Welcome to our comprehensive list of cat breeds that have characteristics similar to the popular Ragdoll cat.
If you’re fond of the Ragdoll’s sociable nature, silky fur, striking blue eyes and gentle disposition, this guide will introduce you to several other breeds that might also capture your heart.
We delve into the details of each breed’s appearance, size, weight, and unique personality traits, comparing and contrasting them with the beloved Ragdoll.
We also provide an easy-to-navigate pros and cons list for each breed to aid your decision-making.
Whether you’re a single owner or a bustling family, this guide will help you discover the breed that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences, offering a wealth of options for your potential feline companion.
1. Birman
Birmans have similar temperaments and appearances to Ragdolls, with silky fur and piercing blue eyes. They’re medium to large-sized cats, weighing between 6-12 pounds.
Appearance: Birmans have a strong, muscular body with a distinct color point pattern that is a blend of white, brown and black. Their coat is medium-length, silken, and requires slightly less grooming compared to a Ragdoll’s.
Color varieties: Birman cats are characterized by their striking color point pattern, where their bodies are lighter in color while their faces, ears, paws, and tail exhibit darker shades. The most common color for Birmans is seal point, where the body is cream or fawn, and the points are a rich, deep brown.
Personality: Birmans are gentle, affectionate, and sociable. They’re slightly less floppy when picked up compared to Ragdolls but are still very people-oriented.
Pros
- Good with children and other pets
- They have fewer grooming needs compared to Ragdolls
- They’re typically healthy and robust cats
Cons
- They can be quite vocal and demanding of attention
- Not quite as laid-back as Ragdolls
2. Maine Coon
Maine Coons, one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds. They’re sometimes referred to as the ‘gentle giants’ of the cat world, due to their large size but placid personas.
Appearance: They have a shaggy, weather-resistant coat and tufted ears. Their size and fur length exceed that of Ragdolls and is often gray and tabby in color. Maine Coons have a golden/yellow/green eye color.
Color varieties: The most common color for Maine Coon cats is the classic tabby pattern, which features bold, dark stripes on a lighter background. Other popular colors include solid black, brown, and white, showcasing the natural beauty and elegance of these magnificent cats.
Personality: Maine Coons are friendly, playful, and intelligent. While not as docile as Ragdolls, and arguably more active, they still love interacting with their human family.
Pros
- They have a playful and outgoing personality
- Very intelligent, can be trained to perform tricks
- Healthy and long-lived breed
Cons
- Requires more grooming due to their thick, long fur
- Can be too energetic and playful for some owners
3. Siberian
Siberians are large, sturdy and thick-furred cats that can weigh between 8 to 17 pounds.
Appearance: They have a dense triple coat and slightly rounded ears with lynx-like tufts. They’re heftier and have a denser coat than Ragdolls. Eye color can either be yellow or blue.
Color varieties: Siberian cats exhibit a range of colors and patterns, including tabby patterns like classic and mackerel tabby, solid colors such as white, black, blue, cream, and more, as well as bi-color, tortoiseshell, calico, and colorpoint variations.
Personality: Siberians are adventurous and intelligent, though they can also be quite affectionate, not quite matching the Ragdoll’s docility but close.
Pros
- They have a strong immune system and overall robust health
- More adventurous and playful than Ragdolls
- Hypoallergenic breed
Cons
- They require more exercise due to their high energy levels
- Their dense coat needs regular grooming
4. Persian
Persians are medium to large-sized cats, weighing anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds.
Appearance: They have a luxuriant long coat, short muzzle, and expressive, round eyes. White Persians usually have deep blue or copper eyes, while silver or golden Persians have green eyes and solid-colored cats have copper eyes.They have shorter, stockier bodies and longer fur compared to Ragdolls.
Color varieties: Persian cats also come in a variety of colors including solid shades such as white, black, blue, cream, red, and chocolate, as well as patterns like tabby, bi-color, calico, and tortoiseshell. Their luxurious long fur showcases a range of stunning hues, making Persian cats visually captivating and diverse in coloration.
Personality: Persians are calm, gentle, and loving but tend to be more reserved than Ragdolls.
Pros
- They have a calm and loving nature, making them great companions
- They’re typically less active, suitable for a relaxed household
Cons
- Their long fur requires daily grooming
- They may have health issues related to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature
5. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are a variant of Ragdolls and can weigh between 10 to 20 pounds.
Appearance: They have a plush, rabbit-like fur and large, walnut-shaped eyes that can be any color. They’re similar to Ragdolls in size and fur length but have more variety in eye and coat color.
Color varieties: The most common colors for Ragamuffin cats include solid white, black, blue, cream, and red. These cats can also be seen in classic tabby patterns, where their coat displays distinctive swirls and stripes in colors like brown, black, or blue.
Personality: Ragamuffins are calm, friendly, and enjoy cuddling, very similar to Ragdolls in temperament.
