Ragdoll Cat Size – Comparison to Other Cat Breeds
Ragdoll cats are known worldwide for their pleasant personalities, lavishly good looks, and considerable size. Ragdolls are among the largest cat breeds out there.
But how big is a large cat? Which cat breeds are larger and smaller than Raggies? This article is about the size of Ragdoll cats and compares them to some of the best-known cat breeds.
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Ragdoll Cat Size Explained
Ragdoll cats are some of the most giant domesticated cats in the entire world. According to the breed characteristics from the RFCI (Ragdoll Fanciers Club International), adult Ragdoll males weigh between 12 and 21 pounds.
There is a significant difference between sexes, as an adult Ragdoll female weighs between 8 and 15 pounds. However, the size of Ragdoll cats does not differ according to the different colors of ragdoll cats or Ragdoll patterns.
Please note: This is the range of variation for Ragdoll cats of average weight and standard size. Ragdolls are not only large in size, but they also have sturdy bodies and strong skeletal systems. As a result, they are muscular cats, especially if appropriately exercised, adding to their overall weight. The Ragdoll coat, however, is exceptionally light.
How Long Does It Take for a Ragdoll Cat to Grow to Full Size?
It takes approximately 4 years for a Ragdoll cat to grow to its full size. Compared to ordinary cats and even most other cat breeds, that is a more extended development period. The gentle giant needs time to grow to its full potential.
However, it has grown chiefly to its full size in one and a half years. From that point on, it continues to grow little by little.
Average Cat Size and Weight
The most common breed worldwide is the Domestic Shorthair or the average domestic cat. While this is not an official breed, it includes all the mix-breeds with a short coat. The males typically weigh between 11 and 15 pounds, while the females weigh 6 to 12 pounds.
The average male Domestic Shorthair cat has a height of 8″ -10″ (20-25 cm) and a body length of 13.7″ -17.7″ (35-45 cm). Females are always shorter, with an average height of 6.7″ -8.2″ (17-21 cm) and an average body length of 11.8″ -13.7″ (30-55 cm).
Size and weight differ significantly between cat breeds. Therefore, it is essential to know the average size and weight for the specific breed to know how much the cat will grow and appreciate if it has a healthy weight.
However, this type of information is not available regarding mixed breeds. The best way to determine if the cat is underweight or overweight is to take it to the vet. The doctor will examine the cat using the Body Condition System (BCS) and determine if the cat has a healthy weight. Then, the vet will prescribe a diet that will take or keep the cat at its healthy weight.
Average Weight of a Ragdoll
The average height of a male Ragdoll cat is 9.5 “-11″ (24-28 cm), and its average body length is 18.5″ -21” (47-53 cm). Female Ragdoll cats have an average height of 9 “-10″ (23-25 cm) and an average body length of 17″ -19.5” (43-49 cm).
Ragdoll males grow between 12 and 21 pounds, and adult Ragdoll females reach 8 to 15 pounds. This makes Ragdolls one of the most giant cat breeds out there.
They are larger than Siamese and Persian cats but usually smaller than Norwegian Forest Cats.
Are Ragdolls Trainable?
If you have wondered how to train a ragdoll kitten, you’ll be glad to know that Ragdoll cats are some of the best to train. Keep in mind that teaching cats to do tricks is a challenging task. It would be best if you had a lot of patience and perseverance to get them to do what you want, but with the right attitude and technique, you can get impressive results. The key elements are always making training fun and having a tasty reward for your kitty.
Ragdoll cats are very playful; training them is efficient if they have fun. However, they are also brilliant cats, so they will quickly learn if you keep them interested and use positive reinforcement. Most Raggies love to fetch and even play hide and seek, but there is plenty more you can teach your cat to do.
Fully grown
Fully grown Ragdoll size: Approximately 12-21 lbs (5.44 – 9.07185 kg)
Fully grown standard cat size: Approximately 8-15 lbs (3.62874 – 6.804 kg)
Ragdolls will be four years of age by the time they finish growing – as a more giant breed, they take more time to reach their full potential. Also, female Ragdoll cats aren’t as large as males – they’ll tend to average between 10 and 15 pounds, while males tip the scales at 15 to 20 pounds, which puts them among the larger cat breeds you can have as a pet at home.
Newborn Ragdolls: Changes in the First 4 Weeks
During their first few weeks, Ragdoll kittens are under the breeder’s care and, most importantly, their mother. The cat feeds the kittens and washes them. The breeder will ensure that all the kittens in the litter get to eat and urinate and defecate properly.
