With so many different types of cats to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your home. Himalayan cats and Ragdolls have become very popular recently, and it’s easy to see why.
Both have attractive coat colors, long fur, and friendly, laid-back nature. However, the two breeds aren’t exactly the same.
Read on for an in-depth look at Himalayan cat vs Ragdoll cat, including key differences and similarities.
| Himalayan | Ragdoll | |
| Size | Mid-to-large (7 to 12 pounds) | Large (12 to 20 pounds) |
| Ave. Height | 10 to 12 inches | 9 to 11 inches |
| Fur | Long haired, with undercoat | Medium to long-haired, without undercoat |
| Personality | Friendly, active, and playful | Gentle, calm, and cuddly |
| Care needs | Frequent grooming | Not so frequent grooming |
| Cost | Expensive | Less expensive |
| Health | Healthy | Healthy |
Table of Contents
What is a Himalayan Cat?
Himalayan cats, sometimes called Himmies, are a popular breed of felines that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
These cats look like Persians but tend to have rounder faces and striking blue eyes. They have long, silky fur that can come in various colors and patterns, including seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.
Himalayan cats are relatively mid-to-large in size, and weigh between 6 to 12 pounds when fully grown.
What is a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll cats, often called Ragdolls, are a breed of domestic cats with a sweet and gentle temperament. They have a doll face, with large, bright eyes and a long, fluffy coat.
Ragdolls are much larger than Himalayan cats, weighing up to 20 pounds when fully grown. They also come in various colors and patterns, such as seal point, lilac icies, blue point, and chocolate point.
Differences Between the Two Cats
1. Physical Characteristics
Both Himalayan and Ragdolls look similar, which causes confusion which is which. In this section, we will tackle more of their key appearance differences.
Despite sharing the same color of blue eyes, both said breeds differ in their facial features and fur patterns.
- Himalayan cats usually have a rounder face than Ragdolls, while the latter has a more triangular face.
- Their fur coat is also one of the factors that set them apart from each other.
Himalayans have thicker and longer coats than Ragdolls, and they do have undercoats – which Ragdolls do not have. Ragdolls’ fur tends to be mid-sized to long and seems silkier and softer than Himalayans.
Because Ragdolls do not have an undercoat, they usually shed less than other cat breeds, making them less of a source or trigger of allergy, if you have any.
Although they are not considered hypoallergenic, this is still plus if this is one of your considerations.
We have provided this table to distinguish their coats’ patterns and colors:
| Patterns | Colors | ||
| Himalayan | Ragdoll | Himalayan | Ragdoll |
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2. Slight Difference in Size
Ragdolls are considered larger in size than Himalayan cats, with an average cat size of 12 to 20 pounds for Ragdoll cats, and 7 to 12 pounds for Himalayans.
If you are curious how large these cats weigh as they grow, below is a size chart:
| Age | Ragdoll | Himalayan cat |
| 1 month old | 0.75 to 1.5 pounds | 0.5 to 1 pound |
| 3 months old | 3 to 4 pounds | 2.5 to 3.7 pounds |
| 6 months old | 6 pounds | 4.0 to 7.3 pounds |
| 1 year to 16+ years | 8 to 20 pounds | 7 to 12 pounds |
3. Personality & Temperament
- Himalayan cats are usually friendly, inquisitive, and active. They can be quite vocal and love to explore new things and play.
- Ragdolls are sweet, friendly, and gentle cats. They are quiet, laid-back, and love to cuddle with their owners and pets.
Both cat breeds love to be around their cat owners and do not like being neglected or left alone for a long time. However, Ragdoll cats have more difficulty in this specific area than Himalayans.
If you are wondering which is more pet- and people-friendly, both are! These two cat breeds are very similar in terms of personality.
However, Himalayans are way more playful and active than Ragdoll cats. You will usually see Himalayan cats playing around and expressing their physical energy while you’ll see Ragdolls in the corner and relaxing.
Because of the Himalayans’ high energy, they usually tend to be moody and sulky when you don’t give them what they want or neglect their emotional needs.
4. Care & Grooming
Himalayan cats need frequent brushing and combing to keep their coats in good condition. They should be brushed daily, and their nails should be trimmed regularly.
Ragdolls do not require as much maintenance as Himalayans, but their coats should still be brushed every few days to remove all the dead hair and help keep them looking healthy. They also need regular nail trims.
5. Health & Wellness
Himalayans and Ragdolls are both relatively healthy breeds, but they can be prone to certain health issues.
| Himalayans | Ragdolls |
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6. Ragdoll vs Himalayan Cats Pros & Cons
- Highly intelligent and great companions for people and other pets
- Pretty independent compared to Ragdolls
- Playful and more active
- Tendency to be moody
- Require frequent grooming
- Sheds more than Ragdolls
- More costly
- More laidback and easy-going than Himalayans
- Do not require much frequent grooming
- Cheaper
- Lap cat
- Minimal cat shedding
- Has dog-like traits
- Tend to be clingier
- Not ideal if you are a busy cat owner
7. Cost
Himalayan kittens can be expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,500 for a purebred.
Ragdolls are also quite pricey, with cat price starting at around $800 to $2000 for a purebred.
Both Himalayan cats and Ragdolls are available from breeders and rescue organizations.
What is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who loves to be the center of attention, then a Himalayan cat might be the right choice. These cats are intelligent and active and need plenty of love and stimulation.
On the other hand, if an easy-going companion who loves to be cuddly with you from time to time is the pet that sounds right for you, then a Ragdoll is the right choice.
For more options, please take a look at these comparisons:
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Himalayan and Ragdoll cats need to be groomed?
Himalayan cats should be groomed regularly, with their fur brushed daily. Ragdolls should be groomed at least every few days to keep their thick coats looking beautiful.
What are some common health issues that these breeds are prone to?
The Himalayans are prone to breathing problems and eye issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy. Ragdolls may be at risk for cardiomyopathy.
How long do Himalayan cats live?
Himalayan cats typically have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years on average.
Related: Lifespan of ragdoll cats
What are some popular Himalayan cat colors and patterns?
Popular Himalayan colors and patterns include seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.
What color is a brown Himalayan cat?
A brown Himalayan cat is typically a seal point, with a light to dark brown body and a black face, ears, legs, and tail.
Do chocolate Himalayan cats exist?
Yes, chocolate Himalayan cats exist, and they have chocolate brown body with darker brown points.
What do Seal Point Himalayan cats look like?
Seal point Himalayan cats have a light body color and dark brown points on their face, ears, legs, and tail.
Can Himalayan cats have blue eyes?
Yes, Himalayan cats can have multiple colors, and the notable thing is they have blue eyes that are vivid and beautiful. That’s one of the reasons why this cat breed is popular among cat lovers.
Is a Himalayan ragdoll mix friendly?
Yes! A Himalayan Ragdoll mix can be a friendly cat! The combination of their friendly and loyal nature is a great mix of cat’s personalities and traits.
Conclusion
We hope that this article, Himalayan cat vs Ragdoll cat has helped you distinguish which cat is which and which breed best suits your needs.
Himalayan cats and Ragdolls make wonderful companions and offer many years of companionship and joy.
Additionally, please make sure the breeder you’re purchasing from is reputable and provides health clearances for their cats. With the right amount of research, love, and care, you can find the perfect feline companion for your home.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
