Thinking of owning a cat is easy? And confused about a Maine Coon vs Ragdoll. For me, feline ownership is not a distant concept to consider – it is a purring reality happening right in my living room.
I give a little of my house, my couch, and quite a bit of my solitude to both a very regal Maine Coon and an incredibly fluffy Ragdoll. And you know what? What a ride. A fluffy, shedding, and absolutely wonderful ride.
How did I end up with both?
First, there was Luna. Luna is my Ragdoll. Her beautiful blue eyes and sublimely fluffy body made for a match made in heaven. I felt like I had found the dream cat companion for life.
Years later, the universe provided (in the unlikely form of an adoption event with a very charming attendant) my Maine Coon Max into my life. Max was all big paws and bigger purrs, and I found my cat-loving world becoming much larger.
This is not one of those “Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll” or “which cat is better” posts. That will never be possible! I just want to relish their little idiosyncrasies, their charming differences, and the endearing ways they both acceptably disrupt my life, even while making me very slightly mad!
- Quick Look: Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll – A Side-by-Side View
- Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll: What They Look Like
- Their Personalities: Play, Cuddles, and Everything In Between
- Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Personality Comparison Table
- Grooming: Everyday Food, Fur, and Fun
- Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Maintenance
- My Honest Opinion: Why I Love Both!
Quick Look: Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll – A Side-by-Side View
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick comparison of these two wonderful breeds:
| Feature | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
| Size | Large (13-18 lbs males, 8-12 lbs females) | Medium-Large (10-20 lbs, males often larger) |
| Body Type | Muscular, rectangular, strong | Semi-long, soft, plush |
| Eyes | Can be various colors (often green/gold) | Always blue |
| Coat Type | Shaggy, thick, water-resistant, double coat | Silky, semi-long, less dense undercoat |
| Key Physical Trait | Lower prefers gentle play and lounging | “Floppy”, when picked up, the colorpoint fur |
| Personality | Dog-like, playful, intelligent, gentle | Calm, extremely affectionate, docile, relaxed |
| Vocalization | Chirps, trills, meows | Soft meows, quiet purrs |
| Activity Level | Moderate to high, enjoys active play | Lower, prefers gentle play and lounging |
| Grooming Needs | Regular brushing (several times a week) | Regular brushing (several times a week) |
Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll: What They Look Like
You look at photos of those beautiful, long-haired cats, and you think, “Oh, Maine Coons are really just big and fluffy“. Trust me, they are much more than that.
Maine Coon: The Big, Beautiful One
My Max is not just big; he is super grand. When he walks into a room, you notice him. He walks with this quiet dignity, like he has just stepped out of an enchanted forest, perhaps after sharing a few words with a wee forest sprite in its hood.
Those tufts of hair on the tips of his ears – aka “lynx tips” – make him look like a tiny wildcat, and his ruff – that thick, fluffy neck scarf of fur – is something to see. He looks very much like a tiny lion when he is relaxing and looking regal.
Size: How Big Do They Get?
The most common reaction people have when they meet Max is, “Wow. He’s huge!” Yes, Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of house cats. They are often referred to as “gentle giants,” and rightfully so.
Male Maine Coons can weigh from about 13 to 18 pounds, and females range from about 8 to 12 pounds but they can even be larger. And weight aside, they are strong cats with dog-like bodies, broad chests, and muscular legs. And what about that tail!
They are long, bushy, and sometimes as long as their body. Max uses his tail like a fluffy question mark when he is curious about something.
Ragdoll: The Soft, Big-Eyed Beauty
Then we have Luna. If Max is the great king of the forest, then Luna is soft, unbelievable softness. Like the most beautiful sight to behold, with her beautiful sapphire blue eyes, a signature characteristic of the Ragdoll breed.
Her coat is medium-long and the softest silk, unbelievably plush, and thick, yet she doesn’t have a heavy undercoat, so there are fewer tangles (thank goodness!). Luna is a living, breathing soft cloud, and she calms me just by petting her.
A medium-sized Ragdoll cat usually weighs between 10-20 pounds (males usually are heavier).
Why They’re Called “Ragdolls”
The name “Ragdoll” isn’t just cute; it describes their most iconic trait. When you pick them up, they often go limp and relaxed in your arms like a rag doll.
Luna does this as if to say, “This is so easy, you don’t need to try.” Sometimes she melts in such weird twisted positions while sleeping that I check if she is actually comfortable (it is both cute, and at times, a little concerning!)
