Ragdoll vs Maine Coon
Both are large, long-haired, friendly cats, but they are quite different to live with. The Ragdoll is a floppy, laid-back lap cat, and the Maine Coon is a sociable, playful and more active giant.
Side by side
| Ragdoll | Maine Coon | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | California, USA | Maine, USA |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | Females 4.5 to 6.5 kg, males 6 to 9 kg | Females 4 to 6 kg, males 6 to 9 kg or more |
| Lifespan | Usually 12 to 15 years | Usually 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Semi-long, silky and soft, with a rabbit-like feel | Long, shaggy and silky, with a ruff, tufted ears and a very bushy tail |
| Energy | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Size: both are large. Maine Coons are usually the bigger, with males commonly 6 to 9 kg or more, against 6 to 9 kg for Ragdoll males, and Maine Coons are longer in the body.
- Eyes: a Ragdoll’s eyes are always blue, while Maine Coons have gold, green or copper eyes.
- Coat: the Ragdoll’s is silky and rabbit-soft and mats less. The Maine Coon’s is shaggy and tufted.
- Energy: Ragdolls tend to be calm and relaxed, while Maine Coons are playful for longer.
Choose a Ragdoll if
- You want a calm lap cat who relaxes in your arms
- You prefer a quiet voice and a mellow routine
- You want the pointed colour pattern and blue eyes
Choose a Maine Coon if
- You want a playful, sociable cat who enjoys games
- You like a chirpy, chatty companion
- You have room for big climbing trees
Our verdict
Choose a Ragdoll if you want a gentle shadow who flops in your lap. Choose a Maine Coon if you want a big, playful personality who joins in. Both need regular brushing, and both can be prone to heart disease (HCM), so ask breeders about heart scans and DNA tests.
Read the full guides: Ragdoll and Maine Coon. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Which is bigger, a Ragdoll or a Maine Coon?
The Maine Coon is usually the longer, bigger cat, though both are large.
Which is calmer, a Ragdoll or a Maine Coon?
Ragdolls are usually calmer and more laid-back, while Maine Coons tend to stay playful for longer.