Appearance
Ragdoll cats come in a variety of colors – ranging from seal point to chocolate and lilac – and patterns – bi-color, van, lynx, colorpoint, and mitted. But when they are born, all Ragdoll kittens are born with white fur from head to belly. See Ragdoll color progression info here.
This is because Ragdolls have a genetic mutation that affects pigment production and makes it dependent on body temperature. So as kittens get older, colored portions appear on their bodies. Still, it will take a long time before the final pattern has finished developing. This usually happens when they are adults.
Grooming
Since grooming is essential to caring for Ragdoll cats, it must be started from the very first weeks of life. Kittens must get accustomed to combs and brushes. The breeder must brush them regularly to prevent knots, mats, and tangles from developing.
Kitten Feeding
Since the kittens spend all day playing and exploring, they will also need more food than before. However, depending on the number of kittens in the litter, the mother may or may not be able to sustain feeding all of them. Sometimes, breeders must supplement this. This is typically when they introduce solid food into their diet – wet and dry food specially made for kittens, which includes the full set of nutrients required for complete nutrition at this age.
Newborn Size Comparison
Ragdoll newborn size: Approximately 3 oz (0.08505 kg)
Typical cat newborn size: Approximately 3 oz (0.08505 kg)
When they’re first born, Ragdoll kittens are usually around the same size as an average cat breed. They’ll be much smaller, measuring a few inches long at most, and it’s when they get older that the differences will begin to show.
Kittenhood: 3–6 Months
This is usually regarded as the most beautiful time in a cat’s life with its owners because 3 months is the average age when breeders give the Ragdoll kittens to their new families and when Ragdoll kittens leave their mother. If adult Ragdolls are majestic, Ragdoll kittens are adorable, which is fantastic to live with. Still, new owners should remember that training is crucial at this age.
Most new pet parents find it difficult to precisely set boundaries with Raggie kittens because they are so tiny and precious. Discipline goes both ways in this regard, as cat owners must learn to resist their new kitten’s big beautiful blue eyes and its playful behavior when it’s time to teach them a lesson.
Not being allowed in bed with the owners is a difficult lesson for everybody involved. Kittens will try to scratch the door and meow to demand access, and owners must be firm and resist their plea so that they’re able to get a good night’s sleep for the years to come.
Grooming is another lesson that Ragdoll kittens must learn as early as possible. Owners should begin grooming their kittens early and have the patience to get them used to being brushed and combed regularly.
Discover more about caring for Ragdoll kittens in my book, A Ragdolls Kittens Care Guide.
Kitten Activity
Ragdolls are very active cats, and kittens between 3 and 6 months love to play. It is vital that the new family has time to spend with the kitten and play with them as much as possible to grow their relationship. They need toys.
However, it is crucial that they set boundaries. For example, playing in the early morning hours should be discouraged if the owners expect to sleep through the night with their Ragdoll cats in the house.
Rapid Growth: Weeks 5–12
At this age, the Ragdoll cats can see and walk quite well. They are incredibly playful and enjoy wrestling with their brothers and sisters. There’s a lot of fun in the litter at that age.
Ragdoll Kitten Development
Since Ragdoll adults can reach such impressive proportions, the development of the kittens is quite remarkable because the growth sprees are enormous. Only in 1 month can they reach between 0.8 and 1.7 lbs, which continues beyond there. It keeps getting more and more dramatic.
By the age of 2 months, Ragdoll kittens are expected to reach between 1.8 and 3.0 lbs. In just one month, they can double their body weight. Then, by 3 months, they should reach between 3.1 and 4.0 lbs, and by the age of 4 months, 4.1 to 5.0. Progressively, by 5 months, they should reach 5.1 to 6.0 lbs.
Then, at 6 months, when they enter adulthood, both males and females should weigh more than 6.0 lbs. As mentioned above, there is a significant size difference between males and females. Adult male Ragdolls will grow up to be much larger than females. **Please note – averages are precisely that – averages… some cats fall below and above the averages too.
3-month Size Comparison
3-month Ragdoll size: Approximately 3-4 lbs (1.361- 1.814 kg)
3-month standard cat size: Approximately 2-4 lbs (0.907 – 1.814 kg)
The average kitten size at 3 months for most cats is between 2 and 4 pounds, and Ragdoll cats are at the upper end of that scale. Already they’ll be starting to add weight quite rapidly as they develop.
