Comparing a Ragamuffin and a Maine Coon
The 5 main differences between a Ragamuffin and a Maine Coon
The main differences between a Ragamuffin and a Maine Coon are their breed origins, size, and temperament. Both the Ragamuffin and Maine Coon are large, fluffy, and make for amazing companion cats. Both of these breeds have some similar traits, leading them to be confused with one another quite often. Still, despite those similarities, there are some distinct differences between them. Ragamuffins are a somewhat newer breed that split from the Ragdoll breed around 1994. They were considered the same breed until a group of breeders decided to form their own group. After trademarking the name “Ragdoll” and “Cherubim,” they combined them into Ragamuffin. Maine Coons have a much longer history and are recognized as some of the oldest North American breeds. They were first bred in Maine, likely around the 18th century. Maine Coons probably came from Norwegian forest or Siberian forest cat breeds. When it comes to appearance, these cats can appear similar. The Ragamuffin is fluffy and large, although not as large as the Maine Coon. They are heavily boned and have long, bushy tails. Their heads are triangular, with two pointed ears on top. The Maine Coon is also large and heavily boned. They are strong, powerful cats adapted to live in a severe climate. Let’s take a look at these differences, plus a few others, in more detail below.
Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon: Breed origin
The Ragamuffin is a newer breed that only came about after a split between breeders in the 1990s. The IRCA Cherubim cats were crossed with the Ragdoll breed through the 1960s but were never recognized as a pedigreed breed. Breeding of the Cherubim Ragdolls continued until a group split and set up certain breed standards. The breed was officially recognized in 1994 as distinct from a Ragdoll hybrid. The Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds in North America. There isn’t exact dating around their origin, but it was likely around the 18th century. Rumors abound as to the exact way that they were bred, with some stating that Marie Antoinette’s personal cats made it to shore, including a Siberian forest cat, and were later bred. While that exact story may not be true, the likely origins of the Maine Coon are from Siberian and Norwegian forest cats that were brought over and bred in Maine.
Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon: Appearance
The Ragamuffin is a heavily-boned cat with square features, a predisposition to a belly pad, and strong legs. These are large cats, with the body type being classified as “substantial”. The addition of a fluffy coat adds to this cat’s size and stature. Maine Coons are natural-looking breeds with extremely large bodies and a robust structure. They have a prominent ruff around their neck, ear tufts, and paws with fur adapted to walking on snow. The Maine Coon looks perfectly adapted to the cold climates where they were bred.
Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon: Size
The Ragamuffin is a larger cat breed, with many individuals reaching between 10-15 lbs. The Maine Coon is classified as the largest non-hybrid breed around and has the nickname “gentle giant.” They are known to grow 13-18 lbs on average, with some individuals getting even larger.
Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon: Hair type and color
The Ragamuffin has a double coat, bushy tail, and prominent neck ruff. Their hair is generally considered to be soft and silky. Ragamuffins can come in a variety of patterns and colors, all are within the breed standard. The options include stripes, spots or patches of white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, seal brown, or mixed colors. The Maine Coon also has a double coat, bushy tail, and prominent neck ruff. Their double coat has long guard hairs and a soft undercoat for keeping warm in cold climates. Any color or pattern is acceptable by breed standards, but brown tabby is the most common.
Ragamuffin vs Maine Coon: Temperament
The Ragamuffin makes for a wonderful companion cat. They are known to be docile, friendly, sweet, and cuddly, and they do great in apartments. The even disposition of these cats makes them great for homes with multiple people. They aren’t known to be very active. The Maine Coon is also a wonderful companion. They are known as “gentle giants” and are well regarded as vocal, intelligent, and sensitive breeds. Many people refer to the disposition of the Maine Coon as “dog-like.”
