Himalayan cats and Ragdoll cats have some significant similarities, as well as some significant differences. Both cats are very popular breeds. They have gorgeous coats and wonderful personalities. And they look pretty similar, and it’s no surprise that at times they get confused. So, what are the differences and similarities between the breeds?
Is My Cat A Ragdoll Or Himalayan?
One of the big differences is that Ragdolls have no undercoat, so they need less grooming than Himalayan cats. Ragdolls are also relatively larger than Himalayans, but Himalayans tend to be more playful and energetic. They are not as floppy or relaxed as Ragdoll cats, on the whole, although they are still a pleasant, docile breed.
If you’re considering getting a cat for your family, it’s essential to know which breed is the right fit. We’ll take an in-depth look at both these breeds to help you find the right feline friend.
How Do They Differ In Appearance?
Himalayans and Ragdoll cats are very similar in appearance, at least in terms of color. They can be a variety of different colors, such as cream, blue, chocolate, lilac, seal, and red.
Both cats come in these colors, but they may differ in terms of their patterning.
Ragdoll cats can be colorpoint, mitted, or bicolor. A colorpoint cat has the class dark legs and paws, with a dark tail and dark face.
A mitted cat has a white stripe all along the belly, from the back end to the chin. A bicolor has a white pattern running from its chin down its legs, chest, and belly.
By contrast, Himalayans can carry tortoiseshell, tabby, or lynx patterning.
Tortoiseshell patterning means that the cat has a patched, multicolored coat. The pattern can be large or small.
A tabby has specific markings, with an “M” mark on its face. Stripes across its cheeks and besides its eyes. In addition, stripes around its legs and tail and across its back.
The lynx marking is a result of mixing a tabby and a colorpoint, and results in the colorpoint marking getting blended with a tabby’s stripes.
The two can look remarkably similar in spite of somewhat different markings, and it is often hard to tell the difference between a Ragdoll and a Himalayan from their looks alone.
It’s unknown whether Ragdolls have Himalayan cats in their ancestry, but they certainly come from long-haired, large cats.
It’s worth noting that Ragdolls tend to be larger than the Himalayans.
This is because the Himalayans are solid and have heavy bones, but Ragdolls are simply big weighty cats.
Fortunately, they are both very gentle, and so their size is no disadvantage!
What Are Their Coats Like?
There is also a significant difference in terms of their coats. While both look similar, carrying long, fluffy, gorgeously thick coats, a Ragdoll cat does not have an undercoat.
This means that they need less grooming – although you will still need to groom them about twice a week, don’t get one if you aren’t prepared to do this.
Their coats tend to mat less, and while they still shed, it is to a much lesser degree than the other long-haired breeds.
They are not hypoallergenic (nor are other cats), as some people say, but they do create less mess due to their fur.
A Himalayan, according to ExcitedCats, needs grooming every day. Their coats tangle easily and can mat because of their thick, fluffy undercoat.
You will need to brush their coats regularly, and you will find that they shed considerably more than Ragdolls, so a lot more cleanup is required around them.
How Active Are They?
Both cats are considered docile and relaxed, but Himalayans are bred from Siamese parents, and Siamese are known for being active cats.
Here are the differences between a Ragdoll and Siamese.
The Himalayan cat breed will be more active and excitable than a Ragdoll. Of course, every cat is different and it depends on their personality.
Ragdoll cats were bred to be relaxed and floppy, as the name suggests. They do not tend to be active cats. And usually prefer to lounge beside their owners and chill out for hours on end. This is what makes them great pets for families, as Ragdolls bond with more than one person.
They do like a lot of attention, and as kittens, they can be playful, but adult Ragdolls are rarely active by choice.
LifetimePetCover tells us that while Himalayans like to relax and nap beside their owners, they are also active at times. They do not have a Siamese’s persistent energy, but they do have bursts of activity in which all they want to do is play and play.
They need exercise regularly to help avoid weight issues, so be prepared to play with your Himalayan.
Himalayans are thought by many to be the perfect blend of active and relaxed, but you may notice they are more vocal than Ragdolls.
What About In Terms Of Personality?
Both cats are very affectionate and good with families. They handle children well and like to be near their people at all times. You need plenty of time to commit to these pets, and it’s hard to say which is the more loving – because they both adore people.
Ragdolls are famous for their loving natures. They are very gentle, calm, sweet cats, and they like everyone.
They will readily approach strangers for fuss and affection and are at ease with guests and often with other pets, although it does depend on the pet.
Some Ragdolls may find high-energy pets challenging to cope with. As a result, they prefer relaxed, calm companions with whom they can nap and cuddle, rather than ones that will hassle them to play all the time.
Himalayan cats are also known for being highly affectionate, cuddly felines. They bond strongly with their families and love to be with them.
However, because of their Siamese ancestry, they are a little more prone to moodiness than Ragdolls, may sulk if you have been away, or give attention to someone else.
That doesn’t mean they love you any less, however. Both of these cat breeds are good with children and very much “people cats.” They do not thrive when left alone too often, and they are happiest when they have a lap to cuddle on!
How Do They Compare For Intelligence?
Both are very smart cats and can be taught tricks such as fetch with relative ease. Whether one is more intelligent than the other is hard to determine. But it has been noted that it’s tricky to teach Ragdolls tricks. They would rather relax than exert energy on something.
Because Himalayans are a little more active, you may find it a bit easier to teach your Himalayan how to do something (or not to do something).
You will have to pick your moments well and make the most of their playful moods, but this may mean that they are easier to train on the whole.
A Ragdoll cat can be just as smart as a Himalayan, but that doesn’t mean they want to show it. You may find it hard to motivate your Ragdoll, even with treats, when it comes to teaching them tricks!
Final Word
Himalayan cats and Ragdolls certainly carry a lot of similarities, and they both make excellent family pets.
They are easy to confuse in terms of their looks and behavior, and if you are seeking a feline with a beautiful, soft coat, either will fit the bill!
However, Ragdolls tend to be a little more serene and calm, while Himalayans like a bit more exercise.
They are generally relaxed too, but you are more likely to see them chasing around in bursts of excitement while a Ragdoll lounges nearby.
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