Have you been considering getting a cat, but got stuck working out what you should own and which are the friendliest, fluffiest, most fun felines out there?
Choosing between a Ragdoll vs a Himalayan is challenging, because these two cats both have a lot to offer and share quite a few similarities – to the point that many people struggle to tell them apart from each other.
However, it’s important to understand the differences so that you know which would be best for you and your home.
These cats enjoy enormous popularity, and combine a fantastic personality with a beautiful look and gorgeous coats, so it’s no surprise if you’re wondering whether to get one.
They are large breeds and can be very rewarding, and they are both great with children, fun to play with, and loving creatures. In most cases, either would make a wonderful addition to a home, bringing years of entertainment and affection.
However, there are a few pretty major differences between the two breeds, and because of this, it’s important to know which one you should own, rather than just picking at random.
Doing thorough research in advance will help to ensure that you are right for your new pet and it is right for you.
As always, if you are going to buy a kitten from a breeder, make sure you choose a reputable one and thoroughly check out the conditions the cats are kept in before making a purchase.
What’s The Difference Between A Ragdoll And Himalayan?
There are a few differences between a Ragdoll and a Himalayan, but the biggest one probably lies in the energy levels.
As the name suggests, a Ragdoll cat has much lower levels of energy than a Himalayan, and tends to prefer lounging around and napping to any form of play.
Ragdolls like to be relaxed and comfortable, and although they do enjoy your company, they would rather be cuddling up to you than romping around the house.
Himalayan cats do like to cuddle too, but they are a little more energetic, and still need a lot of your time and attention every day.
Because they are related to Siamese, they are proud and intelligent, and they may sulk if you have done something to offend them, such as traveling away from home or playing with another pet. However, like Ragdolls, they are immensely loving.
In terms of looks, Ragdolls are generally bigger, but they don’t have an undercoat, so they do not create as much mess and they do not need as much grooming as Himalayans do.
Both cats come in a variety of colors, including seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac, but the patterns can be different: a Ragdoll may be bicolor, mitted, or colorpoint, while a Himalayan can have lynx, tortoiseshell, or tabby patterning.
If you know what patterning to look for, it should be reasonably easy to tell a Ragdoll and a Himalayan apart.
Is A Ragdoll Or Himalayan Cat Easier To Care For?
In general, a Ragdoll will prove slightly easier to care for than a Himalayan for a couple of reasons – the main one being that Ragdolls do not need much grooming, whereas a Himalayan should be groomed daily, and has a dense, fluffy undercoat that will shed and require a lot of cleanups.
Secondly, because Ragdolls are more laid-back, it may be easier to keep one if you have other demands on your time.
To be clear, both of these cats are very much “people cats” and extremely attached to their owners, and they will not be happy if you are out a lot and they are left alone, particularly if there are no other pets or family members for them to bond with.
However, Ragdolls are happy to spend a lot of their time napping, and do not require as much stimulation as Himalayans may. They are also less prone to sulking, which may mean that a Himalayan is harder to deal with.
If you choose a flat faced Himalayan, you should also be aware that you will need to do things such as cleaning its eyes and mouth to reduce the risk of any bacteria building up there.
You will need to bathe both cats occasionally to remove oil and dirt from the coat, and there will be cleanup to think of in terms of hair – but this is particularly true with a Himalayan.
Are There Any Major Health Issues With Ragdoll And Himalayan Cats?
Both of these felines do sadly have some major health issues associated with them, as is frequently the case with heavily bred animals.
Ragdolls often suffer from heart conditions, including something known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which you should ask a breeder about testing for before you buy a kitten.
Both Himalayans and Ragdolls are prone to kidney issues, and Himalayans may also suffer from respiratory problems associated with their brachycephalic skulls.
When you are thinking of getting a kitten, you should always research what tests breeders should have done in advance, and check these with the breeder that you are going to buy from.
Many genetic conditions can be tested for and this must be done before you purchase a kitten, or you may be exposing yourself to potential heartbreak. You should also check that the parents are healthy.
Annual health checks and a good diet will go a long way to keeping your pet healthy, but it’s also important to be aware that Himalayans often suffer from breathing difficulties and kidney problems. Ragdolls can get kidney problems, heart problems, and bladder issues.
Conclusion
There is a lot of crossover when you compare a Ragdoll vs a Himalayan, but these two felines do have quite different temperaments, and you should take the time to think about which would be best for your home. Choosing your companion carefully sets both of you up for success, ensuring that you will be happy and your cat will be happy. If you want an active cat, a Himalayan will be a better option as adult Ragdolls are very lethargic, but be aware that grooming and house cleanup will be necessary.
