Medical problems for Siamese aren't much different from those of most modern show breeds, which are developed for certain characteristics with no regard to the cat's health or longevity. I have had Siamese most of my life, and never had any problems with their health--but we had what is called the 'Classic' style when I was young, and I now have the 'Traditional'. Traditional are the original Siamese introduced to the West--sturdy, muscular and healthy, they are largish cats which come in the usual point colors of Seal, Chocolate, Lilac and Blue. 'Classic' Siamese are an in-between of the traditional and modern skinny show cat--still big and healthy compared to modern types, but with a little more triangular head and body. I had a lilac point who died of kidney failure in 2001, but he was 21 years old, and got around fine though he had gone blind and was going deaf and starting to develop the habit of walking in circles until I would pick him up and then put him back down.

Ragdolls (as their name implies) are extremely "laid-back," docile, non-aggressive cats. They tend to relax when held. They are said to possess a non-fighting instinct, which means that if attacked, they do not defend themselves. Because Ragdolls lack the instinct to defend themselves when attacked, they must be kept as indoor pets only. However, they can be easily leash trained so that they can go for walks with you outside. They are very "people" oriented and love to be around others, which often finds them greeting guests and/or following their owners around in a fashion similar to a puppy. They are often quite an attraction in a show ring because of their docile dispositions and acceptance of the judge placing them on their backs, holding them like a baby.