Out of all the Maine Coon Mixed Breeds, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll Mix is probably one of the most popular because of the mixture of the two breeds’ best assets. It is more popularly known as the ‘Ragcoon’. It’s a name that’s also a mixture of Ragdoll and Maine Coon.
Since a Ragcoon can inherit the dominant genes and traits of its parents, the physical traits as well as the overall temperament can vary.
It is up to you to check whether your Ragcoon is more like a Maine Coon or more like a Ragdoll. This applies to both physical traits and temperament.
First, let’s look at the parent’s similarities and differences to help you with identifying whether your Ragcoon is half and half or more like the other one.
Contents
Ragdoll Cat Vs Maine Coon
1. Size
In terms of size, Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat. It is the number one in terms of size and it has been breaking official records left and right. Ragdolls are also cats that are big-boned like the Maine Coon. They are also very fluffy and tend to grow as much as the smaller varieties of Maine Coon. They are 4th place in the list of the largest domestic cats in the world, just slightly smaller than the Ragamuffin, and bigger than the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Maine Coons can grow as large as 10-16 inches. Ragdolls on the other hand can reach heights from 9-11 inches. Therefore, the smallest Maine Coons can be similar in size to the bigger varieties of Ragdolls.
Their weight has a huge disparity as both are big-boned but Maine Coons tend to have heavier bones than most cats. The average weight of a male Ragdoll is 10-12 pounds while male Maine Coons weigh around 20-25 pounds.
2. Eyes
Maine Coon eyes are usually yellow or greenish. Their eyes are a bit slanted and will only appear round when the Maine Coon deliberately opens its eyes to its maximum size.
Ragdolls are well-known for their beautiful blue and round eyes. This trait is normally passed down to its offspring. So, even though their breed mixes with that of a Maine Coon, the blue eyes are inherited by their kittens.
3. Ears
Maine Coons have long ears, thick and prominent ear tufts, and Lynx-like tips that vary in color depending on the cat’s fur. The Ragdoll has smaller ears with pointed tips. They also have prominent ear tufts. They have some kind of ear tips but it is not as prominent compared to that of a purebred Maine Coon.
4. Cheeks
Maine Coons have high cheekbones. The Ragdolls, on the other hand, have adorable, chubby cheekbones. The chubby cheekbones make the Ragdolls look tame and cute.
5. Fur
Maine Coons have fur similar to that of a wild cat which is thick and uneven. It may look like it hasn’t been brushed but the Maine Coon’s fur is surprisingly smooth to the touch. Ragdolls, on the other hand, have smooth fur that looks well-kept. This is because they are normally kept as house cats. Maine Coons are normally allowed to roam around in the yard, or outside the house but can also be kept as a house cat.
Maine Coons are usually tabbies. Tabby cats have agouti genes that result in stripes and other markings on the fur. This can be found in most Maine Coons. It can be visible on their foreheads. They would have this M-marking that is normally seen in other breeds of cats that are Tabbies. They also have stripes running down their legs.
6. Polydactyl
Maine Coons are one of the top breeds that normally exhibit polydactyly. Polydactyl Cats have extra toes, having about 6 or 7 per toe. It is not common for Ragdolls and Ragcoons to exhibit this trait.
For more details, embark on the journey through our article exploring Maine Coons vs. Ragdoll cats.
Similarities: Maine Coon vs. Ragcoon
The two breeds, Maine Coon and Ragdoll, have a lot of similarities when it comes to physical traits that’s why the resulting Ragcoon is strikingly similar to that of a purebred Maine Coon, with just a few minor differences.
- Lynx Tips on ears – The Maine Coon’s most prominent feature is its large ears with lynx-like tips. Ragcoons usually inherit this physical trait from the Maine Coon.
- Prominent ear tufts – Both the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll Cat have very prominent ear tufts. This is a very cute feature for cats to have and many like this feature because cats look more fluffy and cuddly when they have this feature. Fortunately, this feature is passed on to the Ragcoon.
- Soft, heavy fur – The Maine Coon and the Ragdoll both have very thick and heavy fur compared to other car breeds. The Ragcoon inherited this feature so their fur can withstand the cold weather and harsh elements. This makes it perfect for winter
- Thick fur around the neck area – The fur on the neck area for both the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll is about the same thickness. Naturally, the Ragcoon will also exhibit this trait.
- Long, bushy tail – Ragcoons have long and bushy tails similar to the Maine Coon and Ragdoll.
- Large size – Both breeds are part of the Top 12 Biggest Domestic Cat Breeds in the world. Ragdoll is in 4th place, while Maine Coon currently holds the Top place. The size of a Ragcoon is usually a little larger than the Ragdoll, but not quite as big as the full size of a purebred Maine Coon.
Differences: Maine Coon vs. Ragcoon
The usual differences between a Maine Coon and a Ragcoon are the physical traits that they have inherited from the Ragdoll parent.
- Smaller ears – The Maine Coon’s ears are larger than the Ragcoon’s. The Ragcoon’s ears are more similar to that of a Ragdoll, which is pointier at the tip.
