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If you're considering adding a new feline companion to your home, you may have come across two popular breeds: the Ragdoll and the Himalayan. While both breeds are known for their affectionate personalities, they do have some differences in terms of behavior, grooming needs, and more. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a table comparing these two breeds
Comprehensive table about Ragdoll or Himalayan
| Item | Ragdoll | Himalayan |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | None | Himalayan Colorpoint |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Physical characters | Large, muscular | Medium, stocky |
| Appearance | Fluffy, pointed | Fluffy, pointed |
| Height | 9-11 inches (22-28 cm) | 9-11 inches (22-28 cm) |
| Weight | 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) | 7-12 pounds (3-5.5 kg) |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life span | 12-17 years | 9-15 years |
| Gestation period | 63-65 days | 64-66 days |
| Weaning date | 8-10 weeks | 8-10 weeks |
| Litter size | 1-8 kittens | 1-4 kittens |
| Affection level | High | High |
| Friendliness overall | Very friendly | Very friendly |
| Family friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Kid friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Pet friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Stranger friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Good for busy owners | Yes | Yes |
| Good for novice owners | Yes | Yes |
| Good with other dogs | Yes | Yes |
| Good with cats | Yes | Yes |
| Can be alone | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Easy to groom | Yes | Yes |
| Energy level | Low | Low |
| Exercise needs | Low | Low |
| Can bite | Rarely | Rarely |
| Behavior | Gentle and relaxed | Gentle and relaxed |
| Easy to train | Easy | Easy |
| Playfulness | Low | Low |
| Barking | Quiet | Quiet |
| Vocalization | Low | Low |
| Guard dog | No | No |
| Watch dog | No | No |
| Prey drive | Low | Low |
| Digging tendency | Low | Low |
| Sensitivity level | High | High |
| Adaptability level | High | High |
| Adaptability to warm weather | Good | Good |
| Adaptability to cold weather | Good | Good |
| Adaptability to light/darkness | Good | Good |
| Adaptability to noise | Good | Good |
| Mental stimulation needs | Low | Low |
| Intelligence | Average | Average |
| Coat type | Semi-longhair | Longhair |
| Coat color | Various colors and patterns | Various colors and patterns |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat grooming frequency | Once a week | Once a week |
| Shedding level | Low | Low |
| Drooling level | Low | Low |
| Territoriality | Low | Low |
| Obedience level | Easy | Easy |
| Distractibility level | Low | Low |
| Fearfulness level | Low | Low |
| Intensity | Low | Low |
| Nutrition | Good quality food | Good quality food |
| Health concerns | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Respiratory problems |
| Popularity | 2nd most popular cat breed | 9th most popular cat breed |
| Cost | $500-$2000 USD | $300-$1500 USD |
strong points of Ragdoll breed:
1. Affectionate and gentle nature: Ragdolls are known for their affectionate and gentle nature towards their owners. They love to be held and cuddled, and are often described as "lap cats". This makes them great companions for families with children or other pets.
2. Low maintenance grooming: Ragdolls have a semi-long, plush coat that is relatively easy to groom and maintain. They do not shed excessively and only require weekly brushing to prevent matting and tangles.
3. Adaptability: Ragdolls are adaptable to different living situations, including apartments and houses. They are also adaptable to changes in their environment and routine.
4. Low exercise needs: Ragdolls are not very active and do not require a lot of exercise. A few play sessions throughout the day and regular opportunities to stretch their legs should suffice.
5. Easy to train: Ragdolls are intelligent cats and are easy to train. They can be taught to play fetch and respond to their name.
Weak points of Ragdoll breed:
1. Health concerns: Ragdolls are prone to certain health issues, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is a heart condition that can be fatal. It is important to obtain a Ragdoll from a reputable breeder who screens their cats for genetic health issues.
2. Biting: Ragdolls have been known to bite, especially when overstimulated or startled. This can be a concern for families with young children or other pets.
3. Sensitivity: Ragdolls are sensitive cats and can be easily stressed by changes in their environment or routine. They do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time and may develop separation anxiety.
4. Cost: Ragdolls can be expensive to purchase from a reputable breeder. They also require regular vet visits and high-quality food, which can add up over time.
strong points of Himalayan breed:
1. Affectionate and calm nature: Himalayan cats are known for their affectionate and calm nature. They enjoy being held and cuddled, making them great companions for families with children or other pets.
2. Low exercise needs: Himalayans are not very active and do not require a lot of exercise. They enjoy playing with toys and climbing cat trees, but a few play sessions throughout the day and regular opportunities to stretch their legs should suffice.
3. Easy to groom: Himalayans have a long, silky coat that requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangles. However, their coat does not shed excessively, which makes them relatively low maintenance.
4. Easy to train: Himalayans are intelligent cats and are easy to train. They can be taught to play fetch and respond to their name.
5. Good with other pets: Himalayans are known to be friendly and get along well with other pets, including dogs.
Weak points of Himalayan breed:
1. Respiratory problems: Himalayans are prone to respiratory problems due to their flat faces, which can lead to difficulty breathing. This can be exacerbated by obesity, so it is important to keep them at a healthy weight.
2. Sensitivity: Himalayans are sensitive cats and can be easily stressed by changes in their environment or routine. They do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time and may develop separation anxiety.
3. Health concerns: Himalayans are prone to certain health issues, including kidney disease, bladder stones, and dental problems. It is important to obtain a Himalayan from a reputable breeder who screens their cats for genetic health issues.
4. Cost: Himalayans can be expensive to purchase from a reputable breeder. They also require regular vet visits and high-quality food, which can add up over time.
References:
1. Cat Fanciers Association. (n.d.). Ragdoll.
2. The International Cat Association. (n.d.). Himalayan.
3. PetMD. (2021). Ragdoll Cats: Health, Personality.
4. Cat Fanciers Association. (n.d.). Himalayan.
5. PetMD. (2021). Himalayan Cats: Health, Personality.