons popularity back though, in fact, the State of Maine even classified these loveable gentle giants as the ‘State Cat Of Maine’!
Furthermore, in 2015 the United States also voted the Maine Coon cat within the top three desirable cat breeds to own.
Whilst the origins of the Maine Coon might be a little unclear, this hasn’t stopped folklore myths doing the rounds. The most popular myths claim:
- Maine Coons descend from Viking ship cats.
- Maine Coon cats are part-raccoon!
- Maine Coons have a royal heritage, linked to Marie Antoinette.
Let’s delve into these myths in a little more detail, to determine their authenticity. Readers can decide to what extent they believe each folklore tale, or not:
a. Do Maine Coon Cats Descend From Viking Ship Cats?
One of the main folklore myths, tells of how the Vikings traveled the seas, with their large, long-haired ship cat companions.
These cats were thought to be Norwegian Forest Cats, which are known for being excellent hunters, and ‘mousers’.
Whatever breed the cats were, however, their purpose aboard the ships was to keep the ship mouse population at bay.
Rumour has it that whilst one of these ships docked in Maine, a long-haired ship cat was able to roam freely onto dry land, whereupon it then mated with a resident short-haired domestic cat.
The Maine Coon cat breed is thought to be the result of this mating.
This folklore is considered a true possibility for the Maine Coon cat breed’s origins since there are a large number of physical and characteristic similarities between the Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat.
If you would like to learn more details about these two breeds, click here to see my article: ‘Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat: Key Differences‘.
b. Are Maine Coons Related To Raccoons?
Are Maine Coon cats actually part-raccoon? Could there be more to the unusual similarities between these two species? …. let’s find out!
STOP! ….. Before you get carried away with this somewhat amusing folklore myth, I can confirm that scientists have researched this more bizarre tale, and confirmed it is untrue.
In fact, they vouch that it is biologically impossible for the Maine Coon cat breed to be the offspring of a Raccoon mating with a long-haired semi-wild cat.
The reason this old folktale myth is still considered a possibility is because there are a remarkable number of similarities between the Maine Coon and Raccoon.
These include:
- Large bushy tail
- Black ring marking at the end of their tails
- Both are physical large
- Semi-prehensile paws
- Great climbers
- Both species love water
- Maine Coon tabby is the same coloring as Raccoon
- Visually similar
The potential link between these two species is so strong, that the Maine Coon’s name is linked to the Raccoons. The word ‘Coon’ comes from ‘Raccoon’.
For more information on this subject, take a look at my article: ‘Is A Maine Coon Part Raccoon?‘.
c. Do Maine Coons Have A Royal Heritage?
The final folklore tale has a royal twist to it since many people claim that the Maine Coon cat breed descends from Marie Antoinette’s pet Turkish Angora cats.
Whilst it would be nice to think that the regal-looking Maine Coon actually has a royal heritage, does this folktale actually have any weight behind it? Let’s investigate…
During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette (the former Queen of France) desperately attempted to flee France.
Captain Samuel Clough was thought to be sympathetic to Marie’s cause and therefore agreed to smuggle her across the seas, on his ship headed for the United States.
Marie Antoinette is thought to have been extremely passionate about her six Turkish Angora pet cats.
Therefore, when it came to leaving, she could not be parted from her beloved long-haired cats.
She agreed with Captain Clough that her cats come aboard the ship too, and they set sail.
Sadly Marie Antoinette never made it to the United States, since she was captured and executed on 16th October 1793.
Her prized cats, however, were more fortunate and allowed to remain on the ship until it docked in Wiscasset, Maine.
At this point, Captain Samuel Clough released the cats, who are then thought to have mated with local shorthaired cats already resident in Maine. The offspring of these matings are thought to be the Maine Coon cat breed.
For more fascinating information on the origins of the Maine Coon cat, take a look at my article: ‘Where Do Maine Coon Cats Originate From?‘.
Where Did The Ragdoll Originate?
By comparison, the history of the Ragdoll cat breed is far more well known, having been developed entirely from free-roaming cats in the 1960s by a breeder named Ann Baker, from Riverside California.
This cat breed is considered relatively young since it was also not registered with the CFA until 1993.
According to the CFA, the background to the Ragdoll cat breed is that a breeder named Ann Baker gave a number of free-roaming cats in her neighborhood a home.
It is thought that she loved the temperament of some of her cats so much, that she decided to breed them together.
