Meowing Royalty

Ragdoll vs Sphynx: Cat Breeds Comparison

Are you thinking about getting a new cat for your family but are torn between the Ragdoll and the Sphynx? Keep reading to learn more about their similarities and differences.

While Ragdoll comes from United States, Sphynx has Canada origin.

But honestly, breeds' origin doesn't reveal a lot about it, so please keep reading to learn more about these interesting breeds.

Although both breeds make excellent family cats, it's important to consider their differences as well.

Here is some basic information about these breeds:

Ragdoll vs Sphynx

Ragdoll
Length17 to 21 inches
Weight10 to 20 pounds
Overall Health
OriginUnited States
Life Span12 to 17 years
Sphynx
Length13 to 15 inches
Weight6 to 12 pounds
Overall Health
OriginCanada
Life Span8 to 14 years

Ragdoll vs Sphynx Appearance

Ragdolls are longer.

Ragdolls have an average length of 17 to 21 inches and a weight of 10 to 20 pounds.

On the other side Sphynxs, have a typical length of 13 to 15 inches and an average weight of 6 to 12 pounds.

Temperament

No doubt, each cat has its own temperament, but we'll try to make some generalizations and help you choose the breed that will fit

Affectionate with Family

Looking for a perfect family cat?

Good news!

You won't go wrong with Ragdolls and Sphynxs, who are known for being clingy. They need a lot of affection and love being around people.

These cats love their people, and being a part of a family is something that helps them thrive.

They will choose one person and claim as their person. In multi-human households, cats will choose a favorite, usually the person that does the most work around them.

Kid-Friendly

Owning a feline and having a kid can be challenging but also so much rewarding. This is especially true if you get a Ragdoll or a Sphynx because you will enjoy watching your kid growing with them together.

These breeds are major kids lovers, and describing them only as kid-friendly isn't enough.

Both breeds will monitor kids closely whenever you leave the room.

With so kid-friendly breeds around, your kid can easily learn how to behave around cats, and even how to train them. Treats can do wonders, even with cats.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Surprisingly, some cats are more than fond of strangers. They may not show their affection toward strangers like dogs do, but they have their share of showing friendliness toward strangers.

Cats will respond well to strangers when they feel safe. Both breeds will be polite, calm, and friendly toward strangers who treat them right.

In practice, this means that strangers who approach either Ragdolls or Sphynxs may expect a friendly greeting.

If you don't mind having a cat who isn't scared of people, you may welcome these breeds into your home.

Just a word of caution: cats that are friendly with strangers and live in indoors on a terrace should have a safe area covered with a cat net. If you are a social butterfly with frequent visitors, both breeds will value the crowd.

Pet Friendly

Cats are known for being independent creatures. They love being around people, but on their terms.

If there could be a towering safe place for them to overlook everyone and everything, they would claim it as theirs. Although they are independent, they still need affection and love, which is why some are extremely friendly.

Not only that they are friendly and affectionate toward people, but they are highly affectionate toward other pets as well, including dogs. These breeds are ultra-friendly, and they will enjoy multi-pet households.

If your home is blessed with multi-pets and you want a feline or another pet, you should focus on getting a friendly cat.

Bear in mind that some cats are more friendly than others are, but if you choose Ragdolls or Sphynxs you won't make a mistake, and you will definitely get a polite and friendly furry pet toward other pets.

Potential for Playfulness

Some cats are naturally more playful than others.

In human terms, some cats are social, while others are very independent creatures that prefer to be left alone. If you want a feline that is playful and always ready to chase that ball, you cannot go wrong with choosing Ragdoll or Sphynx.

If you get one of these breeds be ready to invest some time in playtime, or your feline will get bored and eventually become destructive.

Once you get a playful breed be ready to organize your living space to accommodate your cat’s playful side. Cats need space where they can explore, jump, and rest. Think in terms of cat furniture and durable cat toys.

General Health

A healthy diet, proper grooming, and exercise should keep your feline in top shape.

Ragdolls are usually considered as a healthy and resilient breed and should reach their senior years without major issues, as long as you deal with responsible breeders and provide regular veterinarian check-ups.

Unfortunately, the same doesn't stand for Sphynxs.

Their health is considered as average or below average, so if you decide to get a Sphynx, be sure to choose a reputable breeder, known for breeding cats with good genetics.

Grooming

These breeds are super easy to groom. When it comes to low maintenance both breeds are great options to consider having.

In general, both breeds are easier to groom than their other counterparts, no matter how long or short their hair might be. Safe and fast grooming has more to do with the cat's personality than hair length.

These cats are intelligent, calm, and affectionate which makes them 'easy to groom', although you will have to implement proper grooming practice.

These breeds are 'dog-like' when it comes to grooming, so make sure that you provide them a nice treat afterward. Treats can do wonders even for cats.

Shedding

Nobody enjoys the facts cats shed, but if you hate that, you should probably stick to Sphynxs, as they shed less than Ragdolls.

However, don't forget that all cats need regular brushing, but how often depends on the breed.

Cats are not too fond of being handled, so invest in high-quality (and proper) grooming tools to make the brushing process easier and short.

Tendency to Vocalize

Both Ragdolls and Sphynxs are known for being highly vocal breeds. They can talk all day long!

Cats enjoy social contact with people and they use their voices to get human attention, over and over again.

If you prefer quietness, or you have toddlers who sleep a lot, you might think about getting a less vocal feline.

Intelligence

It's a well-known fact that cats are among the most intelligent creatures alive. They are smart to react instinctively, fast to hunt, and smart to hide in a matter of seconds.

Intelligence is a factor to consider when getting a cat. If you want a super smart cat that can be trained but is also independent enough to learn on its own, both breeds are great to have around.

Did you know that cat intelligence is ranked on their sociability and willingness to interact with their owners?

These breeds are fast to interact, communicate, and demand a lot of your time and playtime to thrive.

The Final Word

We hope our Ragdolls vs Sphynxs comparison helped you to choose the right breed for you.

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