Growing Into Adults: 6–12 Months
The first year of a cat’s life is the most important because how you train it then will determine its lifelong behavior. The 6-12 months period is particularly challenging for cat owners because this is when the cat reaches sexual maturity. A considerable factor determining what happens during these six months is when the cat is spayed or neutered.
Some pet owners get their Ragdoll cats from breeders and have a contract stipulating that they are obligated to neuter them. In other cases, the breeder alters the cats before they get to their owners. This issue of when Ragdolls should be spayed is still heavily debated.
For Ragdoll cats that are altered after the age of 6 months, the most significant moment in the 6-12 months time frame is the operation. It is a standard procedure, but it is still surgery, and taking care of the cat is something that the owners will remember.
Since the procedure is much more straightforward, males recover quickly. In only a few days, they will be back to normal. As for female cats, the spaying procedure is more complex, and they need to be taken care of a while longer than males, but they bounce back quickly after as well.
Before they are altered, Ragdoll cats may display teenage behavior. This can be particularly annoying for males because they mark their territory, and the smell is highly intense. In addition, females may display in-heat behavior – they are extra-loving and suddenly get far more vocal than before.
After they are spayed or neutered, this behavior will stop. For males, however, in some cases, the marking continues for some time after they are neutered, which can be unpleasant to deal with.
The most crucial aspect to remember after altering a cat (male or female) is that following the procedure, the cat needs a new diet to prevent weight gain. This is particularly important for female cats that can gain a lot of weight if their diet is not changed to one for spayed cats. Of course, the veterinarian will insist on this and prescribe the ideal diet for the cat. Still, cat owners must remember that the diet change must be made from day 1 following the surgery.
As for Ragdoll cats that are altered earlier than 6 months, there is still some hormonal development between 6 and 12 months, which can result in mood swings and changes in behavior, much like it happens with teenagers, so owners should have patience.
1-Year Size Comparison
1-year Ragdoll size: Approximately 8-15 lbs (3.62874 – 6.804 kg)
1-year standard cat size: Approximately 8-15 lbs (3.62874 – 6.804 kg)
By one year, many average cat breeds will have reached full maturity and size and weigh between 8 and 15 pounds. Obviously, the range is much higher here because the cat is fulfilling their breed standard by this point. So smaller breeds will be closer to 8lb while larger cats may be around 15lb.
Ragdolls, however, are not fully grown by 1 year. So they’ll still be in adulthood and likely be a similar size to some other cat breeds.
Factors that Could Influence Size and Weight
The size variation of Ragdoll cats we described above is only valid for healthy cats who receive a proper diet in the correct amount. Please note that overweight cats and those suffering from various illnesses may stray from these size ranges. Here are only some of the factors that can influence the size and weight of a Ragdoll cat:
Colostrum Intake
Colostrum is the first type of milk the mammary glands produce immediately after the kittens are delivered. This milk is very rich in nutrients, but it also has a massive impact on the immunological system of the kittens. Colostrum delivers antibodies from the mother to the kittens, so they must get an adequate amount after birth. If the litter is too large or the kittens are taken away from their mother too early, they may not get enough colostrum.
The kittens’ development process could be affected if this is not compensated artificially. They can get infectious diseases or develop nutrient deficiencies, leading to improper development.
Correct Nutrient Intake
Ragdolls have a dramatic growth spree, which needs to be supported by the correct intake of nutrients. This means they must eat the right food in the right quantities to have the basis for their development.
A veterinarian can recommend the best diet plans for the Ragdoll kitten, including approved and forbidden food and professional diet options. Moreover, the vet will monitor the cat and set the correct food amount for the daily diet according to the kitten’s weight.
Aside from a correct diet, Ragdoll cats can benefit from special nutrient supplements to sustain their growth spree. For instance, they need support for their bones and joints (Calcium, Magnesium, minerals for the bones, and glucosamine and chondroitin for the joints). However, since they grow so quickly, more than the nutrients they can absorb from food is usually required.
A veterinarian will determine the best possible supplement options for the kitten.
Exercise
Ragdoll kittens need lots of exercise, and it is essential for their development that they get it. Playing with them can make a difference because their growth is also stimulated when kittens are active. So, play fetch with your Raggie every day to keep it healthy. They also require enough space to run and play, which is something to consider before getting a large cat.
Disease
When kittens get sick, their bodies have to channel many resources to fight disease. Moreover, the symptoms of many common diseases that kittens can get include weight loss. Even if the disease is treated and the kitten recovers, some illnesses can have long-term consequences on their development.