- Blue eyes – Who doesn’t love blue eyes? Maine Coons do have purebreds that have blue eyes. It isn’t common for Maine Coons to have blue eyes but this variety needs to be checked since this may lead to blindness and other eye disorders. Maine Coons normally have eyes that are yellowish/greenish in hue. The Ragdoll, on the other hand, boasts of having beautiful blue eyes as their identifying mark. Ragcoons having blue eyes is quite normal. So for cat lovers who want their Maine Coon to have blue eyes, they could go for a Maine Coon-Ragdoll Mix or Ragcoon.
- Rounder eyes – Aside from the Blue hue of their eyes, Ragcoons also inherit their rounder eyes from the Ragdoll. Maine Coons are known to have slanted or oblique eyes. This is not commonly passed on to their Ragcoon offspring.
- Cheeks – Maine Coons have high cheekbones. Ragdolls, on the other hand, have chubby cheeks. Ragdolls mostly exhibit a combination of the two, having high cheekbones yet their cheeks are somewhat more chubby than that of a Maine Coon.
- Soft fur – Though the Maine Coon’s fur looks like that of a wild cat, it is surprisingly soft to the touch. However, the Maine Coon’s fur looks a bit unruly and wild compared to that of a Ragdoll. Usually, Ragcoons inherit their fur from a Ragdoll, which is smoother looking compared to that of a Maine Coon.
- No visible stripes on the legs – No visible stripes on the legs – The Ragcoon might not show the stripes on its legs if the Ragdoll isn’t a Tabby.
- Not polydactyl – If the Maine Coon is not polydactyl and bred with a Ragdoll, the Ragcoon will not be polydactyl. Though polydactyly is common with Maine Coon, many have been breeding this trait out of Maine Coons due to health concerns. Polydactyly may still occur depending on the dominant genes passed on by the Maine Coon.
- Size – The size of the Ragcoon is bigger than that of the Ragdoll. They are a bit smaller than the maximum size of a Maine Coon though.
In summary, here is an illustration to show what traits the Ragcoon inherits from the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll.
Maine Coon Traits Inherited by Ragcoon:
- Lynx tips on ears
- Prominent ear tufts
- High cheekbones
- Thick and soft fur especially on the neck area
- Long, bushy tail but not as bushy as that of a purebred Maine Coon.
- Small chance of being polydactyl
Ragdoll Traits Inherited by Ragcoon:
- Prominent ear tufts
- Blue eyes
- Semi-chubby cheeks
- Thick and soft fur especially on the neck area
- Tamed-looking fur
- No stripes, lines, or patterns on the legs if the Ragdoll is not Tabby.
Ragcoon Temperament
Since Ragcoon is a mix of two highly desirable cat breeds with the best temperament. Ragcoons are calm and docile types that are great with kids and other pets.
Though they love to explore, they are not as hyperactive as other cats and they love to cuddle on laps. They can be leashed like dogs. They also love to be walked like dogs.
They are known to behave like dogs when it comes to being friendly and engaging with all members of the family. They are also said to be trainable and can be taught to do some tricks and to play fetch. They are quick learners and tend to pick up visual and audio cues quite quickly.
One thing they didn’t get from Ragdolls is how they behave when picked up. Ragdolls got its name because when it is picked up, it acts like a rag doll, somewhat limp and easy to carry around. Ragcoons do not do that and this may be because they are more like the more active Maine Coon in this aspect.
Ragcoon Health Issues
Since Ragcoon is a mix of Maine Coon and Ragdoll, it shares the health issues of both breeds. Some of the most common Ragcoon health issues are as follows.
1. Maine Coon Related
- Hip Dysplasia – Hip joints develop and grow in the wrong position.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – The spinal cord breaks up and causes muscle loss leading to dysfunctional rear legs.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – Heart muscles thicken and this causes irregular blood flow leading to further complications in other organs.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – Kidney cysts that cause kidney and liver complications.
2. Ragdoll Related
- Urinary tract problems – Affects the Ragdoll’s bladder, and may cause serious medical issues if left untreated.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) – Initially causes diarrhea and upper respiratory issues, if left untreated is deadly to Ragdolls.
- Vision & Joint Issues (Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis) – Joint pains and cataracts.
Nurturing and Upkeep Tips for Your Ragcoon
Regular grooming is necessary to prevent their fur from accumulating too much dirt and getting matted. Groom and brush your Ragcoon’s fur at least twice a week. It is recommended by vets to bathe your Ragcoon but make sure that water does not get inside the ears of your cat. Use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water when cleaning their ears.
At any sign of a troubling health issue, it is advised that you don’t use home remedies and take your Ragcoon to the veterinary immediately.
In conclusion, Ragcoons are pretty much like Maine Coon with a few similarities with the Ragdoll in terms of physical traits and temperament. The best trait it inherits from Ragdolls is its beautiful blue eyes which are uncommon with purebred Maine Coons. Ragcoons have combined the best features of the Ragdoll and Maine Coon, making it super big, but at the same time, cute and cuddly.
However, the mixture of the two breeds exposes the Ragcoon to more medical issues that are common with the two breeds. Though the lifespan of Ragcoon is almost the same as Maine Coons, reaching 15-18 years, Maine Coons still outlive them since some have reported having Maine Coons that are more than 20 years of age.
If you want a breed that is as large as the Maine Coon with cool lynx-like ear tips, but with the cute chubby cheeks of a Ragdoll, then the Ragcoon is your best choice for a feline companion.
