One of the first things people look at when planning to bring home a cat is their color. To some, the more stunning a cat’s color pattern is, the better.
While there are countless astonishing felines, two of the most talked about breeds are Siamese and Ragdoll.
So, if you cannot decide which breed to get, this article will discuss the differences between a Siamese vs Ragdoll cat.
| Siamese Cat | Ragdoll Cat | |
| Personality | Energetic | Docile |
| Coat | Short coat | Long coat |
| Size And Body Type | Medium (15 to 20 inches long) | Large (17 to 21 inches long) |
| Care Requirements | Frequent bathing and brushing | Weekly brushing |
| Lifespan | 8 to 15 years | 12 to 17 years |
Table of Contents
An Overview of Siamese Cats
Siamese cats originated from Thailand, where they are known as Siam. These cats are believed to be a product of crossbreeding Egyptian cats and the wild cat “Siam.”
Siamese cats are famous for their long, slender bodies. These medium-sized felines have toned muscles, tall ears, and long, triangular faces.
Despite their short coat, they look as exquisite as long-haired cats due to their distinct color pattern. Their feet, tail, nose, and ears are either dark brown, blue, lilac, red, or tabby.
On the other hand, the rest of their bodies are either white, cream, or gray. In addition, all Siamese cats have bright blue eyes.
An Overview of Ragdoll Cats
Persian breeder Ann Baker bred Ragdoll cats in the 1960s. These felines were created when Baker bred an Angoran semi-feral long-haired white cat.
Unlike most cats that do well being alone, Ragdoll felines are easygoing, so they love being around people. People who own Ragdolls describe them as relaxed cats, as they tend to go limp when picked up or petted.
These felines come in various color patterns, such as blue, seal, lilac, chocolate, red, tortie, and cream.
Ragdoll Cat vs Siamese: the Similarities
- Appearance
Siamese and Ragdoll felines exhibit blue eyes. They both have a color point pattern, meaning their extremities are darker than the rest of their bodies.
Both felines are born as pure white cats. They only develop their color point as they grow up.
- Intelligence
Both cats are intelligent. While they are young, you can litter-train them, so you would not have to pick up after their waste. As Siamese and Ragdolls grow, you can also teach them tricks, which they will quickly understand and learn.
- Compatibility with people
Siamese and Ragdoll are patient felines, making them a fantastic choice for families. If you have children or other pets at home, Siamese and Ragdoll cats are a perfect addition due to their friendly nature.
Both cats are patient and can tolerate children while playing with them.
Differences Between Siamese and Ragdoll Cats
1. Personality
Siamese cats are famous for their active personalities. These playful felines love to be involved in everything their caretakers do.
If you have a Siamese cat at home, it will follow you around while meowing to get your attention.
Meanwhile, Ragdoll personality involves showing affection to their owners, but they are calmer than Siamese cats. Feline enthusiasts consider Siamese lap cats as they love playing while sitting on their owner’s lap.
Ragdolls prefer lying on the couch, although they still enjoy being around people.
2. Coat
One interesting fact about Siamese cats is that their color point turns lighter or darker depending on their body temperature. The reason is that they have a genetic trait that causes their coat’s pigment to become temperature-sensitive.
There is also a long hair Siamese cat known as the Balinese. Its long hair results from a natural mutation, so they are still purebred Siamese cats despite their medium-length hair.
On the contrary, Ragdoll cats have semi-long fur that comes in a similar color pattern as Siamese cats. Their coat is very soft to the touch and fluffy in appearance.
The Ragdoll’s coat is usually thicker on the neck and chest, giving them a “mane” appearance.
Unlike Siamese cats that have a long hair version, there are no short hair Ragdoll cats.
3. Size and body type
Siamese cats are medium-sized felines. They are typically 15 to 20 inches long and weigh 6 to 14 lbs.
These cats have lean and muscular bodies and long, elegant necks and legs. They have triangular faces and almond-shaped eyes.
Ragdoll cats are larger. They measure 17 to 21 inches long and weigh 10 to 20 lbs. Unlike the slender Siamese, these felines have short necks, thick tails, and broad, muscular chests.
Ragdoll cats also have rounded heads.
4. Care requirements
As Siamese cats have short hair, they do not require as much grooming as Ragdoll cats. However, you need to brush their coat at least once a week using a soft-bristled brush.