Pros
- They’re very affectionate and good with families and other pets
- Their coat, though long, does not mat as easily as other long-haired breeds
- Less likely to be wary of strangers compared to other breeds
Cons
- They can be prone to obesity due to their laid-back nature
- Requires regular grooming due to their long fur
6. Balinese
Balinese cats are medium-sized and usually weigh between 6 to 11 pounds.
Appearance: They have a long, svelte body with a medium-length silky coat and deep blue almond-shaped eyes. They’re more slender and less fluffy than Ragdolls.
Color varieties: Balinese cats, known for their sleek and silky coat, are often seen in striking color points. Their bodies typically have lighter shades such as cream or fawn, while their ears, face, paws, and tail exhibit darker colors like seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac.
Personality: Balinese cats are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them a good alternative to the Ragdoll, though they are more active and talkative.
Pros
- They are less prone to matting due to their short coat compared to a Ragdoll’s
- Balinese cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks
Cons
- They can be quite vocal, which might not be ideal for everyone
- Require mental stimulation due to their intelligence and activity levels
7. Himalayan
Himalayans, also known as Colorpoint Persians, are medium to large-sized cats, with weights ranging from 7 to 12 pounds.
Appearance: They have a cobby body shape, long, dense fur, and striking blue eyes. Their body is shorter and rounder than a Ragdoll’s, and their coat is denser.
Color varieties: Himalayan cats display a color point pattern similar to that of the Siamese breed. Their bodies are lighter in color, usually cream or white, while their extremities such as the ears, face, paws, and tail showcase darker shades like seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac.
Personality: Himalayans are calm, sweet-natured, and enjoy lounging around, similar to Ragdolls, but can be more reserved.
Pros
- They are generally calm and good for families or owners looking for a low-activity pet
- Their beautiful appearance is a sight to behold
Cons
- Their long, dense coat requires daily grooming
- They can have health issues related to their brachycephalic nature, similar to Persians
Remember, the best way to decide on a cat breed is by spending some time with them – either at the pet store, or breeder’s place of business – to see if their personalities and care requirements are a good fit for you.
And don’t forget, many wonderful mixed-breed cats are also looking for homes and can make amazing companions.
Which breed is most similar to the Ragdoll Cat?
The breed most similar to the Ragdoll cat is the Birman. Birmans are actually a variant of the Ragdoll breed, and were thought to be one of the breeds that helped create the Ragdoll, which is why they share many characteristics.
Here’s why the Birman is most similar to the Ragdoll:
Appearance: Both breeds are large, with soft, semi-longhair coats that are thicker around the neck and outer edges, giving the appearance of a bib. Ragdolls and Birmans each have round, blue eyes.
Personality: Like Ragdolls, Birmans are known for their docile and calm nature. I’ve owned both breeds and can confirm each is equally affectionate and love to be held or cuddled. They’re also known for their ‘puppy-like’ behavior, following their owners around the house, which is a trait often seen in Ragdolls.
Behavior: Birmans share the same placid tendencies as Ragdolls. They’re less likely to defend themselves in threatening situations, and they exhibit the characteristic ‘floppiness’ when picked up, akin to Ragdolls.
Health and lifespan: Both breeds have a similar lifespan, averaging between 12 to 17 years, and share similar health issues, such as a susceptibility to heart diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Because of these numerous similarities in appearance, personality, behavior and health, the Birman is clearly the breed most similar to the Ragdoll cat.
Which is the best breed for single owners, aside from Ragdolls?
Considering a balance between companionship, maintenance level, and adaptability, the Balinese cat is often highly recommended for single owners.
Balinese cats are well-suited for owners who live alone due to their social nature, high intelligence, and strong bonds with their humans.
They provide constant companionship, enjoy interactive play, and are affectionate.
Additionally, their low-maintenance coat, which is shorter than a Ragdoll’s, makes them a practical choice for individuals with busy lifestyles.
While breed characteristics can give you an idea of what to expect, individual cats may vary widely in personality and temperament.
For this reason, it’s always a good idea to spend some time with a cat before deciding to bring it home to ensure that it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
Which is the best breed for families, aside from Ragdolls?
The Maine Coon, often called the “gentle giant,” stands out as a particularly good choice for families due to its tolerance to children, sociability, and energy levels.
Not only are Maine Coons known for their friendly, outgoing nature and high intelligence, they’re good with children and other pets, making them well suited to family life.
These cats are playful and enjoy interactive toys, which can be a source of fun for the whole family.
Their playful, energetic nature can be entertaining for both kids and adults, while their large, sturdy, robust frame and gentle temperament make them less likely to be injured by younger children.
Final message
While the Ragdoll breed has its unique charm, there are several other breeds out there that share similar qualities and can fit perfectly into your life.
From the affectionate Birman to the playful Maine Coon, the adventurous Siberian to the calm Persian, each breed carries its own unique blend of qualities that may align with what you appreciate in Ragdolls.
The decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle and the specific needs of your household.
