Ragdoll vs Maine Coon: Who’s Wins as Your Best Cat?
If you’re looking to bring a snuggly and cuddly feline friend into your world, chances are you’re looking at two of the most beloved breeds on Earth. Ragdoll or Maine Coon—both are huge, stunning, and affectionate cats, but they each have their own set of personalities, needs, and traits.
In this ultimate ragdoll vs maine coon guide, we will break it all down for you: size and personality to grooming, health, cost, and lifestyle suitability. If it’s your first cat or you’re expanding your kitty family, this blog will assist in figuring out which breed is the best for your home and heart.
1. Summary of Both Breeds
Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll was created in California in the 1960s. Gentle and easy-going, Ragdolls become limp when picked up—where they derived their name. They are affectionate, human-oriented, and have a dog-like personality.
Most Important Characteristics:
- Blue eyes
- Semi-long, silky coat
- Medium-to-large size
- Gentle and calm nature
Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America, originating in the state of Maine. They are playful, intelligent, and rugged, with a regal appearance and friendly nature.
Key Traits:
- Shaggy, long coats
- Tufted, large ears
- Bushy tails
- Heavy, muscular bodies
- Friendly, outgoing nature
2. Size and Build
One of the most noticeable similarities in the ragdoll vs maine coon comparison is their size—both are large cat breeds.
Ragdoll Size:
- Weight: 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lbs)
- Length: Up to 90 cm including tail
- Build: Muscular but less stocky than Maine Coons
Maine Coon Size:
- Weight: 5–11+ kg (11–25 lbs)
- Length: Up to 100+ cm including tail
- Build: Heavily boned, long bodies, broader chests
- Winner in Size: Maine Coons are the largest home-raised cat breed.
3. Coat and Groomming Needs
Both breeds are long-coated, rich-looking cats, but with varying coat textures and grooming requirements.
Ragdoll Coat:
- Soft and silky, like rabbits’ fur
- Not a lot of undercoat (less likely to mat)
- Needs a weekly brush almost always
Maine Coon Coat:
- Shaggy and thick and water-repellent
- Heavy, seasonal shedders
- Requires constant brushing (2–3 times/week)
- Grooming Winner: The ragdolls are a grooming low-maintenance winner.
4. Temperament and Personality
This is where the choice ragdoll or maine coon typically resides. Their personality is equally loving, but different.
Ragdoll Personality:
- Relaxed and laid back
- Love of being held and cuddled
- Follows you everywhere like a puppy
- Generally quiet and easy-going
Maine Coon Personality:
- Energetic and curious
- Playful well into adulthood
- Loves climbing, hunting, and exploring
- Talkative with chirps and trills
Best for Lap Lovers: Ragdoll
Best for Active Homes: Maine Coon
5. Intelligence and Trainability
Both cats are smart, but they show it differently.
Ragdoll Intelligence:
- Learnes routines quickly
- Can be trained to play fetch and walk on a leash
- Responds well to calm environments
Maine Coon Intelligence:
- Extremely trainable and interactive
- Loves puzzle toys and games
- Can open doors and cabinets (smart troublemakers!)
Winner in Trainability: Maine Coon
Winner in Routine Adaptability: Ragdoll
6. Compatibility With Kids and Other Pets
Both Maine Coons and Ragdolls are tops in family life.
Ragdoll:
- Very tolerant of children
- Gets along with cats and dogs
- Ideal for seniors and quiet homes
Maine Coon:
- Patient and gentle with children
- Likes active homes
- Often likes the company of dogs
Draw: Both breeds are extremely social and loving in family environments.
7. Playfulness and Energy Level
Ragdoll Playfulness:
- Wants to lounge and play lightly
- Enjoys feather toys, wand games, and lap time
- Not very high energy
Maine Coon Playfulness:
- Extremely playful and kitten-like even in adulthood
- Needs interactive toys, climbing spots, and exploration
- Adores water and high places
Winner for Active Owners: Maine Coon
Winner for Peaceful Lifestyles: Ragdoll
8. Meowing
How much meowing are you in for?
Ragdoll Vocalization:
- Soft-spoken and quiet
- Will softly “chirp” or meow as required
Maine Coon Voice:
- Extremely chatty
- Famous for chirps, trills, and full conversations
Best for Quiet Homes: Ragdoll
Best for Chatty Companions: Maine Coon
9. Lifespan and Health Factors
Ragdoll Lifespan:
- 12 to 17 years on average
Maine Coon Lifespan:
- 12 to 15 years on average
Both breeds are relatively healthy but prone to some breed-specific issues.
Ragdoll Health Issues:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Bladder stones
- Obesity
Maine Coon Health Issues:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Tip: Always go with a responsible breeder who does genetic testing and health checks.
10. Cost and Maintenance
Ragdoll Cost:
- $1,200–$3,000+ USD (depending on pedigree and breeder)
Maine Coon Cost:
- $1,500–$4,000+ USD (especially for show-quality kittens)
Other costs (food, vet work, grooming, etc.) are fairly equivalent, but Maine Coons will maybe require some additional expenditure on larger litter boxes, cat trees, and grooming.
11. Lifestyle Suitability
Let’s consider how each breed fits different lifestyles in this ragdoll vs maine coon decision:
Lifestyle Best Breed Why?
Apartment Living Ragdoll Quiet, low activity
Busy Families Maine Coon Playful, independent
Elderly Owners Ragdoll Gentle and calm
First-Time Owners Ragdoll Easygoing nature
Active Households Maine Coon Energetic and fun
Multiple Pets Both Friendly and social
12. Aesthetic Appeal
Both cats are stunning, and choosing based on appearance is hard!
Ragdoll Look:
- Bright blue eyes
- Soft, plush coats
- Colorpoint patterns (like Siamese)
Maine Coon Look:
- Wild, lion-like manes
- Tufted ears and paws
- Extremely wide range of colors and patterns
It’s subjective—but there’s no denying both breeds are head-turners!
13. Breeder Tips and Finding the Right Kitten
If you’ve decided which cat suits your life best, your next step is finding a reputable breeder.
What to Look for:
- Registered with associations (TICA, CFA, ANCATS)
- Health-tested parents
- Socialized kittens
- Clean, safe environment
Be wary of:
- “Too good to be true” prices
- No vet records or vaccinations
- Refusal to show parents or living conditions
Bonus: Various breeders now offer video calls or delivery within Australia.
Final Verdict: Ragdoll vs Maine Coon – Which One Wins?
There is no straightforward answer to the question of ragdoll vs maine coon. It just comes down to your personality, lifestyle, and what you want in a kitty companion.
Choose a Ragdoll if you want:
- A laid-back, easy-going lap cat
- Minimal grooming effort
- A quiet, loving shadow
Choose a Maine Coon if you want:
- A lively, curious cat with character
- A chatty companion
- A majestic cat that’s perpetually on the go
Whichever breed you choose, you’re in for a lifetime of love, friendship, and bliss.
Are You Ready to Bring One Home?
No matter if you are looking at getting a Ragdoll or a Maine Coon, we have healthy, well-socialized kittens waiting to go home with their forever families. Contact us today for information on our avaliable kittens, adoption tips, or to set up a meet-and-greet with your soon-to-be feline BFF.
