Ragdolls are among the most popular cats worldwide due to their laid-back attitudes and dog-level affection for their owners. They always want to be where you are and will show it all the time, as they follow you wherever you go and spend plenty of time in your lap.
Siberian cats are also popular because they are highly affectionate lovers of you and water. Yes, Siberian cats probably love water more than any other cat, and bath times are their favorite. Like Ragdolls, they are a very family-oriented breed.
Ragdoll Vs. Siberian
So which cat should you get? We’ll look at the differences between the Siberian Vs. Ragdoll cats to help you make the right choice. First, we’ll look at the Ragdoll and then discuss the Siberian breed.
Ragdoll History
Ragdolls are almost accidental. Their initial breeding is a random combination of a domesticated, long-haired cat with a stray, long-haired cat. From there, the breed was tailored for several preferential traits.
The entire lineage of the Ragdoll is likely unknown because its ancestor’s inception was such a random experiment. However, Anne Baker, the original breeder, attributed with the beginning of the Ragdoll, also involved Burmese cats and different cats of Persian descent.
Ragdoll Personalities
The Ragdoll is one of the most chill cats you can own, and they owe their name to the fact that they allow themselves to go completely limp when you pick them up. However, they have a very trusting nature and love to hang out with you more than anything else.
This is the perfect companion cat if you have a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle after a day’s work. However, they can sometimes seem a bit clingy, and they will follow you everywhere, constantly underfoot. That can be dangerous for you and them, as they are always a tripping hazard.
Ragdolls are Very Social
Ragdolls aren’t going to have a problem with other members of your family and even other pets, although other pets can create problems when there are none. Ragdolls aren’t territorial and have a lot of patience with little children.
They do tend to have a single person they bond to above all others, but they are very sociable and welcoming cats who will love and appreciate everyone in their family.
They get along with almost any pet but especially a select type of cat and dog.
They get along with Siberian cats as well!
Ragdoll Size and Diet
Ragdolls are unmistakably large cats and will eat like large cats, especially if they have plenty of attention and exercise. Adult males can reach 20lbs in weight and look even more prominent with the heavy amount of fur they carry around.
Ragdolls are “mid-range” in terms of hair length, even though they are referred to as a long-haired species. Their fur is typically pale, and they almost always have large, overly bright blue eyes.
Since Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat, they are a considerable favorite for those who have allergy sensitivities.
They are, quite frankly, one of the largest domesticated breeds in the world. If you allow your Ragdoll to just be a Ragdoll, they won’t burn off enough energy to be overly hungry. The more play and exercise they get, the more they will eat.
They tend to have several sensitivities in terms of what they eat, so you want to feed them premium food and try not to change their diets quickly. Sudden diet changes can give them a lot of problems both digesting and holding their food down.
Pros and Cons of A Ragdoll
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly Affectionate | Require a lot of attention |
| Ragdolls are large cats | Shed a lot |
| Very laid back | Sensitive stomachs |
| Not overeaters | Dangerous and constantly underfoot |
| Great with family members and other pets | |
| Great with kids | |
| No undercoat |
Siberian Cat History
The Siberian cat’s origin is as cloudy as the Ragdoll, though it has been narrowed down to Siberian cats breeding with domesticated cats at some point in history. One thing is for sure: the breed is ancient, and some even believe Siberian cats are the progenitors of all domestic cats.
Whether or not that is true, Siberian cats have been around for a long time, a fact not disputed. At some point, they made their way south and west, joining the rest of the world and becoming a popular breed all over the planet.
Siberian Personalities
The Siberian cat is very much like a Ragdoll, with a large appetite for loving and familial attachments. Of course, they aren’t entirely on the same level as Ragdolls, but it’s a close thing.
They are a little more energetic as their ancestors were definitely outside cats.
Because of that, Siberians love going outside and need more exercise than Ragdolls. Unlike Ragdolls, Siberians won’t hover by your side at all times unless you are about to bathe them or go outside.
A Siberian’s Social Side
Siberian cats are very open and friendly with members of their family and other pets. However, they require more exercise than Ragdolls, so if you own a Siberian, you will have to take the extra time to spend at play or get them a lot of cat toys, especially interactive toys.
They are not fiercely territorial, but they will make exceptions sometimes, depending on the situation and what the Siberian is dealing with at the time. As aforementioned, they love water, so bath times are always more enjoyable than other breeds.
They are also safe to take outside in general. Siberians are every bit as much at home outdoors as they are indoors due to their breeding and lineage.
Siberian Cat Size and Diet
Siberians don’t weigh as much as their Ragdoll counterparts when fully grown. A male Siberian can reach 15lbs if it’s really pushing it, but even that is considered the maximum. They are also long-haired cats with a “mid-range” determination and, unlike Ragdolls, lack a sensitive stomach.
Siberians are hypoallergenic when it comes to their saliva. However, they have an undercoat—they originate from Siberia, after all—which may be problematic for those with very sensitive allergies.
Like Ragdolls, you should feed Siberian cats on a premium diet as they are purebreds. However, purebreds often suffer more than mixed breeds when it comes to cheap foods full of preservatives and other synthetic additives.
Fortunately, Siberias lack the sensitive stomachs of Ragdolls, but you should still wean them off a previous food when introducing a new one. Since Siberians are more active than Ragdolls, they will consume more food, so you will have to keep up with their appetites, though it’s nothing ravenous.
Pros and Cons of A Siberian
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly affectionate | Potential to escape outside |
| Outside/inside cats | Undercoat may be bad for allergies |
| Great with family members and other pets | They require more food |
| Great with children | HIgher maintenance |
| Very active and playful | |
| Love water so baths are a cinch |
Final Word
Both breeds will get along with almost anyone and anything. So it’s not a matter of choice regarding their sociability. It really boils down to whether or not you want a more energetic cat or a more laid-back, low-maintenance cat.
Either breed you choose, both cats will make an excellent addition to your family, and since they both get along with each other so well, why not go with two cats?
Related Articles
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_cat
https://www.thesprucepets.com/ragdoll-cat-breed-profile-4583144
