Ragdoll cats and Siamese cats are noticeably different in appearance and personalities, however are two of the most popular domestic, indoor breeds in the world.
It’s no wonder that would-be owners can have trouble deciding which is most suited to them.
In this article, you’ll learn what separates Ragdolls and Siamese when it comes to:
- Personality
- Appearance
- Size
- Health/Diet
- Cost
Hopefully by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have greater clarity about which cat will better fit your lifestyle and needs.
What are the main differences between Ragdoll and Siamese cats?
Ragdolls are a large breed of domestic cat, while Siamese cats are comparatively smaller. Ragdolls have longer, silky coats that come in various colors and patterns. On the other hand, Siamese cats have short coats with distinct markings on their faces and bodies that many people also find attractive.
Ragdolls are usually gentle and laid back cats, while Siamese cats tend to be more active and vocal.
Ragdolls are also known for being affectionate and loyal to their owners, while Siamese cats can be quite independent.
In terms of grooming, Ragdolls require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy, whereas Siamese cats don’t need as much attention in this regard.
Despite their subtle differences, Ragdolls and Siamese cats are both wonderful companions that will provide you plenty of love and joy as an owner.
Personalities of Ragdoll vs Siamese cats
Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle, loving personalities and can be quite affectionate. They’re loyal to their owners and usually enjoy spending time with them. Siamese cats, by comparison, are more active and vocal cats that can be quite independent at times. They also enjoy being around people, but may not always show as much affection as Ragdolls do.
Ragdoll and Siamese cats are both known for their distinctive behaviours and temperaments.
Below are some key words that come to mind when describing Ragdolls:
- Laid-back
- Floppy
- Gentle
- Docile
- Social
- Interactive
I’ve also put together a list that best describe Siamese:
- Active
- Energetic
- Highly social
- Vocal
- Demanding
- Curious
Both cats are also incredibly intelligent.
As someone who has owned a Ragdoll for more than five years, I’m often amazed by her learned behaviours and how smart she is – you’d be surprised how easily trained she is too.
Overall, both Ragdoll and Siamese cats are affectionate and loyal to their owners, and they both enjoy interacting with people and exploring their surroundings.
If I had to split them and highlight their differences, Siamese cats tend to be more active and energetic, while Ragdoll cats are typically more laid-back and relaxed.
Appearance of Ragdoll vs Siamese cats
In terms of appearance, Ragdoll cats have long, silky coats that come in various colors and pointed patterns. Siamese cats have short fur with distinct markings on their faces and bodies.
Both Ragdoll and Siamese cats are attractive to look at, but they have some differences in their physical characteristics.
How Ragdolls look
Ragdoll cats are large in size and have fluffy coats, with their big feet also a distinctive feature.
They’re known for their beautiful, soft, and long fur, which is usually white with patches of blue, red, or seal and tends to be longer on their tail, chest, and legs.
Ragdolls do come in the color black, but this is more rare and usually the result of crossbreeding.
Ragdolls also have large, blue eyes and a round face, while their ears are large and pointed, and their nose is short and broad.
They have a long, slender body and medium to long legs.
How Siamese look
Siamese cats have slender, elongated bodies and pointed features.
They have short, smooth fur that is typically cream or light brown in color, with darker points on their ears, face, paws, and tail.
Siamese cats have large, almond-shaped eyes that are usually blue or green and are very different when compared to Ragdolls.
It gives them the appearance of being cunning or even angry, whereas Ragdolls’ wide, bright eyes promote a cuddlier demeanour.
Siamese ears are large and pointed, their noses are long and thin, and they have long, slender legs and a tail of medium length.
In summing them up, Siamese cats are more elegant and graceful in appearance, with a sleek and slender build, while Ragdolls are much cuter and cuddlier, due to their fluffy coats (especially in winter, when it gets even thicker).
Size of Ragdoll vs Siamese cats
Ragdoll cats are normally bigger in size than Siamese cats, both in terms of bulkiness and weight. Ragdolls’ fluffy fur will add to the illusion that they’re significantly larger than Siamese, however this often isn’t the case.
Male Ragdolls can reach weights of up to 20 pounds or more, while females are typically slightly smaller, weighing around 10-15 pounds.
However, size can vary significantly within the breed and some individuals may be smaller or larger.
In terms of height, Ragdoll cats can grow up to 2 feet or more in length, including their tail.