Their Pretty Colors
Ragdolls are also known for their colorpoint patterns. This means that their bodies are lighter, and darker parts are on their head, ears, paws, and tail. Luna has a beautiful seal colorpoint, meaning that her points are a rich dark brown.
Personalities: Play, Cuddles, and Everything In Between
Here is where the real fun starts – while their looks will get your attention, it is their personalities that steal your heart (and sometimes your space on the pillow).
Maine Coon: A Dog like Personality
My Max sometimes makes me wonder if he is a secret dog. As loyal as any puppy, he follows me from room to room. And yes, he also plays fetch – a cat that plays fetch! When he brings his favorite crinkle ball back to me and drops it at my feet, he waits for me to throw it again.
And when I come home, he is right at the door making his chirping sound, rubbing against my legs, and yelling for attention. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was wagging his tail.
How Smart Are They?
The “gentle giant” label applies 100% in my household. Max is good-natured, patient, and rarely uses his claws when he plays (unless he’s really excited over a toy mouse). He is surprisingly smart!
He figured out how to open our kitchen cupboards (twice, until we added child locks!), and he loves puzzle toys that dispense treats.
Everything is curious to him, from the new bag of groceries to the distant sirens of an ambulance.
Ragdoll: The Best Lap Cat
Luna is a total cuddle monster. She thrives on attention. If I am sitting, she is laying on my lap. If I am lying down, she layed out across my chest.
She completely melts into my arms with enough purring to create a literal blanket of warmth, nudges her head to let me know she wants belly rubs, and has a talent for giving you the silent “please pet me” stare.
She is not just a cat. She is a fluffy, warm, purring blanket that sometimes wants a snack.
How Affectionate Are Ragdolls?
Ragdolls are known for their calm and loving nature, and Luna is the perfect example of that. She is very welcoming of new people and extremely tolerant as well.
While Max will sometimes watch across the room, waiting for the stranger to leave, Luna will typically walk directly over to the stranger for a pet. Her “floppiness” is not just about being held – it’s also about her natural, relaxed attitude in a general sense.
She is super chill. In fact, loud noises do not bother her, and she is very rarely scared.
Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Personality Comparison
| Trait | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
| Affection Level | High – Very affectionate, bonds with all family members, enjoys companionship. | High – Extremely affectionate, thrives on human attention and cuddling. |
| Friendliness | High – Sociable, gets along with children, cats, and dogs. | High – Friendly with adults, children, and other pets when properly introduced. |
| Playfulness | Medium to High – Playful well into adulthood, enjoys interactive games and exploring. | Medium – Enjoys play but less rambunctious, prefers gentle games and snuggling. |
| Energy Level | Medium – Active and curious, enjoys bursts of energy and exploring. | Low to Medium – Calm, laid-back, prefers lounging and cuddling to high-energy play. |
| Intelligence | High – Quick learners, can be trained to perform tricks, inquisitive. | Medium – Intelligent and trainable, but less so than Maine Coons. |
| Vocalization | Medium to High – Communicates with chirps, trills, and soft meows. | Low – Generally quiet, not very vocal. |
| Social Needs | High – Likes to be involved in family activities, follows owners around. | Very High – Craves constant companionship, dislikes being left alone. |
| Tolerance to Alone Time | Moderate – Independent streak, but prefers company. | Low – Can become lonely or anxious if left alone for long periods. |
| Kid/Pet Friendliness | High – Patient, gentle, tolerates children and other pets. | High – Gentle, tolerant, good with respectful children and pets. |
| Aggression in Play | Low – Gentle even during play, rarely aggressive. | Can be feisty during play, may scratch or bite if overstimulated. |
| Unique Traits | Dog-like, loves water, remains kitten-like, adaptable. | Goes limp when picked up, exceptionally docile, prefers to stay indoors. |
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How to Introduce a Maine Coon to a Dog
Maine Coon Colors and Patterns: In-Depth Guide
Grooming: Everyday Food, Fur, and Fun
Life with a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll is never dull. It’s a constant juggling act of managing fur, playful little scraps, and ensuring everyone is getting enough love (and food!).
You won’t believe that two long-haired cats result in a lot of brushing. We’re not only talking about effort here now; brushing for me is daily, sometimes more laborious, sometimes more of an activity of joy.
I don’t turn away any brushes with my Maine Coon, Max, in blocked patience. She’ll purr loudly, nudge the brush with her head, flop onto her back, and expose her belly for the ultimate brush.
Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll: Who Sheds More?
The question I most commonly get asked is, “Who sheds more?” And honestly, it is a tie in my house just in different ways.