The King-Sized Cat Expectation
People know Ragdolls to be among the world’s largest cat breeds, making Raggies very popular among those who want to have a considerable cat as a pet.
While this has driven many people to buy their own Ragdolls, it has also built up a myth surrounding their size. When people get a Ragdoll cat with a pedigree from the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association), they expect a cat of significant proportions because they’ve seen countless pictures and videos of these gentle giants.
While Ragdolls live up to these sizable expectations in most cases, they will likely be smaller than predicted. Regrettably, this is enough for some people to give their cats away or abandon them because they are not the appropriate size. Unfortunately, this also happens when some Ragdoll owners notice that their cats don’t have the standard Ragdoll cat personality they envisioned for their pets.
To avoid unfortunate situations, people should remember that breed profiles are not commitments and are subject to natural variations. Furthermore, every individual is unique. Therefore, even with the most substantial gene pools, it may exhibit only some breed characteristics and only to a certain extent.
Not even the best Ragdoll cat breeders can determine the exact outcome of the litter. However, even with DNA testing, they can make specific predictions about the adults. Still, there are no absolute certainties when it comes to cats because nature has the last word every single time.
Size Matters – Here’s Why
As we have established above, Ragdoll cats are some of the world’s largest. While this is certainly something you can be proud of, it also means that there is more of them to love.
When you decide to get a large cat, there are a few things you need to be aware of: Hold Them Correctly – To offer proper support when you pick up your Ragdoll cat, you have to use both hands and make sure you sustain them proportionally.
Get Them Proper-Sized Accessories – From cat beds to scratching posts and litter boxes, double-check the size before buying accessories for your cat because these could be unfitting for the gentle giants. Also, even the ones listed as Large or Extra-Large may not be enough. Our Floppycats Shop lists cat products that are Ragdoll cat size appropriate.
Larger Cat, Bigger Costs – Another aspect that people do not consider before getting a large-sized cat is that the cat care costs are somewhat higher. For instance, a Russian Blue or an American Shorthair will eat less than a Ragdoll cat because they are significantly smaller. While this may not seem like much, the costs of being a responsible cat owner are extremely important.
Ragdoll Cat Size FAQs
Are Ragdoll cats bigger than Maine Coons?
No, Ragdoll cats are not bigger than Maine Coons. Maine Coons are giant cats that can measure up to 40 inches in length and weigh up to 25 pounds, compared to the average weight of a Ragdoll, which is between 12 and 20 pounds. So while Ragdoll cats are one of the most giant cat breeds, they are not the outright largest by some distance compared to a Maine Coon.
Why are Ragdoll cats so big?
Ragdoll cats are the size that they are just due to their breeding process. They were first created by Ann Baker, a breeder based in Riverside, California, in the 1960s with a large cat named Josephine. Since then, they have been a more giant breed known for their relaxed temperament. They have blue eyes, and according to the Cat Fanciers Association, the Ragdoll breed presents in six official colors- seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red/flame/blaze, and cream. Lynx, tortie and torbie (lynx/tortie) variants are also accepted.
Do Ragdoll cats shed a lot?
Despite a myth that Ragdoll can’t don’t shed, that isn’t true. Ragdolls do shed, and there can be a lot of hair. That’s less to do with the cat’s size but more with its long fur. They don’t need as regular grooming as some other high-maintenance cats, but it’s good to use combs with them once or twice a week to prevent tangles and knots.
Ragdolls vs. the Word’s Largest Cats
Everybody knows that Ragdolls are among the most giant domesticated cats in the world. But this begs the question – which cats are more significant than the Ragdoll, and how much larger are they? Here are the Ragdoll’s main competitors in terms of size:
Savannah – With adult males reaching up to 25 lbs, the Savannah cat is closer to wild felines than domestic cats. They look like household cheetahs, and they make for very exotic pets. Savannahs are noticeably larger than Ragdolls.
Chausie – A less well-known large feline, the Chausie cat is tall and willowy – more like a basketball player or marathon runner. Adult males can weigh between 11-16 lbs, and females run 8-13 lbs.
B/O: Liz Hansen
Maine Coon – Very few cats are more significant than the Maine Coon, and the Ragdoll is not one of them. Weighing up to 20 lbs, Maine Coon adult males are longer than Ragdoll males because this breed has an enormous tail that can get as long as 14 in. The holder of the world record for the longest domestic cat is a Main Coon named Mymains Stewart Gilligan. Stewie measured a whopping 48.5 inches.
