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Ragdoll vs Siberian
Two large, semi-long, family-friendly cats; the Ragdoll is placid, quiet and clingy, the Siberian athletic, playful and heavier on grooming.
Verdict
Both are large, long-coated, friendly cats that score 5 with children and other pets, so the thing that decides it is energy. The Ragdoll is placid and nearly silent, scores 2 for energy and 5 for affection, and wants to be held. The Siberian is athletic, scores 4 for energy and playfulness, and has a dense triple coat that needs more combing. Choose the Ragdoll for a calm lap companion. Choose the Siberian for a sturdy, playful cat that climbs and keeps a little independence.
Choose the Ragdoll if
- You want a placid cat; it scores 2 for energy against 4.
- You want the most affectionate cat, scoring 5 against 4.
- You want a quieter voice, scoring 1 against 2.
- You want lighter grooming; it scores 3 against 4, with moderate shedding.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a more playful, athletic cat that climbs.
- You are away part of the day; it scores 3 for independence against 2.
- You want a water-resistant triple coat, and will comb it through the moult.
- You would ask your vet about polycystic kidney disease as well as heart disease.
Where they are alike
Both are large cats of up to about 18 to 20 lb, and both are very common or common. Each lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a concern, so ask your vet about screening.
Side by side
| Ragdoll | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Riverside, California, United States | Russia |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Typical weight | Females 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males 12-20 lb (5.4-9.1 kg) or more | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Recent UK data put the median near 12 to 13 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat | Soft, silky, semi-long coat made mostly of guard hairs, with little undercoat | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2000 | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Very common | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 2 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The Ragdoll's coat has little undercoat and sheds moderately, but people who react to cats usually react to this breed too. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | A family or a household with other pets that wants a large, placid, affectionate indoor cat and will comb the coat twice a week. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants an active, climbing cat, a cat that copes with long hours alone, or a breed with no known heart risk. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026