Max, with his heavy-duty double coat, sheds a more “woolly” shedding fur, especially during the seasonal changes of the year, which then forms coats of fur clumps that one could possibly measure height by.
Luna has thinner, silkier hair, which allows for air to float, and conveniently relishes itself in fabric easily. Either way, be prepared for a lot of fluff, no matter which breed you choose! It’s also super important to get into a brushing routine.
Playtime: What They Do for Fun
Their play styles are as distinct as their personalities. My Maine Coon, Max, is all about active, vigorous play. He enjoys chasing laser pointers (I try to end those games with a toy for him, so he doesn’t get frustrated), batting at feathered wands, and ascending his cat tree like a tiny mountain climber.
He gets the “zoomies” – those moments where he has sudden bursts of wild energy and races around the house at top speed, sliding on the hardwood floors.
My Ragdoll, Luna, has a little more class in how she plays. She prefers the gentle swatting of dangling toys, slow-motion pounces on toy mice, and naps after a brief playtime.
She even gets the zoomies on occasion, but she’s more trotting elegantly from one side of the house to the other rather than racing. Luna isn’t so much breaking a sweat; she’s all about the smart play.
The funny (and at times messy) moments when their play styles eventually collide are an endless source of entertainment for all of us. Max tries to purposely wrestle with Luna, who will usually just flop over dramatically and allow him to “win” or walk away with a look that suggests, “Please, some dignity.”
Food: Keeping Two Hungry Cats Happy
Both Max and Luna love food, but they eat very differently. My Maine Coon eats with reckless abandon and is like a bottomless pit. He eats with vigor, cleans his bowl, and then looks hopefully at Luna’s bowl! As Maine Coons need a lot of food to support his big body!
Luna, my little domestic cat, is a bit more selective. She takes a few bites, walks away, maybe comes back, and sometimes will leave some food for later. I was surprised the first time I found food left over in Luna’s dish! She is a grazer and takes her time with each bite.
Dealing with two different appetites and body needs means I’ve had to get creative to ensure that neither one eats all of the other cat’s food. I always set up their feeding areas separately, and I typically sit by or near them to make sure Max tries to help Luna finish her bowl.
Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Maintenance
| Maintenance Aspect | Maine Coon | Ragdoll |
| Coat Type | Long, thick, double-layered coat | Medium-long, silky, lacks dense undercoat |
| Brushing Frequency | 2–3 times per week (some sources recommend daily to prevent mats and tangles) | 1–2 times per week (may need more during shedding season) |
| Grooming Tools | Slicker brush, undercoat rake, metal comb | Slicker brush or soft-bristle brush, butter comb, metal comb |
| Matting Risk | Moderate to high—prone to matting, especially in armpits, belly, and between legs | Low to moderate—less prone to matting due to lack of undercoat, but check armpits and hind legs |
| Bathing Needs | Occasional, especially if coat becomes oily or dirty | Occasional—usually not necessary unless dirty |
| Shedding Level | Heavy—especially during seasonal changes | Moderate—can increase during spring shedding |
| Nail Trimming | Every 4–6 weeks | Regularly, as needed |
| Ear Cleaning | As needed, especially after baths or if signs of infection appear | As needed, watch for signs of infection |
| Eye Care | Minimal—watch for discharge or redness | Minimal—watch for discharge or redness |
| Dietary Needs | High-quality, protein-rich diet; may prefer wide bowls due to long whiskers | High-quality, protein-rich diet; monitor for food sensitivities and weight gain |
| Water Needs | Loves water—ensure fresh supply; may play in water bowls | Needs fresh water—wet food recommended for hydration, but balance with dry food for dental health |
My Honest Opinion: Why I Love Both!
I would say, Maine Coon vs. Ragdoll is simply a never ending debate. However, after all the comparisons, the daily fluff, play, purrs, and my plants, what do I really think?
Although they are certainly very different in looks and personality, all of their characteristics perfectly make each other (and my life) whole.
Living with a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll has taught me a lot. It has taught me patience (especially at brushing time). It has taught me unconditional love because they give it so freely.
They both have their moments when they want to do their own thing, but underneath, they are both very loving and loyal friends.
For anyone thinking about taking one of these amazing breeds into their home, my best advice is this: Understand what they really need and what they will bring into your home.
Don’t just look at how they look; look at their typical behaviours, their activity levels, and how much grooming they require.
They are both great cat breeds, but they ultimately rely on their owners to understand their behaviour and appreciate their uniqueness.