Norwegian Forest Cat – Another well-known giant among cats, the Norwegian Forest cat is certainly something to see. Adult males typically weigh up to 17 lbs, but like Maine Coons, they have very long tails that add to their size.
Siberian – Also more petite than the Ragdoll, the adult Siberian cat male reaches 17 lbs.
Turkish Van – While the adult males only get to 16 lbs, Turkish Vans are among the world’s most giant cat breeds.
Burmese – Adult Burmese females weigh between 8 and 12 lbs, while the males exceed 12 lbs. It’s no match for the Ragdoll, but the Burmese are still quite the giant cat.
Egyptian Mau – Similar in size to the Burmese cat, the Egyptian Mau also reaches 12 lbs, placing it on the large cat list.
Ragdolls vs. the World’s Smallest Cats
Now that you’ve seen the Ragdoll’s leading contenders in size, it may be interesting to see just how much bigger this cat breed is compared to other breeds you may have heard about. So here are the world’s smallest cats!
Singapura – With adult males weighing between 4 and 8 lbs, the Singapura is the world’s smallest cat breed. Another defining characteristic of this breed is that adults maintain the appearance of kittens for life, making these a treat for any cat lover.
Munchkin – Known worldwide for their adorably short legs, Munchkins weigh between 5 to 9 pounds in adulthood. These critters are also highly active and a delight to be around.
Cornish Rex – This cat breed is known worldwide for its curly fur but is also remarkably petite. Although Cornish Rex cats have long legs and long ears, adult males only get to weigh between 6 and 10 pounds.
Devon Rex – Closely related to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex is bound to make an impression with its large ears, long curled eyes, and short rex rabbit-like coat. However, in terms of size, it is tiny. Adult males weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
American Curl – This breed’s most notable characteristic is the uniquely curled ears. While American Curls have a very imposing posture, they only weigh between 5 to 10 pounds.
Scottish Fold – Everybody knows Scottish Folds for their short and folded ears, but these cats are also tiny. Adult males weigh between 9 and 13 lbs. However, what they may lack in size, Scottish Folds compensate in playfulness.
As you can see, Ragdolls are among the giant cat breeds in the world by comparison.
However, keep in mind that size variation also includes a lower limit. While Ragdoll males can get up to 20 lbs, they can also be as small as 12 lbs. Please note that this is actually within the breed profile.
Hi there,
We have a male 1 year old who weighs over 5kg, he is a ragdoll cross – unsure of the father – but the mother was ragdoll. Is that an average weight? It seems on the high side, but he doesn’t look ‘fat’ as such but has a bit of bulk to him. Most people that pick him up exclaim he is heavy.
Ultimately the vet will tell us but does this seem normal? He is indoors only at the moment, so doesn’t have a lot of exercise in that regard.
Can’t rely on average weights – it depends on the cat. The charts that Purina has help.
Great article Jenny!
It’s funny you published this as I was thinking about it the other day.
We’re moving car and I was sat having a break in my car just watching the world pass by and checking out the local cats.
My partner said “Oh look at that tiny cat,surely she’s too young to be out?”
She was a tiny beautiful full black moggy with a pink collar on and an eye for mischief!
It was that, that got me thinking is the cat small or is she probably full size and because we are around 2 Ragdolls everyday, other cats appear so small?
Our smallest Lola was the runt and has always been 1lb or 2lb behind her sister who weighs between 12-14lbs depending on the seasons.
Frame wise Lola is sturdy but svelte due to having a sleeker coat but still so much taller and longer than the average moggy!
I’ve had quite a few comments about how long their front legs are and I say it’s only because their pantaloons hide the back legs!
Are all your families Raggies quite tall or are you the same as me & not notice until you see a moggy (non pedigree)?
I forgot how big my cats are until a technician comes by for something and says, “that’s a massive cat!”. my parents’ cats are taller and longer than any of the other Ragdolls in our family and among my family’s 11 Ragdolls, the sizes and shapes can vary greatly. thanks for sharing your cute story – glad the article was timely!
WOW!!! SUPER AMAZEBALLS & PAWESOME POST, Jenny!!! Lurved all the pics of the different, gorgeous kitty breeds!!! Fascinating info for sure and I truly enjoyed reading about this topic and learning so much about other breeds and their sizes, too!!! TYSVM for putting all this together so very well (as always!) for us!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
This post was written months ago – it took FOREVER to collect the photos – thank you to all those who were willing to send me their photos of their kitties.
Floppycatters are SUPER PAWESOME & ROCK!!! 🙂 <3