Ann is believed to have bred a domestic long-haired white female cat, named Josephine, with other well-natured male cats that she had given a home to.
This female cat’s offspring thus produced the Ragdoll cat breed, which is known and loved today for its very endearing and unique temperament traits.
2. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Size
If you are looking for a large cat, these two breeds are an ideal choice.
Not only will these friendly gentle giants weigh anywhere up to 20 – 25 lbs in weight, but the males are also likely to reach between 11 – 16 inches in height!
Both cat breeds have large features to match their large proportions, though a Maine Coon’s ears are definitely more pronounced and larger than the Ragdoll.
Take a look at their large paws, as these are a good indication as to how big your Maine Coon or Ragdoll kitten will grow.
As a rule, Purebreds are expected to be in proportion, which means that no features should look more pronounced. This gives you a good idea as to how large your kitten is likely to grow.
3. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Height
Whilst the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds are both considered to be large cats, it is more likely that your female or male Maine Coon will grow taller than your Ragdoll.
There is a degree of overlap in terms of average Maine Coon vs Ragdoll height.
However, the average Maine Coon is likely to grow between 8 – 16 inches in height, compared to 9 – 11 inches for the Ragdoll.
The male of the Maine Coon species tends to grow larger than their female counterpart, whereas there is not thought to be a height difference between the Ragdoll genders.
Take a look at the table below to gain a better understanding of the height differences, between the males and females of each species:
| Breed | Male (Inches) | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 10 – 16 (25-40 cm) | 8 – 14 (20 -35 cm) |
| Ragdoll | 9 – 11 (22.8- 27.9 cm) | 9 – 11 (22.8 -27.9 cm) |
* Ragdoll heights are detailed in the table (source 1).
4. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Weight
There is far less difference between a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll weight.
In fact, you can expect both cat breeds to grow into heavy adult felines.
The average Maine Coon ranges between 8 – 25 lbs in weight, whilst the Ragdoll is only a fraction lighter weighing between 8 – 20 lbs.
These cat breeds are similar in that the female of both breeds usually weighs less than their male counterparts.
An average male Maine Coon will weigh between 15 – 25 lbs (6.8 – 11.3 kg), compared to an average female Maine Coon that weighs 8 – 12 lbs (3.6 – 5.4 kg).
There seems to be a degree of variation in the weight statistics of the Ragdoll across the internet.
However, I can confirm that the average male Ragdoll will weigh between 15 – 20 lbs (6.8 – 9.07 kg), compared to the average female Ragdoll at 8 – 15 lbs (3.6 – 6.8 kg).
Take a look at the table below to get a clearer understanding of the Maine Coon Vs Ragdoll weight differences:
| 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) |
As you can see in the table above, there is only an average 5 lb potential weight difference between the males of these two cat breeds.
The females are also very similar in weight, with only a potential 3 lb weight difference.
For more information on the size of the Maine Coon cat, check out my article: ‘Maine Coon Cat Size Dwarfs Standard Moggies!‘.
5. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Length
After intensive research, I have concluded that there are many varying answers when it comes to determining the length of a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat.
So, whether the Maine Coon and Ragdoll are similar in lengths, is up for debate!
The statistics we have sourced, show that the Maine Coon ranges from 19 – 40 inches (48 – 101 cm) in length.
By comparison, this website states that the Ragdoll will range anywhere between 17 – 21 inches (43 – 53 cm) in length.
Other websites by contrast, however, claim the Ragdoll cat ranges from 35 – 40 inches (88.9 – 101.6 cm) in length (source 1).
Attaining figures relating to the differing male and female lengths of these cat breeds is challenging.
We have gone with the most reliable source, therefore have What we do know, however, is detailed in the table below:
| Breed | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 19 – 40 Inches (48 – 101 cm) | 19 – 40 Inches (48 – 101 cm) |
| Ragdoll | 17 – 21 Inches (43 – 53 cm) | 17 – 21 Inches (43 – 53 cm) |
As you can see, there is a small cross-over in the length of these two cat breeds. In general though, the Maine Coon has the potential to grow far larger than the Ragdoll cat.
If the alternative length statistics for the Ragdoll cat (available on the internet) are true though, then the answer to this section is almost the total opposite.
This is because the longer lengths would mean that the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds are actually very similar in terms of length.
6. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Shape
When comparing the Maine Coon and Ragdoll, it is important to consider the similarities and differences, in regards to their shape.