Through regular brushing and occasional bathing, you can keep your pet’s fur healthy and shiny.
Meanwhile, Ragdolls need frequent bathing and brushing. Their long furs can quickly collect dust and dirt, which may cause them to mat and tangle.
If you have a Ragdoll cat, you need to brush its hair at least twice a week.
5. Lifespan
Siamese cats can live for up to 8 to 15 years, while the lifespan of Ragdoll cats is 12 to 17 years. However, it is worth noting that this lifespan is influenced by several factors, such as health conditions, diet, genetics, and environmental factors.
By giving your pet proper care and nutrition, you can ensure that it will live a long and healthy life.
5. The Cost
A Siamese kitten can cost around $600 to $800, depending on its coloration. Some Siamese felines with premium features can cost as much as $2500.
Ragdolls are more expensive, as their prices can range from $800 to $3500.
When getting a cat, buying from a reputable breeder is ideal. This way, you can ensure that you are getting a purebred, health problem-free, and well-taken-care-of cat.
Buying from a breeder also makes the cat price worth it.
Should You Get a Siamese or a Ragdoll Cat?
Deciding whether to get a Siamese or a Ragdoll cat really depends on your personal preferences and living situation. You must consider your lifestyle, household, and whether or not you can provide the needs of your chosen feline.
In addition, it is important to consider the breed’s health and grooming needs. You also have to consider any potential allergies you or a family member may have.
- Pros and Cons of Living With a Cat
- Affectionate. If you are getting a feline as a companion, a Siamese cat is a great choice, as it will enjoy being around you.
- Vocal. Siamese cats are vocal, so you don’t have to wonder when they need something, such as food or attention.
- Easy To Groom. The short hair of Siamese cats makes them easy to groom.
- Hypoallergenic. Siamese cats are more tolerable for people with allergies due to their short coats.
- Noisy. These felines can become too noisy at times.
- Requires stimulation. Without constant stimulation, Siamese cats can become bored and stressed.
- Ragdoll cats
- Easygoing. Ragdoll cats tend to be easygoing and adaptable, making them a good fit for households with children or other pets.
- Low grooming requirements. While Ragdoll cats have long fur, they do not require extensive grooming and are generally easy to care for.
- Docile. Ragdolls are docile and affectionate pets, so they love being near their caretaker.
- Prone To Health Issues. Polycystic kidney disease and cryptococcosis (pulmonary infection) are the most common health conditions a Ragdoll may experience.
- Costs A Fortune. Their perfect personality and appearance make Ragdolls expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ragdolls the friendliest cats?
Ragdolls are considered one of the friendliest cats. They will cuddle with people, even with those who they are not familiar with.
How do you know if a cat is a Ragdoll?
Ragdolls are famous for their long hair and distinct color points. If your feline has semi-long hair, a dark face, tail, ears, and feet, then it is a Ragdoll cat. Other than checking the appearance, you can also pay for an ancestry test.
Do ragdolls and Siamese get along?
Siamese and Ragdoll cats have similar personalities. This fact makes them ideal companions if you want to take care of more than one cat.
Are ragdoll cats related to Siamese?
Siamese and Ragdolls are similar in appearance, so people often think that they are related. However, these felines are two entirely different breeds.
Can you mix Siamese and Ragdoll cats?
Yes, Siamese Ragdoll mix kittens are known as Ragamese cat. This Ragdoll and Siamese mix has the characteristics of both cats, including their affectionate nature.
Siamese Ragdoll kittens do not have color markings when they are young. Instead, the markings only appear as they grow into adulthood.
Cat breeds similar to Siamese?
Some of the cats similar to Siamese are the Tonkinese, Devon Rex, Himalayan, Cornish Rex, Balinese, Burmese, and Birman cats.
Conclusion
Siamese and Ragdoll cats are two distinct breeds with noticeable differences in their physical appearance, temperament, and characteristics. Both breeds make great pets, but their unique traits and personalities may make one a better fit for a particular owner or household over the other.
We hope that this article helped you distinguish the difference between Siamese vs Ragdoll cat. If you are having problems deciding which breed to get, make sure to consider your lifestyle and the potential needs of your chosen breed.
Read more:
- Siberian cat vs Maine coon: What is the difference?
- Korat vs Russian blue cat: what should I choose?
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.
