At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Siamese | Ragdoll |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand | United States |
| Weight | 8 to 15 lbs | 12 to 20 lbs |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 17 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Siamese
An ancient breed from Siam (Thailand), described in the Tamra Maew poems. The King of Siam gave the first Siamese to Britain in the 1880s.
It is one of the most vocal breeds, with a loud, distinctive call.
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Amyloidosis
- Asthma
- Dental disease
The Ragdoll
Developed in Riverside, California, in the 1960s by Ann Baker. It was named for its tendency to go limp when held.
It is large and gentle, and often follows people from room to room.
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Bladder stones
- Obesity
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Vocal
The Siamese is more vocal than the Ragdoll.
Energy
The Siamese has more energy than the Ragdoll.
Intelligence
The Siamese is quicker to learn than the Ragdoll.
Health issues
The Ragdoll tends to have more health issues than the Siamese.
Grooming needs
The Ragdoll needs more grooming than the Siamese.
Shedding
The Ragdoll sheds more than the Siamese.
Which to choose
Siamese or Ragdoll?
Choose the Siamese if…
- You enjoy a chatty cat (it is more vocal)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a cat that is quicker to learn
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Choose the Ragdoll if…
- You prefer a quiet cat (it is quieter)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Questions.
Is the Siamese or the Ragdoll bigger, and which lives longer?
The Ragdoll tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Siamese or the Ragdoll?
The Siamese is generally easier to train than the Ragdoll. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Siamese or the Ragdoll?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Siamese sheds less than the Ragdoll. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Siamese and Ragdoll have?
The Siamese is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis, asthma. The Ragdoll is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, bladder stones, obesity. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