Firstly, both the Maine Coon and Ragdoll are large cats, with solid-looking muscular bodies and broad chests.
Their rectangular-shaped bodies are long, and their body parts should be in proportion so that no one area of their body looks more dominant than another.
Secondly, both breeds have wedge-shaped heads, with large ears that taper off to a point.
The Ragdoll has slightly smaller ears than the Maine Coon cat, which many consider to be more in proportion to their bodies, than the Maine Coons big distinctive ears.
A Ragdoll can be identified by its more rounded face shape.
There is also a visible difference in terms of these breeds’ muzzle too since the Maine Coon has a square-shaped muzzle that should never appear tapered or pointed.
By comparison, the Ragdoll face shape is gently rounded.
Thirdly, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll have substantial, medium-length, sturdy legs.
Their rounded paws should be in proportion to their bodies.
Whilst both have tufts growing from their paws to keep their paws warm during the cold weather, a Maine Coons paws will be ‘well tufted’, compared to a Ragdoll’s ‘feather tufted’ paws.
Finally, both the Maine Coon and Ragdoll have long hair that will not fully grow until they reach 2 years of age.
They also have slow growth rates, since a Maine Coon is anticipated to reach full size between 3 – 5 years of age, whilst a Ragdoll achieves maturity at roughly 4 years old.
7. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Colors
Did you know that you can purchase a Maine Coon cat in almost any color you like? Yes, even BLUE!!
According to the Cat Fanciers Association, there are a whopping 75 different colorings available, so there is literally the perfect Maine Coon coloring out there for everyone.
When buying it is important to be aware that some colors are not accepted under the pedigree banner, these include:
- Chocolate
- Lavender
- Himalayan pattern
- Any of the combinations above, with white
For more details on the Maine Coon colors available, check out my article What colors do Maine Coon cats come in?
In the meantime, why not feel mesmerized by this amazing-looking blue Maine Coon. You haven’t imagined seeing it at all, trust me, they really do exist!
Click here for more information on this beautiful, yet surreal-colored Maine Coon cat:
By comparison, individuals interested in owning a Ragdoll might be disappointed to learn that this particular cat breed is only available in six different colors. Color choices include:
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Blue
- Seal (dark brown)
- Cream
- Red
Here is an image of a stunning cream Ragdoll cat:
8. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Patterns
Maine Coon cats come in a wide variety of patterns, including:
- Solid
- Tabbies
- Tabbies With White
- Tortoiseshell
- Smoke
- Shaded
- Bi-Color
- Parti-Color
The tabby Maine Coon is the most commonly available coloring, identified by the following additional pattern classifications:
- Classic Tabby Pattern: Characterised by dense, broad, and clearly defined markings. Blotches on sides. ‘M’ marking on the forehead. The butterfly wing pattern covers cat’s shoulders. Unbroken necklace markings on neck and upper chest.
- Mackerel Tabby Pattern: Clearly defined and dense parallel stripes running down their sides. ‘M’ marking on the forehead. Narrow pencil lines run from head to shoulders. Unbroken necklace markings on neck and chest.
- Ticked Tabby Pattern: These cats have pronounced ticking across their bodies, clear tabby markings over their face and legs, and lighter undersides.
By comparison, the Ragdoll has four patterns, including:
- Mitted: White Chin. White Belly Stripe. 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: No white markings on their coat. The only classic pointed markings.
- Bi-Color: All four paws, chest, and underbodies are white. White upside-down ‘V’ marking on the face. Sometimes 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 on cats’ tails, ears, and top of their mask.
According to the CFA, Ragdolls come with colored points, which can be torbie (lynx and tortie), tortie, lynx, or solid.
These points basically mean that the color of their body will be a lighter shade than the points on their legs, face, tail, and ears.
One fascinating fact about the Ragdoll is that all Ragdoll kittens are born with white fur!
Their pattern and colorings will then develop as they age.
This occurs due to a genetic mutation within the Ragdoll, that “affects an enzyme in the metabolic pathway between tyrosine and their final pigment”.
It is thought that this enzyme is sensitive to temperature, and ultimately determines the Ragdolls cat coloration (source 1).
9. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Fur Coat
Maine Coons are well known for their luscious long coats of fur, often heavy and shaggy in appearance.
Cats of this breed have three fur layers, including two shorter, dense undercoats, and a third longer outer coat.
