Comparing Ragdoll vs Himalayan Cats: Differences and Similarities
With stunning blue eyes or a luxurious coat, Ragdoll and Himalayan cats both boast beauty. But distinct differences exist between the breeds. This guide investigates key similarities and contrasts between Ragdolls and Himalayans. Discover which cat is best for you after understanding their unique characteristics and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Ragdoll cats are larger and have a more robust build compared to Himalayan cats.
- Ragdolls have soft, silky coats with different point colors, while Himalayans have predominantly white or cream bodies with points in various shades.
- Ragdolls are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, while Himalayans are gentle and social.
- Both breeds can live up to 15 years, but the average lifespan of a Ragdoll tends to be slightly longer.
- The cost of both breeds can vary greatly depending on factors like breeder, bloodline, and location.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Size
Regarding size, there is a noticeable difference between Ragdolls and Himalayan cats, with Ragdolls generally being the larger of the two breeds.
| Ragdoll | Himalayan | |
| Average Height | 9-11 inches | 10-12 inches |
| Adult Weight | 10-20 pounds | 7-12 pounds |
Ragdolls, on average, are slightly shorter than Himalayans but tend to weigh more due to their robust build.
On the other hand, Himalayan cats are slightly taller but have a more delicate frame, resulting in a lighter weight. It’s important to note that individual sizes can vary; these are averages for each breed.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Coat
Ragdoll cats boast a coat of soft, silky fur. Their coats can have six different point colors. The color changes with their genes and body heat. Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat, which makes them easy to groom.
Himalayans sport bodies that are mainly white or cream. They also have color points in various shades. The rarest hues for these cats are chocolate and lilac.
Himalayan’s luxurious coats need daily care to keep them at their best.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Personality
Ragdolls are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, while Himalayas are gentle and social. Curious to learn more about their personalities? Keep reading!
Friendliness
Ragdoll cats love to be near people. They like to play and get pets from their owners. On the other hand, Himalayan cats are also social.
They enjoy cuddles on a warm lap. Both breeds are good with kids and other pets in the home.Thus, if you want a friendly cat, ragdolls or Himalayans could be perfect!
Vocalness
Ragdoll cats and Himalayan cats don’t talk much. They use other ways to say what they want. Soft purrs or moves with their body are common.
But every cat is different. Some might meow more than others, even if they are from the same breed. Both breeds like to stay calm and relaxed, which makes them not as loud as other cats.
Intelligence
Ragdolls and Himalayans are both intelligent cat breeds. They can learn and understand simple commands and games. Ragdolls, in particular, have a dog-like behavior, which makes them highly trainable.
They can be taught to play fetch or perform tricks.
Similarly, Himalayans also share some of the intelligence and playfulness of Ragdolls. They are capable of learning and communicating with their owners.
Both breeds can show affection towards their humans when appropriately trained. So, if you’re looking for a smart companion, a Ragdoll or a Himalayan would be a great choice!
Playfulness
Himalayan cats have a low activity level and are not known for being overly playful. They are more laid back and prefer to relax rather than engage in energetic play.
On the other hand, Ragdoll cats have a low to moderate activity level and can be quite playful at times.
They enjoy interactive toys and games that stimulate their natural hunting instincts. Both Himalayans and Ragdolls, however, are known for their calm nature and friendly disposition towards humans.
So, while Himalayans may not be as active or playful as Ragdolls, they still enjoy human interaction and can be affectionate companions.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Health issues
Himalayan cats can have health issues, like breathing problems, polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (which affects the heart), eye conditions, and dental disease.
Responsible breeders of Himalayans make sure to do health screenings to check for genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease.
On the other hand, Ragdoll cats are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, feline infectious peritonitis, and bladder stones.
To responsibly breed Ragdolls, it’s important to test for the HCM mutation and wait until they are fully grown before mating them.
Both breeds are not ideal for outdoor living because of their grooming needs and potential health issues like breathing problems in Himalayans or their calm nature and preference for human company in Ragdolls.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Lifespan
When it comes to the lifespan of Ragdoll and Himalayan cats, there are notable differences between the two breeds. These differences are important to consider when deciding to add either breed to your family.
| Ragdoll | Himalayan | |
| Average Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Affecting Factors | Genetics, diet, lifestyle, health conditions | Genetics, diet, lifestyle, health conditions |
While both breeds can live up to 15 years, the average lifespan of a Ragdoll tends to be slightly longer than that of a Himalayan.
Genetics, diet, lifestyle, and health conditions are key factors that can influence the lifespan of both breeds.
