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Looking for a perfect cat breed for your family can be challenging, especially with multiple family members and other pets in the house. Most cats don’t get along with other pets and are indifferent to children, but when it comes to the Ragdoll and Siamese cats, you are in luck!
These two breeds are incredibly friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, so whichever you choose will be a perfect match for your family. However, minor differences might make one breed slightly more suitable for you.
In the article below, you can find the main characteristics of both breeds, which will help you determine the best pet for your unique needs.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Ragdoll Overview
Personality/Character
The Ragdoll cat has a unique character and temperament, which is how it earned its quirky name. When picked up, these cats tend to go limp, resembling a ragdoll. They adore being held as babies, and if they trust you enough, they will become totally relaxed in your arms. The Ragdoll loves human attention and is very affectionate in return. They are incredibly loyal to their human companions and tend to bond strongly with every family member.
Because these lovely kittens are so social and outgoing, they have no fear when approaching strangers or other animals.
Exercise
Ragdolls are very playful, especially when they are still kittens, so daily exercise should come naturally. While these kittens are very docile, they adore outdoor playtime and require plenty of daily activity. It is best to have 15-minute playtime sessions with them several times daily.
Training
Although many cats are known for being independent and stubborn, Ragdoll cats are docile and eager to please their human companions. The Ragdoll cats are intelligent, making it very easy to train them. They can learn simple commands and respond well to more complex and advanced tricks. Training your Ragdoll cat is an enriching experience because you’ll bond with your cat through these sessions and learn to trust each other.
Health
Ragdoll cats have a long life span of between 12 and 18 years. This breed is considered to be relatively healthy, with a few known minor or genetic issues. The most common health issues include:
Grooming
While the grooming needs of the Ragdoll cat are relatively simple, they are high-maintenance cats. They’ve got long, silky fur which requires daily brushing to be kept in shape. The best tool to use for grooming Ragdoll cats is the wide-toothed comb which will prevent matting and remove any tangles. Sometimes when their fur becomes extremely matted, you may need to shave parts of their coat. They are very clean cats that mainly care for their coats on their own.
Suitable For:
Since Ragdoll cats are generally easy to care for, they are a perfect match for most families. They are gentle and sweet and love to play with children, making them ideal for families with toddlers. These cats crave human attention, so they might not be the best choice if you are away from home frequently. They are excellent with other pets in the house, so they will fit in nicely in multi-pet households.
Siamese Overview
Personality/Character
The Siamese is a highly social and outgoing cat breed, forming strong, everlasting bonds with their owners. They are often very needy, craving their owner’s attention by constantly following them around the house. This lovely characteristic makes them adored by pet owners worldwide, especially those with children, which get attached to these cats quickly. They are very vocal kittens, so they often try to communicate their needs and desires clearly. While these cats make strong bonds with every family member, they tend to choose one family member to be “their person.”
Exercise
The Siamese cat is an energetic and active breed, not a “couch potato.” To be satisfied, they need a lot of interaction with humans and plenty of mental stimulation through playtime. It is best to include structures such as a cat tree or a scratching post to keep these cats in shape. They also enjoy puzzles and teaser toys, so include these in your cat’s daily activities. These cats can quickly become bored, so a productive day and enough outdoor time can significantly reduce frustrations or destructive behavior.
Training
This cat breed is very sensitive, requiring a gentle hand instead of harsh words or punishment. They are intelligent, and while they’re easy to train, they have a reputation for being slightly stubborn. They are eager to please their owners but prefer doing it on their own terms. As we said, they do not respond well to harsh training methods, so always use positive reinforcement as your primary training method.
Health
The average lifespan of Siamese cats is around 12 years, although some tend to live up to 15 and more. The Siamese cat is prone to a few genetic conditions, though. Some of the most common health issues are:
Grooming
Siamese cats require moderate maintenance because of their short and low-shedding coat. They need weekly combing to stay in perfect shape. An occasional bath every 4 to 6 weeks, regular nail trimming, and ear cleaning will keep your Siamese kitten looking great.
Suitable For:
The Siamese cat is an extremely outgoing and friendly breed, so they crave constant human intersection and attention. They are best for large families or families with children, as they are easy to look after. They are quite vocal and expressive, so if you prefer a quiet environment, the Siamese might not be a perfect choice for you. When left alone for too long, they can get lonely and destructive, so don’t get this breed if you are frequently away from home.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Both breeds are active, social, and affectionate, so you won’t make a mistake choosing either one. However, minor differences will dictate which breed to opt for. Both breeds are perfect for larger families with children and other pets. However, the Ragdoll is slightly more convenient for seniors because of their calmer and more docile nature. The Siamese cat tends to be more vocal, so people who enjoy dynamic surroundings may enjoy this breed. Both breeds are not ideal for single people, especially those working often and frequently away from home.
Whatever your final decision is, you will enjoy both cat breeds’ loving and affectionate personalities.
See Also:
- Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin: Key Differences (With Pictures)
- Birman Cat vs Ragdoll: Key Differences (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Top – Ivelin Donchev, Pexels | Bottom – Petrebels, Pexels
