10 Differences – The Himalayan Cat vs the Ragdoll Cat

If you have a quick look at images of the Himalayan cats vs the Ragdoll breed, you might see a striking resemblance but there are some significant differences. 

1.  Their Origin

The parent breeds of the Himalayan cat are the Persian cat and the Siamese cat. It was bred for the first time in the 1930s in the United States. The hope when breeding the two breeds was to mix the Persian’s luxurious coat and the beautiful piercing blue eyes of Siamese cats.

The Ragdoll cat has managed to capture the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide. Researching information on these beautiful cats was a lot easier as there’s a lot more available. This feline favorite is said to be a mix of Persian, Burman, and Angora types of cats. The first Ragdoll was bred in the 1960s by a breeder named Ann Baker.

Physical Characteristics – The Himalayan cat vs the Ragdoll cat

2.  Fur and Eyes

Himalayan: Although there can be many variations, this child-friendly breed will usually have long and straight silky fur in a color points pattern like the Siamese cat. They have gorgeous coats that come in various colors such as:

• Chocolate
• Lilac
• Cream
• Tortoiseshell
• Red

These affectionate cats will all have blue eyes only which is one of the physical traits that make them long time popular cats

Ragdoll: As with many other mixed-breed cat, the Ragdoll cat comes in a variety of colors quite similar to the Himalayan cat colors. Their most common patterns include the coloured points, bi-color and mitted. This feline friend also has beautiful expressive blue eyes. 

3.  Body

Himalayan: These medium to large-sized cats have a pretty robust-looking body. They are generally muscular. Some have the flat face and short nose of Persian cats. The Himalayan is known to have the Cobby type of body which means short legs with a broad chest. 

Ragdoll: This furry companion grows to a pretty large size. They are quite muscular as well.  Their semi-long fur can make them appear even bigger. 

4.  Size

Himalayan: Because of their thick coats, this furry friend may appear a lot bigger than they actually are. Himalayans are more medium-sized cats than Ragdolls. Males usually weigh between 9 to 14 pounds whereas the females will weigh between 7 to 11 pounds. 

Ragdoll: These adorable felines are usually bigger than the Himalayan cat. Males can weigh between 15 to 20 pounds and females between 10 to 15 pounds.

Cat Care – The Himalayan cat vs the Ragdoll cat

5.  Grooming

Himalayan: If you don’t have a lot of time to groom your cat, the Himalayan cat is probably not the right breed for you. Their silky coat requires daily brushing sessions to maintain their luxurious look. It is especially important to maintain proper care of their fur since it can mat easily. This can, in turn, cause some skin issues. Because their fur is thicker than the Ragdoll, they will require a little bit more time and attention. They are also prone to having tear stains because of their flat face. You can clean this with a damp cloth. 

Ragdoll: As with all long-haired breeds, the ragdoll coat regular grooming. They don’t need it as much as the Himalayan since the ragdoll’s fur is not as likely to get matted, but cat parents should brush their fur at least twice a week or more. Luckily, this furry pet enjoys being groomed since they like the attention. Spending time with your ragdoll in this way is great for building stronger bonds. 

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6.  Exercise

Himalayan: These cats have held on to the social nature and playfulness of the Siamese cat. One minute they’re quietly snoozing on the couch, the next they are zooming across the room. These moments of bursts of energy should be encouraged. They help maintain a daily exercise routine to avoid obesity. Be sure to include lots of playtime with your furry companion. Interactive play is an essential part of living a healthy life for the Himalayan cat. Using a variety of interactive toys can help them stay healthy and fit. It can also help build a stronger bond with their human family.

Ragdoll: Since Ragdoll cats are fairly trainable, it’s a good opportunity to include some exercising into a training routine such as getting them to follow a wand toy to lead them to jump up and down and run around the room. Because they as active, it’s important to encourage them to play every day along with feeding them a balanced diet so they stay healthy.

7.  Health Issues

Himalayan: This cat breed is unfortunately prone to the same diseases as the Persian cat. Particularly, they are prone to the same respiratory issues because of they have the same squished face. They are also more likely to suffer from kidney disease which can thankfully be managed with early detection. Himalayan cats are also prone to eye, liver, and skin problems. Make sure to keep regular vet check-ups.

Ragdoll: Unfortunately, this cat breed is prone to heart disease. Early detection through regular vet visits can help prevent serious health issues. As mentioned in the exercise section, Ragdolls are not very active and as a result, are at risk of becoming obese. They are also often suffering from urinary and bladder issues.  

The Personality – The Himalayan cat vs the Ragdoll cat

8.  Personality traits

Himalayan: As previously mentioned, the Himalayan cat inherited the Siamese’s playfulness. They are an intelligent cat and curious though not very likely to jump up on counters or bookshelves because of their shorter legs. These long-haired felines love to spend time with their human family. The Persian cat inherited their gentle temperament and calm nature. As much as they love to play, they also enjoy curling up on your lap and napping while you watch your favourite TV show. If you’re looking for a super cuddly cat breed, look no further. 

Ragdoll: One of the personality traits that attract so many cat lovers to the Ragdoll is also the reason for their name. These sweet cats with an affectionate nature are known to go limp when they get picked up. Ragdoll cats are also loyal companions to their human family. They love companionship which makes for great pets. Finally, they are very relaxed cats which them ideal companions for people who prefer a more docile animal.

9.  Talking 

Himalayan: Although there seems to be some conflicting information, it seems that in general, the Himalayans are not overly talkative. I imagine some might have inherited a bit more chattiness from the Siamese cat. Each individual cat will often have key differences even within the same breed.

Ragdoll:  These four-legged pets are more of low vocalization cats. They are known to have a soft melodious purr. They most often talk to express affection toward their human which makes them even more popular among cat lovers. 

10.  Popularity

Himalayan: Although Himalayans are incredibly popular and have some of the most beautiful physical attributes, they can’t seem to beat the much-loved Ragdoll cat

Ragdoll: Lastly, it’s no surprise to anyone that the Ragdoll cat most often wins the popularity contest against most cats including the Himalayan. Because of their sweet personality and beautiful looks, new cat parent seems to choose Ragdoll cats more than other cat breeds.