Many large-cat lovers find themselves struggling to decide between the Maine Coon vs the ragdoll and we're not surprised! Both of these cats are fluffy, affectionate, and great with children, but if you're looking to find out what sets these two breeds apart, we can help.
If you're looking for an active, playful and even slightly mischievous kitty companion, the Maine Coon is a great choice. They're very laid-back, get along well with everyone (including other animals), and while they may look like giants, they have very gentle hearts.
Ragdolls are famously friendly, delightfully docile, and absolutely adore being held and cuddled. If you're after a lap cat who wants nothing more than to love and be loved, they are a truly wonderful choice.
We understand that choosing a feline friend is a big decision, that's why we consulted expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to get her thoughts on these two breeds. She reveals everything you need to know about the Maine Coon and ragdoll, including how much exercise they require, what their grooming needs are and which type of owner they're best suited to.
Size: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
The Maine Coon and the ragdoll are both large, fluffy breeds, but the Maine Coon is the bigger of the two. One of the largest cat breeds in the world, the Maine Coon stands between 10–16 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from eight to 18 pounds.
While still a big cat, the ragdoll isn't as tall as the Maine Coon and typically measures somewhere in the vicinity of nine to 11 inches. They can, however, be heavier than the Maine Coon with some ragdolls known to tip the scales at 20 pounds!
Appearance: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
They may both be long-haired cat breeds, but the Maine Coon and the ragdoll have their own distinct appearances.
The Maine Coon is a large and muscular cat with a long body and a broad chest. They are solidly and ruggedly built, and while they're one huge kitty indeed, they're also very well proportioned.
Maine Coons have a very unique look which makes them hard to miss, with high cheekbones, a square muzzle, a wedge-shaped head, large, tufted ears and a very bushy tail.
While the Maine Coon has a shaggy and dense coat, the ragdoll is known for their silky soft fur and elegant appearance. They have a short neck, sturdy legs, and large, oval eyes that come in the most beautiful blue. Ragdolls are a pointed breed, so they have darker colors on their ears, face, legs, and tail.
Intelligence and trainability: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
Can you train a cat? Absolutely! Although it's worth noting that some breeds take to training more easily than others. If you're trying to decide between the Maine Coon and the ragdoll, Dr MacMillan says that while these cats are of similar intelligence, the Maine Coon is more trainable than the laid-back ragdoll.
"The Maine Coon is naturally a bit more interactive, inquisitive, and playful, whereas the ragdoll is more of a lap cat. Both can be trained with the right patient and consistent approach, though you will probably get more advanced tricks out of a Maine Coon."
While training your cat might not be quite as straightforward as training a dog due to our feline friends' naturally more independent natures, with a little bit of patience, plenty of consistency, and a few of the best cat treats, you'll find that both of these breeds can master the basics.
Exercise needs: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
If you're looking for an energetic and playful companion, the Maine Coon will make for a great addition to your home. "The Maine Coon is the more active of the two breeds," says Dr MacMillan. "They enjoy climbing, playing, and exploring."
Because Maine Coons are so energetic, you'll find they'll benefit from different forms of physical exercise to help keep things interesting. They love opportunities to climb and if you've ever wanted to try hiking with cats, you'll find most Maine Coons respond well to leash training and enjoy accompanying their humans on outdoor adventures.
So, how does the ragdoll compare?
"The ragdoll is more relaxed and has less energy in comparison," Dr. MacMillan explains.
However, she goes on to add that while the ragdoll is the more docile of these two cats, all breeds require mental stimulation and options to play and exercise.
"You should be aiming for 20-30 minutes of activity, which can be broken into smaller chunks throughout the day."
Ragdolls tend to like interactive cat toys, but if you want to mix things up a bit and you're looking for other activities to do with your cat, you could also try food puzzles, obstacle courses, and games like hide and seek. Ragdolls are very people-oriented, so play sessions with you will be their preferred option.
Grooming: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
Long-haired cat breeds will always be higher maintenance on the grooming front than their shorter-haired brothers and sisters. According to Dr MacMillan, while both breeds need brushing a few times a week, their coats differ slightly.
"The ragdoll has silky fur, which is less prone to matting than the Maine Coons thick double coat," she explains. "The Maine Coon might need a bit more regular brushing to avoid knots forming. They are also heavier shedders than the ragdoll."
While regular grooming with one of the best cat brushes may seem like a time-consuming job, it's worth remembering that these sessions are a great way to bond with your feline friend.
Health considerations: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
If you're thinking of adopting a kitten or adult cat, it's worth being aware of the sorts of health issues their breed may predispose them to. We asked Dr MacMillan if the Maine Coon and ragdoll are known to suffer from any particular health problems.
"Like most pedigree cat breeds both the Main Coon and the ragdoll are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [HCM]. This condition causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to blood clot formation and heart failure.
“Polycystic kidney disease [PKD] is another inherited condition, which can affect both ragdolls and Maine Coons, as well as other breeds. Cysts are present in the kidney tissue from birth and can gradually enlarge over time. The exact number of cysts varies between cats, as well as the rate at which they enlarge. Unfortunately, PKD is not a curable condition and can cause kidney failure over time.
“Hip dysplasia can affect both breeds but, in my experience, it is more common in Maine Coons. This hereditary condition affects the development of the hip joint. Affected cats often experience pain, mobility issues, and the early onset of arthritis.
“It is important to purchase your pedigree cat from a reputable breeder who carries out all the recommended health screens to reduce the risk of your kitten being affected."
Owner suitability: Maine Coon vs ragdoll
Both the Maine Coon and the ragdoll are very friendly, affectionate and even-tempered cats, but which one you decide to welcome into your life will depend on what it is you're looking for in a feline friend.
"The Maine Coon is the more playful of the two," says Dr MacMillan. "If you are looking for a lap cat then the ragdoll is a good answer, whereas a family that wants a more spirited, trainable, and almost ‘dog-like’ cat should choose the Maine Coon.
Both cats enjoy interacting with family members and other pets, though, just in slightly different ways. Ragdolls are patient, cuddly cats, whereas the Maine Coon will need a bit more physical stimulation and would be best suited to a more active family."
Read next: Facts about ragdolls or Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest cat
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
Last updated in July 2025.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