It’s crucial to provide a balanced diet, regular check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle to ensure your cat lives a long and happy life.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Cost
The cost of both Ragdoll and Himalayan cats can vary greatly depending on the breeder, bloodline, and location. They both fall into the more expensive range regarding cat breeds.
| Ragdoll | Himalayan | |
| Initial Purchase Price | $800 – $2,000 | $500 – $1,300 |
| Medical Expenses (Yearly) | $600 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Food Expenses (Monthly) | $30 – $50 | $30 – $50 |
| Grooming Expenses (Yearly) | $75 – $300 | $100 – $400 |
| Accessories and Toys (Yearly) | $50 – $200 | $50 – $200 |
| Total Annual Care Cost | $1300 – $2750 | $1180 – $2650 |
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Appearance
Ragdolls have a variety of colors and patterns, including seal, chocolate, lilac, colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, tortoiseshell patterning, and lynx markings.
Colors
Ragdoll cats come in a variety of beautiful colors. They have six different point colors: darker shades on their ears, face, paws, and tail.
These colors can be seal (dark brown), blue (gray), chocolate (light brown), lilac (pale grayish-brown), flame (reddish orange), or tortie (a mix of two or more colors).
Its genes and body temperature influence the color of a Ragdoll’s coat. For example, their color may not fully develop when they are born until they are several weeks old.
On the other hand, Himalayan cats typically have predominantly white or creamy bodies with points that come in various shades and colors.
Producing chocolate and lilac colors in Himalayans is more challenging because both parents need to carry the gene for these specific hues.
Patterns
Ragdoll cats and Himalayan cats have different patterns on their coats. Ragdolls come in three patterns: colorpoint, bicolor, and mitted. Colorpoint means darker points on their ears, paws, tails, and face.
Bicolor ragdolls have a white stomach and legs with colored markings on the rest of their body. Mitted ragdolls also have white feet but usually have more color on their bodies than bicolors.
On the other hand, Himalayans have tabby, lynx, and tortoiseshell patterns. The tabby pattern has stripes or spots all over the coat, while the lynx pattern has these markings only on specific areas like the face and legs.
Ragdoll vs Himalayan Cats Pros & Cons
When choosing between Ragdoll and Himalayan cats, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons of each breed.
| Ragdoll | Himalayan | |
| Pros | – Ragdolls have a friendly, calm, and affectionate nature, making them ideal family pets. – They have a low to moderate activity level, which could be a positive for those looking for a more relaxed pet. – Ragdolls are larger, with an average height of 9-11 inches and a weight between 10-20 pounds. – Regular grooming is necessary, but their medium-long coats are relatively easy to manage. | – Himalayan cats are also friendly and get along well with families and other pets. – They are smaller than Ragdolls, which may be preferable to some. – Their lifespan is comparable to Ragdolls, ranging from 9-15 years. |
| Cons | – Ragdolls tend to be larger, which could be a problem if space is a concern. – They can have health issues, which potential owners should be aware of. – Their lifespan, while respectable at 12-15 years, is shorter than some other breeds. | – Himalayan cats require regular grooming due to their long coats, which can be time-consuming. – They are smaller than Ragdolls, which may need to be more appealing to those looking for a larger cat. – Like Ragdolls, Himalayans can also have health issues. |
FAQ
Is Ragdoll a Himalayan cat?
Ragdoll and Himalayan cats are two distinct breeds and are not the same. While they may share some similarities in appearance, such as their luxurious coats and blue eyes, they have different characteristics.
Ragdolls are known for being calm, gentle, and laid-back. On the other hand, Himalayans tend to be more playful and energetic. So, no, a Ragdoll cat is not a Himalayan cat.
How do you tell if your cat is a Himalayan?
You can look for specific characteristics to determine if your cat is a Himalayan. Himalayans have an average height of 10-12 inches and weigh 7-12 pounds as adults.
They have thick, long coats that require high grooming due to their tendency to tangle easily.
Himalayans also have a laid-back nature and a low activity level. Additionally, they are generally family-friendly and get along well with other pets.
Responsible breeding of Himalayan cats includes health screening for genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease.
What two breeds make a Ragdoll cat?
A Ragdoll cat is a unique breed that mixes two different breeds: the Himalayan and the Persian. These two breeds combine to create the beautiful and docile Ragdoll cat many people love.
The Himalayan brings its luxurious coat and striking color points, while the Persians contribute to their gentle and laid-back personality. This combination results in a cat with stunning looks and a friendly temperament.
Knowing their heritage can help you understand their characteristics better if you’re considering getting a Ragdoll.
Which is better, Himalayan or Ragdoll?
When considering whether the Himalayan or Ragdoll is better, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Himalayans are known for their laid-back and gentle nature, making them great companions for families and pets.
They have an average height of 10-12 inches and weigh between 7-12 pounds as adults.
On the other hand, Ragdolls are friendly, calm, and social cats that also make excellent family pets.
They have an average height of 9-11 inches and can weigh 10-20 pounds as adults. Both breeds are known for being affectionate and getting along well with others.
So, it comes down to what personality traits you prefer in a cat!