Their fur length is uneven across their bodies, for instance, a Maine Coons fur should be shorter on the cat’s shoulders, yet longer on their britches and stomach,
Their coats are thick, especially during the Winter period when the breed’s fur becomes thicker in order to handle the colder weather conditions.
As Spring’s warmer weather approaches though, you will notice considerable levels of their fur shedding, as their body prepares this hardy cat breed for the hotter months.
The Maine Coon is easily distinguished by the long fur around their necks, otherwise referred to as their mane of hair.
Their mane makes them look like ‘little lions’ and may help to explain why some owners give their Maine Coon a lion cut, during the hot summer months.
Click on the link if you are interested in reading more about the Maine Coon Lion Cut.
Did you know that the Maine Coons fur is also semi-water repellent?!
When comparing the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll fur coat, we can see these breeds’ fur coats look very similar, which makes it yet harder to distinguish between the two breeds at a glance.
The first thing you will notice about a Ragdoll, however, is its medium-long fur coat.
This coat is made up of two fur layers: a minimal woolly undercoat, with abundant guard hairs on top. Cat shows tend to consider a ruff to be desirable.
The Ragdoll’s hair should be non-matting and flow across the cat’s body, getting longer around the tail.
The Cat Fanciers Association states that it penalizes Ragdolls that have thick undercoats that stand off from their bodies.
10. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Eye Color
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a Maine Coon cat from a Ragdoll is by its eyes.
This is because a purebred adult Maine Coon will have large eyes that are either green, copper, or gold in color.
The Ragdoll by comparison has very striking round eyes, that are vivid blue in color.
Just to be difficult though, this simple identification method does not apply to all Maine Coon cats.
Individuals should therefore be aware that white Maine Coons have blue, or odd eyes (two different colored eyes).
One fascinating fact about these two cat breeds’ eyes, is that all their kittens are born with blue eyes.
Whilst the Ragdoll’s eyes remain blue in color though, the Maine Coon kitten’s eyes will gradually change as the pigmentation in their eyes settles in their iris.
For more interesting information about Maine Coon eyes, check out my article Maine Coon eye dacts.
11. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Personality
When we talk of a cat’s personality, we are referring to the cat breed’s inbuilt traits that a cat is born with.
When it comes to the personality of a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat, you really cannot go far wrong, whichever cat breed you select.
This is because both are well known for their sociable, gentle, and laid-back natures. They are also both highly intelligent and work well in families with young children.
The table below helps to summarise the key personality traits of these two breeds.
You will see a few small differences that potential owners may consider important when selecting which breed would be preferable:
| Personality Trait | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | Very friendly | Very friendly |
| Gentle / Docile | Gentle and docile | Gentle and docile |
| Sociable | Highly sociable | Highly sociable |
| Affectionate | Extremely affectionate | Extremely affectionate |
| Dog-Like Behavior | Very dog-like | Displays some dog-like behavior i.e. greets you at the door |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent. Easily trained whilst still a kitten | Very intelligent |
| Voice | Very vocal and talkative. Trills, chirps, and chattering sounds | Not that vocal. Very quiet cat breed |
| Lapcat | Not technically a lapcat. Some Maine Coons like to be picked up and cuddled, though not all | Considered a lapcat. 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 |
To give you a better understanding of the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat personality, I will now discuss the personality traits in greater detail:
a. Friendly
The Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds are well known for being extremely friendly, and with outgoing personalities.
Maine Coons tend to be more confident though, so will approach strangers and be friendly with them.
By comparison, Ragdoll cats are slightly shyer and take more time to warm up to strangers.
These cat breeds are happiest when they get to spend the majority of their time around their human families.
The breeds differ slightly, however, since whilst a Maine Coon is content to lay next to you, having cuddles and affection in short bursts, Ragdolls are considered a little bit more intense.
This is because the friendly Ragdolls are primarily lapcats and are thus happiest when sitting on their owner’s laps, or very close by.
The males of both breeds tend to be more confident and sociable than the females.
b. Gentle / Docile
These large cats are commonly referred to as ‘gentle giants’ since both breeds are very gentle, and docile.
Their laidback, gentle, and non-aggressive temperament makes them ideally suited to living in families with young children.
If you are looking for a cat breed that is laidback, and very tolerant of loud noise and young children rushing around, these breeds will make the ideal family pet for you.
c. Sociable
These two highly sociable cat breeds are considered very dog-like in nature since they love to spend all their time with their owners.