Siamese cats, by comparison, are generally smaller in size than Ragdolls, although they’re still considered to be a medium to large breed.
They’re known for their slender, elongated bodies and elegant appearance.
Male Siamese cats can weigh up to 15 pounds or more, while females are typically smaller, weighing around 10 pounds.
When it comes to height, Siamese cats can reach lengths of up to 1.5 feet or more, including their tail.
They’re normally longer and taller than they are wide, giving them a sleek and slender appearance.
Health/diet of Ragdoll vs Siamese cats
Ragdoll and Siamese cats generally stay very healthy, provided you feed them a good diet, groom them regularly and take them for scheduled veterinary check-ups. They will live anywhere up to 15 years or more if they’re properly taken care of and have no underlying health conditions.
But there are some health issues which both breeds are more susceptible to than others.
This can include:
Heart problems: Ragdolls and Siamese are both prone to a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes thickening of the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure.
Kidney problems: Some Ragdolls and Siamese may develop kidney disease or kidney failure, usually due to congenital defects, which can be serious or life-threatening.
Bladder problems: Both breeds may also be susceptible to urinary tract issues, such as feline lower urinary tract disease, which can result in as bladder infections or stones.
Dental problems: Both Ragdolls and Siamese can develop dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque.
Obesity: Both cats are at risk of obesity due to their laid-back, relaxed personalities. It is important to monitor their diet and activity levels to prevent excessive weight gain.
While congenital or pre-disposed health conditions can’t be avoided, the other possible health issues that affect Ragdolls and Siamese can be avoided largely through proper dieting and care.
A mixture of whole-meat-based canned food and dry food, coupled with occasional dental biscuits will help take care of each cats’ dietary and dental health (provided they are served in the appropriate portions).
Similarly, regular grooming – including weekly brushing, and monthly clipping of nails and cleaning of ears – can prevent other less serious health complications such as proper regulation of body temperature, toe infections or nail infections.
Siamese, given their shorter fur, may require less grooming than Ragdolls, however you should still do it on a fortnightly basis at a minimum.
It’s also imperative to regularly visit a veterinarian to help prevent or manage any health issues, should they arise, regardless of whether you own a Ragdoll or Siamese cat.
Cost of Ragdoll vs Siamese cats
Ragdoll cats are generally more expensive and will cost anywhere between $800-$2000 USD compared to the cheaper $600-800 USD price tag for an ordinary Siamese cat. That being said, ‘premium’ Siamese cats can fetch upwards of $1500 with the right genetics and family history.
Factors that will influence their price include the age of the cat, it’s breeding line (e.g. if it is purebred) and whether it’s intended to be used in show competitions.
If you’re buying from a reputable breeder who has a history of produce award-winning Ragdoll or Siamese cats, you can certainly expect to pay more than if you were to buy from a less-decorated breeder.
Naturally, purebred cats are always going to fetch a higher price than crossbreeds (Siamese are actually classified as a ‘natural’ breed, with their coat color points the result of a genetic mutation).
If you’re not intending to show your Ragdoll or Siamese cat in competition, you can likely get one cheaper.
Regardless of what you’re paying, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who takes good care of their cats and screens for health problems.
Any breeder worth buying from will have clear, accredited documentation showing the vaccination records and breeding history of the cats they sell.
Also keep in mind that the initial purchase price is only a part of the overall cost of owning a Ragdoll or Siamese and you’ll need to budget for ongoing expenses such as food, litter, vet care, and other supplies on top of the initial purchase price.
Are Ragdoll cats better than Siamese?
Both Ragdolls and Siamese cats have their own unique characteristics and traits that may make them a good fit for some people, but not for others.
Ragdolls are a laid-back breed that’s affectionate and loving with their families.
They’re also known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them a good choice for first-time cat owners.
Siamese cats are a social and active breed that is highly intelligent and curious, and renowned for being vocal and sometimes demanding of attention from their owners.
Siamese are generally well-suited to families with children or other pets, as they enjoy being part of a group.
Ultimately, the best breed for you will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle and the connection you have with the individual cat when you meet them for the first time (the latter is arguably the most important factor).
Final message
No matter which breed you choose, Ragdolls and Siamese make wonderful pets.
While there are very few differences between the breeds, hopefully this article has given you enough information to help you make an informed choice if you’re considering buying either a Ragdoll or Siamese.
Regardless of your decision, both breeds will bring you plenty of happiness and quickly become a valued member of your family.
