Maine Coon vs Ragdoll
Maine Coon or Ragdoll? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Maine Coon | Ragdoll | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Maine, United States | California, United States |
| Size | Large · 8–18 lb | Large · 10–20 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–17 years |
| Coat | Shaggy, water-resistant | Semi-long, pointed, blue eyes |
| Temperament | Friendly, chatty, easygoing | Placid, gentle, people-led |
| Best fit | Families, multi-pet homes | Families, calm indoor homes |
| Energy | ●●●●● Playful, not frantic | ●●●●● Short play bursts |
| Affection | ●●●●● Near you, not always on you | ●●●●● Follows you room to room |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Brush two or three times a week | ●●●●● Comb twice a week |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Tolerant and forgiving | ●●●●● Easy, gentle, adaptable |
| Observed price | $2,000 median (41 prices) | $1,400 median (33 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Maine Coon rates higher than the Ragdoll (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Affection: the Ragdoll rates higher than the Maine Coon (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Grooming load: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (5 of 5 each).
The Maine Coon
A big, rugged longhair that grew up as a working barn cat in New England winters. That history shows: sociable, steady and playful well into adulthood, with a coat and a frame that need real room and regular brushing.
A large cat eats more, needs a bigger litter box and sturdier furniture, and takes up to four years to finish growing. The breed also carries known heart and hip risks that make parent testing important.
The Ragdoll
A large, pointed longhair bred in California in the 1960s for a calm, handleable temperament. Many go limp when picked up, which is where the name comes from, and most prefer following people around to climbing curtains.
A Ragdoll wants company and does poorly left alone for long days. Its trusting nature makes it an indoor-only cat, and the breed carries its own heart-disease mutation.
Questions
Is a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 5 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Maine Coon: Tolerant and forgiving. Ragdoll: Easy, gentle, adaptable.
What is the main difference between a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll?
A large cat eats more, needs a bigger litter box and sturdier furniture, and takes up to four years to finish growing. The breed also carries known heart and hip risks that make parent testing important. By contrast, a Ragdoll wants company and does poorly left alone for long days. Its trusting nature makes it an indoor-only cat, and the breed carries its own heart-disease mutation.
Which costs more, a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll?
On the prices we observed, the Maine Coon median is $2,000 (41 prices) and the Ragdoll median is $1,400 (33 prices).