In fact, it will often feel like you own a dog, rather than a cat since these breeds are very sociable, and therefore content to follow their owners from room to room.
You can even expect these curious cats to follow you to the toilet!
d. Affectionate
These two cat breeds are very affectionate.
The Ragdoll might come across as a little needier than the Maine Coon though since they love to be held and sit on their owner’s laps.
e. Dog-Like
Known as the ‘cats of the dog world’, owners of these two large cat breeds will vouch that both the Maine Coon, and Ragdoll, are both very dog-like in their nature.
You can therefore expect these cats too:
- Greet you at the door when you return home
- Follow you from room to room
- Fetch a ball!
- Enjoy playing with an owner
- Be loyal
The Ragdoll is not very vocal though, unlike the Maine Coon who will happily talk to you all day.
f. Intelligence
These two cat breeds have a reputation for being very intelligent cats, and trainable. It is best to train them whilst still young though since they are less trainable as they age.
g. Voice
One of the key differences between the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat breeds is their voices.
Maine Coons are very talkative cats, and will happily chatter to their owners all day long, via chirps and trill sounds (never meows).
They love to communicate with their owners, and sometimes will engage in a two-way conversation with you!
By comparison, Ragdolls rarely talk, and the breed is considered very quiet.
Here’s a short YouTube video of my Maine Coon talking:
h. Lapcat
Maine Coons are not lapcats, usually preferring to sit or lay next to their owner, rather than on top of them.
It would be wrong to assume that this breed does not like to be cuddled though, since many Maine Coons are happy to be picked up, and cuddled for brief periods of time.
Ragdolls are known as lapcats, since love nothing more than laying on their owner’s laps.
They are also happy to be picked up and enjoy being cuddled.
If they cannot sit on you, expect them to be extremely close by.
i. Aggressive
The Maine Coon and Ragdoll are two of the least aggressive cats that you could purchase.
They rarely extend their claws to claw you and are thought to have extremely laid-back and tolerant temperaments.
j. Energetic
Maine Coons are very energetic whilst they are kittens. Owners should therefore make sure that they have plenty of cat toys like these ones ready, to keep these clever kittens entertained.
That’s not to say that a Maine Coon kitten will be racing around your home all the time though since this particular breed also likes to sleep a lot too!
Like the Maine Coon ages, their energy levels calm, and some people might even claim that the breed appears to be a little lazy.
Whilst their energetic streak may have lessened, they will still like a ‘mad half hour’ as we call it in our house, where they dash around the home like a maniac!
In general, a Maine Coon only needs 20-30 minutes of exercise each day to keep them fit and healthy.
Owners with indoor Maine Coons will need to encourage their Maine Coon to exercise, via cat toys, cat towers, and playing with them.
By comparison, owners with outdoor Maine Coons need to worry less, since their cat will naturally exercise whilst outside i.e. chasing after a falling leaf!
The Ragdoll is moderately energetic, however, you are less likely to find them sat up high since they are not interested in jumping.
Maine Coons can jump, but also choose not if there is an easier way for them to get to the top!
12. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Characteristics
When we talk about the characteristics of a cat breed, we are referring to the traits that a cat has learned whilst growing up. These factors are more subject to change, in varying circumstances.
For example, a cat mistreated by young children will likely be less laidback and gentle if a child is nearby.
The table below highlights the key character traits of a Maine Coon vs 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 | Adores human company. Will want to be by or on you at all times. If you lap unavailable, they will sit on your desk watching 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 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 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 |
| Love Water | Fascinated by water | Fascinated by water |
| Playful | Remain kitten-like in terms of playful, until late into adult lives | Very playful cat breed |
We will now look at these different character traits, in more detail.
a. Companionship
These two cat breeds love companionship and struggle mentally if left alone for too long.
They are at their happiest when included in family life, even if this simply means laying next to you all day long.
Owners spending large amounts of time away from home are advised to purchase a second Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat, to ensure their cat has a constant companion.
Separation anxiety, loneliness, and boredom are inevitable issues that will develop if these loving cat breeds are left on their own for too long.
b. Other Pets
Pet lovers will be glad to hear that Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats are characteristically very good with other household pets.
They will integrate well with other pets, provided owners give them space (i.e. cat bed, cat tower), litter tray, and food bowls of their own.
These breeds happily share their homes with other cats and dogs, since they enjoy the companionship another animal offers them.
