Both the Ragdoll and Maine Coon are beautiful and intelligent creatures who have hearts as large as their bigger-than-average frames. These breeds have so many unique features and are gorgeous to boot. If you are trying to decide which of these two magic breeds is best, you might need help.
Ragdolls are slightly smaller than Maine Coons and have softer fur without a substantial undercoat. Ragdolls have lower activity levels and are more suited to indoor living, while Maine Coons are slightly healthier genetically. Main Coons are less likely to be cuddle buddies than the Ragdoll, who tend to melt in their human companion’s arms.
Although these cats share many characteristics, there are some fundamental differences in their behavior and the environment for which they are best suited. If you are lucky enough to be ready to welcome home a new kitty and don’t know which breed to choose, here are some key differences between the Ragdoll and the Main Coon.
Contents
1. Origins Comparison
The Maine Coon Breed
The Maine Coon’s arrival on the icy coast of Maine is shrouded in history. Some believe they are the much-loved cats Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine, before she suffered her terrible fate. Others believe these angora-type cats arrived from early Viking seafarers and bred with local cats brought to New England around 1600-1700s,
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds in North America and developed their impressive size and coats due to the bitter winters in coastal Maine. Prized for their excellent hunting prowess and beauty, the proud carers of this majestic breed began mentioning these iconic cats as early as the 1860s.
Although there is evidence of the Maine Coon in a cat show in Madison Gardens from 1895,
The American Cat Fanciers’Association (ACFA) recognized the Maine Coon in 1973, the Cat Fanciers’Association (CFA) in 1975, and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.
If you’re interested, we have a dedicated article on the origin theories and history of Maine Coon Majesty on our website. Take a journey into the captivating past of these regal felines!
The Ragdoll Breed
The Ragdoll breed is proudly American, hailing from Riverside, California, in the swinging 60s.
Anne Baker began breeding from a free-roaming white domestic longhair of her neighbor who cared for 40 or so semi-feral cats. Baker named the white beauty Josephine and began producing litters from her.
After a car hit Josephine, Baker noticed that the semi-feral underwent a complete personality shift. Baker bred this newly docile queen, and her offspring showed a remarkably docile and affectionate nature, which Baker focused on perfecting.
Josephine then produced Daddy Warbucks, a seal point with white feet, and an all-black Persian-type cat called Blackie. Blackie sired Fugianna, and Daddy Warbucks sired Buckwheat, and these two females, mated with Buckwheat to create an entirely new breed of a very unusual cat.
The Ragdolls were quintessential homebodies from their unremarkable origins, thriving on affection and human interaction. This history is quite unlike the hardy Maine Coon with their rugged Maine builds and working history. In fact, the Ragdoll’s tendency to “go limp” when relaxed or handled by humans earned them their breed name after the loose-jointed cloth doll of the same name.
In 1993, CFA accepted Ragdolls in the Miscellaneous Class, and the breed went on from strength to strength.
2. Physical Traits
| Characteristic (Breed Standard TICA) | Ragdoll | Maine Coon |
| Build | Large and long, broad, with heavy bones, full chest. Rectangular-shaped, well-muscled, slow maturing 3-4 years | Muscular and broad-chested, medium to large, with females smaller. Slow maturing 3-4 years |
| Weight (Average, Can Be Heavier) | Males: !5-20lbs Females: 10-15lbs | Males 13-18 lbs Females: 12-18lbs. Learn More > |
| Color Divisions | The Solid, Tortie, and Tabby Point Division Solid, Tortie Point, and Tabby Point. The White divisions are limited to Mitted and Bicolor | Solid, Tabbies Tortoiseshell Smoke Shaded Bicolor Particolour |
| Colors | Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream point colors. Point colors can be a variety of solid, lynx, tortie-lynx, and parti-colored. Ragdolls are all either pointed or partly overlaid with white in the Van, Mitted, and Bicolor patterns | Solid colors: Black, red, cream, white, and blue. Tabbies: ticked, classic, or mackerel or patched in brown, silver, and red (can be patched). Other tabby colors are blue, cream, and cameo, with some silver variations. All tabby variations may be mixed with white Bicolor combinations include black, blue, red, cream, and white. Particolor: tortie and tortie/white, blue/cream, calico and dilute calico. Also offers chinchilla, smoke, and shade in the above colors. Learn More > |
| Coat Type | Semi-long silky coat with only a little undercoat | Heavy and shaggy, longer fur on the stomach and britches. The fur texture is silky and falls smoothly |
| Head | Medium size wedge-shaped with a flat plane between ears | Medium width with a longer length, square muzzled. High cheekbones |
| Eyes | Deep blue, large and oval | Large oval, wideset with an open oval shape. Eye color can be green, gold, green-gold, or copper shades. White or partly white cats may have blue eyes |
| Ears | Medium-sized and well set, as much on top of the head as on the side, rounded tip | Large and well tufted with furnishings, broad base, and tapered to pointed tips |
| Muzzle/Chin | Rounded medium-length muzzle with well-developed chin | Square, medium-length muzzle when viewed in profile |
| Tail | Long, with a full plume | Long, with a broad base and tapering. Long and flowing fur |
The Maine Coon developed its characteristic build and formidable size primarily due to the harsh climate of Maine, in which the breed had its origins. The Coon follows what evolutionary scientists refer to as Bergmann’s rule, which states that cold climates dictate larger bodies in animals to retain heat.
