Do you own a Himalayan or Ragdoll cat? Ragdolls have a lot in common with Himalayan cats, but some key differences exist between the two breeds. Read on for more information about how these two might be different.
What is a Ragdoll Cat?
The Ragdoll Cat is known for its relaxed, friendly temperament, large size, non-mating coat, and striking blue eyes. However, the defining trait of the Ragdoll Cat is the flop! Ragdoll Cats go completely limp and relaxed when picked up and held. Ragdolls are a relatively recent breed of cat, having originated in California, USA in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker.
What is a Himalayan Cat?
Like the Ragdoll, the Himalayan cat is a relatively new cat breed. They were developed in the 1950s by crossing a Siamese cat and a Persian cat. They are a breed of cat with a beautiful, long, thick coat. They also have a unique body shape and facial features. These cats are also called “Himmies” or “Himmy.” In recent years, the popularity of the Himalayan has been on the rise due to their sweet personalities and unique appearance.
Blue Himalayan Cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Appearance
Ragdoll and Himalayan cats are very similar in appearance, and it can be hard to tell the difference between the two breeds. However, there are a few key differences between Ragdoll and Himalayan cats.
Both cat breeds are known for their stunning blue eyes. However, you might notice a slight difference in their facial features. A Ragdoll has a medium-sized head and ears with a triangular face and oval eyes. The Himalayan exhibits more of a round face and round eyes. A Himalayan will either have a flat face (peke faced) or a doll face.
Himalayan with a flat (Peke) face
The Himalayan is heavy boned with a short body and thick legs. The Ragdoll is also heavy boned but has a longer body and long legs.
Both cats are a pointed blue-eyed cat breed with similar patterns and colors recognised as breed standard by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
The breeds are identical in the way both Himalayan and Ragdoll kittens are born completely white, with the color developing on their extremities during the first few weeks of their life.
Both Himalayan and Ragdolls present in the following colors and patterns:
Colors
- Seal – the extremities (nose, ears, tail and paws) are dark brown, and their body a cream color with a shade of brown.
- Blue – the extremities are dark grey, and their bodies are cream-coloured shades of gray.
- Chocolate – the extremities are light brown, and their body a creamy white color.
- Lilac – the extremities are light blue, and their body an icy white color.
- Flame – the extremities are a red/orange color, and their body a creamy color with a shade of orange.
- Cream – the extremities are ivory, and their body clear white.
Flame Himalayan Cat
Patterns
- Bicolor – an inverted v mask marking on the face.
- Colorpoint – the ears, paws, face and tail are all colored and the rest of the body a cream color.
- Mitted – As with colorpoint but their paws and chin have white ‘mitts’. They also have a belly stripe, a white stripe that runs from their chin to their genitals. Mitted Ragdolls can sometimes have a white spot on their face which may look like a blaze, star or hourglass.
- Lynx – a variant of the bicolor, colorpoint or mitted with tabby markings.
- Tortie – a variant of the bicolor, colorpoint or mitted patterns, calico in color.
The Himalayan cat also presents in the tabby pattern with a distinctive M marking on its forehead.
Blue point ragdoll cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Size
Himalayans are typically smaller than their Ragdoll counterparts, with the average Himalayan weighing in at around six to twelve pounds. In comparison, the average Ragdoll cat can weigh up to fifteen or twenty pounds.
Ragdoll Cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Coat
A significant difference between the two cat breeds is their coat.
The Ragdoll Cat is a medium to long-haired cat breed. Its coat is none mating and has a silky and shiny appearance, and is similar in texture to that of a rabbit’s fur. The Ragdoll cat is known for its fluffy mane of fur around its neck, which becomes more pronounced as they mature. Despite its fluffy coat, the Ragdoll Cat breed does not have an undercoat, unlike many other cat breeds. The absence of undercoat results in less hair shed by the cat. There is a belief that Ragdoll Cats are hypoallergenic due to their lack of undercoat, but sadly this is not true.
The Himalayan cat is a long-haired breed, and its coat is extremely dense, with a soft, downy texture. Its thick fur makes the breed appear larger than it actually is. A Himalayan’s coat requires daily grooming to keep it in good condition as it is inclined to become matted. The Himalayan does have an undercoat which means it will be prone to shedding more than the Ragdoll.
Himalayan Cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Personality
Both breeds of cats are known for their gentle, placid nature. Both make good family pets and are suitable for apartment living. Both breeds are known for their sociability and do not cope well being left alone for long periods, although the Himalayan manages better than the Ragdoll. If you and your family are out of the home for long periods during the day, it would be advisable to make sure they have a playmate to keep them company. Numerous studies have shown that cats with companions are happier and more active.
Friendliness
Ragdolls are known for being one of the most friendly cat breeds. They have earned the nickname ‘puppy-dogs‘ for their dog-like nature. They are known to greet you at the front door when you enter the house and spend time following you around the home.
The Himalayans are similar in nature to the Ragdoll. They are incredibly loving, love a cuddle and are devoted to their powers.
Vocalness
The Ragdoll, with its quiet, soft meow, is said to be less vocal than the Himalayan. But, like the Siamese, the Himalayans like to ‘talk’ to their humans by meowling.
Intelligence
Both breeds are of equal intelligent cats that are easily trained. Many Ragdolls and Himalayans love to participate in a game of fetch. It is possible to train both breeds to walk outside on a harness and leash.
Playfulness
Both cats are very playful, although the Himalayan is more active than the Ragdoll. The Ragdoll is happy to lounge around all day, whereas the Himalayan displays playful, kitten-like bursts of energy.
Compatibility with Children and other pets
Both cat breeds make for great family pets. They are both sociable animals are and tolerant of young children and other family pets.
Blue Ragdoll cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Health issues
Ragdolls are a relatively robust breed of cat with few common health issues, whereas Himalayans are susceptible to several hereditary and congenital conditions. As a result of their skull’s brachiocephalic (flat-faced, short-nosed) shape, many Himalayans develop respiratory and eye problems.
If you are looking to purchase either breed of cat, it is important to seek out a reputable cat breeder who is committed to breeding healthy kittens from parents who have been genetically tested to be free of certain hereditary conditions.
Ragdoll Health Issues
Himalayan Health Issues
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Respiratory Issues (Flat faced Himalayans)
- Ringworm
- Watery eyes (Flat faced Himalayans)
Both cats can be prone to obesity if their nutrition intake is not controlled.
Himalayan Cat
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Lifespan
Both cats are known for their longevity. However, the average lifespan of a Himalayan Cat is 15 years, whereas the Ragdoll averages 15 to 20 years.
Ragdoll Vs Himalayan – Cost
The purchase price of Ragdolls and Himalayans are quite similar. The average price for a Ragdoll ranges from $800-$2000 compared with the Himalayan which ranges from $500 – $2500.
Himalayan Cat
In conclusion, Himalayan and Ragdoll cats are quite different, but there are also some similarities. If you are thinking of getting a cat, it is important to do your research and find the breed that is best for you and your lifestyle. If you don’t have the time to groom your cat on a daily basis then the Ragdoll might fit better with your lifestyle than the Himalayan.
Find out about the Himalayan Ragdoll Mix Cat