Issues will occur, however, if the other pet is not gentle and accepting of them.
c. Suitable For Families
These cat breeds rarely extend their claws, do not have naturally aggressive natures, and are extremely laid back and gentle.
Often considered ideal family pets, especially where young children are concerned.
Take a look at this short YouTube video of our 5-year-old daughter interacting with our 7-year-old Maine Coon cat. Watch how incredibly gentle and tolerant he is:
And here is a short YouTube video of a young child cuddling a Ragdoll kitten.
This beautiful kitten literally looks like a Ragdoll toy, because it just lays on the kid’s lap doing nothing! Credit for the video goes to the Youtube channel: ‘Flowerbabyragdolls’
d. Strangers
Maine Coons are extremely confident and friendly cats, so are comfortable in the presence of strangers.
The male of the species is more curious and friendly though, so will approach a newcomer into their home whereas the female will act more ‘cat-like’, and reserved.
Ultimately though, female Maine Coons do ‘warm up’ towards strangers.
Ragdolls are naturally shyer, so will take time to warm up to strangers. They are friendly towards strangers though, but you might notice that they initially run and hide.
e. Follows You
These two cat breeds will both happily follow their owners from room to room. This is because they are extremely sociable, loyal, and enjoy human companionship.
f. Water
Whilst cats are not usually known for being fans of water, this is definitely not the case when it comes to the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat breeds.
Instead, you will quickly notice that these two breeds share a bizarre fascination with water, and will happily play in puddles, or pat bowls of water repeatedly.
If there is a running tap or shower nearby, expect your Maine Coon or Ragdoll to already be there, playing with the water!
g. Playful
Maine Coons are born playful, and often remain kitten-like in their behavior late into their adult lives. They thoroughly enjoy playing with their owners i.e. chasing a piece of string.
Ragdolls are very independent and do not demand a lot from their owners.
They are happy to play on their own, and their play is considered more gentle than a Maine Coons because they rarely extend their claws.
13. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Price
If you have set your heart on owning a Maine Coon or Ragdoll cat, because you love their looks and nature, you will likely have been shocked to see their price tag!
As two of the most expensive cat breeds that you can own, these highly desirable cats definitely don’t come cheap.
The Maine Coon is the most expensive of the two cats since the average price for a purebred is a whopping $1000.
In general, though, the price of your new Maine Coon kitten will vary from $400 – $1500, depending upon the quality of the cat, its vaccination history, etc.
For more information on the Maine Coon price, check out this article that I wrote.
For those of you looking for a show-quality Maine Coon kitten, you best take a seat before reading this.
This is because show Maine Coons cost anywhere up to $2500 each! WOW!
Although not a ‘cheap’ option, individuals can purchase a Ragdoll for between $400 – $1000 per kitten.
If you love the two breeds, but cannot afford the cost then consider the following potentially cheaper options:
- Adopt from a shelter/cat rescue center
- Purchase an older Maine Coon or Ragdoll
- Consider buying a mixed Maine Coon or Ragdoll mix.
14. Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Kittens
Here is a picture of a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll kitten. As you can see, both are completely adorable and very physically similar to each other.
You can quickly distinguish between these two breeds, whilst kittens, by paying attention to their eye colors, and distinctive markings on their fur.
Conclusion
When comparing the Maine Coon vs Ragdoll cat, it is immediately evident that these two cat breeds share many similarities.
In particular, both breeds are highly sociable, love human company, and are considered to have dog-like behaviors.
These breeds are not entirely the same though, and the first key difference is their visible appearance.
As you will have seen, the Maine Coon tends to be bigger than the Ragdoll, though ultimately there is not a huge difference in terms of their average adult weight.
The Ragdoll is also considered to be more of a lap cat, though don’t take this to mean that your Maine Coon will not enjoy a good old cuddle too! Ours definitely does!
Ultimately, it is up to each individual reader’s personal preference, whether they prefer the look and personality of the Maine Coon cat or the Ragdoll.
From my perspective though, both are stunning felines that can offer their families endless amounts of love, amusement, and companionship.
Related Question
Do Maine Coons and Ragdoll need grooming?
These two breeds have long, thick fur. Owners will therefore need to regularly groom these cats to prevent knots and tangles from becoming matted within the thick long fur.
Brushing your cat’s hair on a regular basis will also limit the number of hairballs your cat gets.
From experience, I have found these to be the best grooming tools, for cats with long thick fur.