The Maine Coon coat is shaggy and has a layer of oiliness that makes their coats water resistant, and they have a downy undercoat that functions like a natural duvet. Their iconic bushy tails also kept them protected from the snowy Maine cold. Likewise, their large tufted toes adapted well to keep their paws warm over snowy surfaces, and their characteristic thick-furred britches kept their hocks toasty.
The Ragdoll has a semi-long, silky one-layer coat of guard hairs without a substantial undercoat which makes them less hardy than the rugged coastal Maine Coon. They have medium to large bones with a long rectangular body. The body is well-proportioned with no exaggerated features.
3. Personality Contrast
Ragdolls are made for love and adore closeness, human contact, and affection. Unlike the Maine Coons, who were working cats bred for their hardiness, beauty, and hunting prowess, Anne Baker specifically bred the Ragdoll for their uber-loving and docile personalities. Thus, the two cats have pretty different personalities that show how they interact with their favorite humans.
Energy Levels
Ragdolls are known for being layabouts, dozy, low-energy purr factories that adapt exceptionally well to indoor living (suitably enriched). Maine Coon owners tend to rate them as high-energy, curious, and goofy companions who love to play. However, the consensus is that Maine Coons are curious companions who enjoy spending time with their humans without being overly dependent.
Delving into this article will unravel the mysteries of Maine Coon cat personalities and temperaments.
Vocalizations
Maine Coons are typically more vocal than Ragdoll Cats and use all kinds of “human speak,” like chirps and trills. However, though Ragdolls are less noisy than Maine Coons, they will let you know when they want love (or their favorite nibble}. Ragdolls tend to get along with other animals in the home and enjoy feline company if left alone for long stretches.
Watch this Maine Coon show off his vocal range with trills and chirps! If you’re curious to uncover the mysteries of Maine Coon cat vocalizations, you can explore more in-depth through this article on our website.
Neediness
Ragdolls are known for being Velcro kitties who seek physical closeness with their humans. Maine Coon owners generally contend that Coon are not the biggest cuddle cats showing affection but not in an excessive or clingy manner, such as the Ragdoll love bundles.
Trainability
Both Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats are highly trainable due to their laid-back nature and keen intelligence. They are most motivated to learn tricks with treats or toys, and Maine Coon owners often train them to walk on a leash which is excellent for those of us living in apartments.
Personality Type Comparison: Scientific Study
However, an extensive survey on domestic cats’ heritable traits drew some interesting conclusions. The study conducted by Milla Salonen and colleagues drew on information provided by cat carers of 5726 cats in 19 breed and breed group categories.
Here is what they found.
| Probability rating of 19 breeds | Ragdoll | Maine Coon |
| Probability of high energy Levels | Winner! 2nd lowest in of 19 breeds | Below average.12th out of 19 breeds, |
| Probability of reduced contact with humans | Surprising! 6th highest of 19 breeds | Winner! 6th lowest rating overall over 19 breeds |
| Inter cat aggression levels | 6th lowest of 19 breeds | 4th lowest of 19 breeds |
| Shyness to strange humans | Below average 12/19 | Average or 9/19 breeds |
| Aggression against family members | Average probability, 9 out of 19 breeds | Higher than average 6th highest rating |
| Probability of aggression to strangers | Higher than average, 7thy highest rating of 19 breeds | Average probability, 9/19 breeds |
| Shyness to strange or new objects | Average, 9/19 cat breeds | Higher than average, 7th place of 19 breeds |
| Tendency of excessive grooming | Slightly below average, 10/19 breeds | Below average 6th lowest probability of 19 breeds |
| Tendency to wool suck | Below average, 5th last in 19 breeds | Guilty! High probability no 4 of 19 breeds |
| The overall probability of problem behaviors | Winner! 4th last-rated cat of 19 breeds! | Below average tendency, 12 of 19 breeds |
However, although inherited personality traits strongly influence your cat (roughly 40%), it is essential to remember that each cat is an individual. Early socialization in the pivotal age of 2-7 weeks can heavily influence your cat’s personality, as do their life experiences. Your cat’s father’s personality also strongly affects their levels of friendliness or aggression.
4. Health Concerns
Ragdoll Health Issues
While Maine Coons spent their long ancestry mostly choosing their own mates, the breed is generally healthy and hardy. Thus, the Ragdoll may be prone to more genetic illness due to narrow breeding lines.
