With so many incredible cat breeds to choose from, which feline would make the best pet for you? Two of our favorites are the Siberian and Ragdoll. Siberians, as the name suggests, originated from Russia, and Ragdolls were developed in the United States.

The cats have similar characteristics, and if you saw them from a distance, you might think they were the same breed. They’re both affectionate animals who love people, but they have different personalities, coat types, and physical traits. Siberians and Ragdolls are fascinating animals, and we’ll discuss their virtues and quirks so you can determine which furball is ideal for your home.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Siberian Cat Overview

The Siberian is Russia’s national cat, and it has delighted cat owners for several hundred years in Russia. The United States was not eligible to import the breed until the early 1990s. Their bushy coats come in several colors and patterns, including white, black, red, gray, blue, cream, chocolate, and sable. Some cats have blue eyes, but they can also have copper, gold, or green eyes.

Personality / Character

Although the fluffy giants are skilled hunters, they’re very fond of humans and love playing games. A Siberian will fit right in if you have a large family. They establish close bonds with humans, and they’re gentle towards young children. However, they require supervision when socializing with toddlers. Siberians are not aggressive or irritated by “tugging” children, but they’re large enough to bump into or knock over an unsuspecting tike.

Siberians take longer to mature than other cats, and most do not reach adulthood until they’re 5 years old. That means that you can enjoy plenty of “kitty years” with your pet. Although they love to play, they’re also calm and fond of curling up in their owner’s lap.

Some cats dislike being picked up or held, but a Siberian enjoys being held and will likely start purring in your arms. They’re not very vocal, but they chirp or meow to beg for attention. Unless you bathe with the door closed, a Siberian may want to join you in the bath or shower. They’re not usually afraid of water, and most seem to enjoy it.

Exercise & Training

Siberians are smart kitties who are simple to train. They quickly learn to use the litter box, and it does not take long to teach them to use scratching posts. The cats can learn to take walks in a harness with enough training, and some enjoy fetching toys. They require moderate exercise every day and need mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom.

Using a toy that must be shaken to dispense treats will provide a challenge they enjoy. Their high prey drive makes them yearn to hunt, but you can satisfy their hunting urges with engaging toys and activities. Siberians get along with dogs and other cats, but you should avoid keeping hamsters, mice, or other rodents in the house.

Health & Care

Siberians have a shorter lifespan than many breeds, but they’re generally healthy. However, they’re more susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than other diseases or conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that causes the heart muscle to expand. Reputable breeders typically screen for the disease, but it can appear later in adulthood.

Breeding

You can easily find a Siberian breeder in Russia, but very few operate in the United States. They’re in high demand in the U.S., and you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $4,000 on a Siberian kitten.

Suitable For:

Siberians are suited for large active families who are not frequent travelers. Because of their dog-like devotion, they dislike being away from their family. Single owners who work from home will also make excellent pet parents if they give the cats plenty of attention. Allergy sufferers are less likely to have an adverse reaction from Siberians since they’re hypoallergenic. However, no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but the Siberian’s fur contains less of the chemical often associated with cat allergies.

Ragdoll Overview

The Ragdoll was created by a breeder in Riverside, California in the 1960s. After crossing a white long-haired female with several of the feral cats, the breeder, Ann Baker, discovered the offspring were docile and affectionate. Ragdolls are long-haired and can have white, red, black, orange, blue, silver, beige, chocolate, sable, or lilac coats. Purebreds typically have bright blue eyes, and crossbreeds can have green, gold, or dark blue eyes.

Personality / Character

The name “Ragdoll” describes how the cats go limp like ragdolls when you pick them up. They love being held, and they’re one of the top lap cats in the feline world. Ragdolls are large cats weighing up to 20 pounds, but they’re gentle and quiet. Families with children are the perfect roommates for the cat because they love being around humans and playing games.

They have long silky fur, but unlike many long-haired breeds, like the Siberian, Ragdolls do not shed often. They’re meticulous groomers, and you only have to give them a light daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Their limited shedding is due to the absence of an undercoat.

Although they look fluffy, they do not react well to cold. One of the unique characteristics of the Ragdoll is its fondness for the floor or ground. Unlike nearly every breed, Ragdolls do not like heights. If you purchase a cat tree for the furball, it should only be a few feet high. Some cat lovers refer to them as “floor kitties”.

Exercise & Training

Ragdolls enjoy taking it easy on the couch, in your lap, or in your arms, but they’re not slackers. They require at least 30 minutes a day of active playtime. They’re entertained by string toys, laser pointers, catnip mice, and even balled-up pieces of paper. Although a Ragdoll may protest if you attempt to walk them on a frigid day, they can be trained to walk with a harness for additional exercise.

Ragdolls respond to training well due to their high intelligence, and they pick up on litter box training quickly. They love to retrieve toys, and you can teach them to climb onto your shoulders when you provide treats as rewards. Ragdolls get along with other pets, and they’re one of the safest breeds to have around small children.

Health & Care

Ragdolls can live up to 18 years, but their gene pool is limited due to the breed’s rarity. Most Ragdolls are healthy, but they’re vulnerable to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and urinary tract conditions. Providing a healthy diet and visiting a vet at least twice a year are the ideal ways to ensure the cat stays healthy.

Breeding

Ragdolls are high-demand kitties, and you can expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for a kitten. More Ragdoll breeders are in the United States than Siberian breeders, but there are not enough to meet the demand. Be sure to carefully check the breeder’s background and inspect the breeding facility. Avoid breeders that raise Teacup Ragdolls. Teacups only weigh 5 or 6 pounds as adults. Veterinarians warn that breeding two undersized cats can result in offspring with many health conditions.

Suitable For:

Families with kids and singles are suitable for Ragdolls. In fact, Ragdolls love almost anyone if they receive love and attention. The cat should not be left alone for long periods, but they do not suffer from separation anxiety as badly as Siberians. Going away to work will not bother them, but they will become lonely if abandoned for several days.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

You can travel around the world looking for friendly cats, but you’re unlikely to find two breeds as sweet and loyal as the Siberian and Ragdoll. Both cats love humans and get along with dogs, other cats, and young kids. Choosing which breed is right for your home is difficult since either one would make an excellent lifelong friend.

Since Siberians are hypoallergenic, they may be better for allergy sufferers. If you prefer a cat that does not like to climb or leap on counters, the Ragdoll is the cat for you. Whichever furball you choose, you’ll have a loyal pet who only wants to spend its life near you.

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Massimo Cattaneo, Shutterstock | Right – Serita Vossen, Shutterstock