Like most purebred cats, the Ragdoll has a specific genetic predisposition to disease from their Burmese, Birman, and Persian ancestry. These conditions include the following:
1. Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is a serious condition where the heart walls and ventricles thicken over time, preventing the heart from pumping blood efficiently. Symptoms can include fainting, blood clots, and paralysis.
2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
This condition causes cysts in the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and may lead to kidney dysfunction. Scientists have narrowed down the generic link to the PKDI gene, so it is essential to ensure the breeders genetically screen their breeding pairs when purchasing your Ragdoll.
3. Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP
FIP, a fatal disease, is a type of coronavirus that most cats carry in a dormant state. However, if this virus is activated, it can damage a cat’s immunity and make them susceptible to FIP. Ragdolls are particularly prone to developing this disease.
4. Urinary Tract Disease and Bladder Stones
Ragdolls can be prone to urinary tract infections caused by a bacterial infection in their bladder or urethra. Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that develop in the bladder, causing a blockage of urination and associated health issues.
5. Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)
This condition arises from a deficiency in certain enzymes needed for growth, healthy connective tissue, and spine health. This condition is frequent in the Birman breed, part of the Ragdoll’s genetic ancestry.
Maine Coon Health Issues
Although Maine Coons tend to be healthy cats, on the whole, they do share some genetic predispositions to medical conditions. Maine Coons have a susceptibility to Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) mentioned above in the Ragdoll cat issues.
Maine Coons are also prone to the following:
1. Feline Hip Dysplasia
FHP is a painful condition where the hip ball does not align with the socket. His loose connection makes a cat prone to arthritis over time, where the body tries to compensate for the loose joint by developing new bone and bone spurs. This condition is degenerative and worsens over time, causing pain and affecting your Maine Coons mobility.
2. Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Maine Coons
SMA is the gradual degeneration due to the loss of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord and the atrophy of the hind legs. Although this condition is not necessarily fatal, Maine Coons who suffer from this condition require special care. The disease usually only manifests with unsteady gait and posture symptoms at 3-4 months of age.
5. Comprehensive Care
Both Maine Coons and Ragdoll cats have long coats and require more care than an average short-haired cat. Maine Coons are slightly trickier to manage, with their snow-resistant undercoat more likely to cause shedding and matting. They are also seasonal shedders, meaning you might need to step up your grooming routine in spring and fall when they are more likely to shed their dense fur.
On the other hand, your Ragdolls fur is softer, almost like rabbit fur, and lacks the pronounced undercoat of the slightly shaggy Maine Coon. These are less prone to matting, and even though they shed, the long, silky guard hairs are more manageable to sweep or vacuum. However, they, too, require extra grooming during the change of seasons.
The good news is that 2- 3 times a week grooming sessions should be fine for these two kitties, unlike their hairier cat cousins such as the Persians, Himalayan, and Birmans. Because the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats are larger than standard breeds, you may have to invest in larger litter boxes, cat beds, and cat carriers.
6. Choosing Between: Ragdoll vs. Maine Coon
Both the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll are wonderful cat companions who will bring joy to the humans lucky enough to bring one into their homes. Ultimately, it comes down to which breed best fits your individual needs and home life.
Due to their different personalities and energy levels, these cats tend to suit slightly different human carers. Both the Ragdoll and the Maine Coon are large breeds who mature slowly over 3-4 years, so they retain their “kittenhood” for longer than most ordinary cats. Thus, they tend to fit in well with human kittens (kids) as long as they are supervised and gentle with their feline companions.
Best Fit for a Ragdoll
However, the Ragdoll has a low-energy drive, making them the purrfect couch potato and lap warmer. Their tendency to soften and go limp when cuddled makes them the ideal kitty for those who seek closeness and affection from their cat. Their laid-back attitude to life pairs them well with other pets, such as cats and dogs, but one should introduce new pets slowly and carefully into your Ragdoll’s territory.
Ragdoll’s low energy makes them an excellent fit for an apartment cat if their carer ensures they enrich their environment and have plenty of activity and human play.
Best Fit for a Maine Coon
Maine Coons have a higher energy drive than a Ragdoll but also have what people refer to as a “dog-like” nature. This nature makes them more accepting of families with children (with supervising adults who taught their children to be gentle.) Maine Coons aren’t as huggable as Ragdolls but are affectionate and loving on their own terms.
Maine Coons are nitrous for their clowning natures and their love of being the center of attention. Their higher energy drive requires more play time and interaction with their humans to vent their pent-up prey drive and love of play.
And the Winner Is?
⭐Ragdoll: Best all-rounder indoor cat for seniors, families with children and adults, and king for cuddles
⭐Maine Coon: Best for active, large households where the humans treat their cats gently and with respect
Closing Thoughts
Both the Ragdoll and the Maine Coon are beautiful and loving cats who are intelligent, social, and trainable. The Maine Coon is slightly healthier genetically with less early inbreeding through human intervention, so you can’t go wrong choosing between these two unique breeds. My advice? Get one of each!
