Maine Coon x Ragdoll: The ‘Gentle Giant’ Hybrid#

In the world of “Designer Cats,” the Maine Coon x Ragdoll mix is the heavyweight champion. You are combining the two largest domestic breeds into one animal. Owners often hope for the best of both worlds: the rugged, dog-like intelligence of the Maine Coon and the limp, passive affection of the Ragdoll.

But genetics isn’t a blender; it’s a lottery. According to Robinson’s Genetics, when you cross two distinct breeds, you don’t always get a perfect 50/50 split. You get a “Phenotypic Range.”

Here is what to expect from the so-called “RagCoon.”

The Coat: Shaggy vs. Plush#

This is the biggest difference between the breeds.

Maine Coon: Has a “Shag” coat. It is uneven, oily (water-resistant), and designed for snow. It has a distinct ruff and britches but is shorter on the back.
Ragdoll: Has a “Plush” or “Bunny” coat. It is dense, silky, and non-matting (mostly).

The Mix Result: Usually, the Maine Coon coat texture is dominant. Most mixes have the uneven, slightly oily feel of the Coon, but with the incredible density of the Ragdoll.

Warning: This combination mats easily. The fine, cottony undercoat of the Ragdoll gets trapped under the heavy guard hairs of the Coon. You will need a steel comb (see our Grooming Guide).

The Color: Will It Be Pointed?#

Ragdolls are Colorpointed (Siamese pattern). This is a recessive gene ($cs$). Maine Coons are usually Full Color (C).

Generation 1 (F1): If you breed a pure Ragdoll to a pure Maine Coon, NONE of the kittens will be pointed. They will all look like solid or tabby cats. (Because the Full Color gene masks the Pointed gene).
Generation 2: Only if you breed two carriers together will you get the “Pointed Maine Coon” look.

Personality: The “Floppy” Hunter#

Ragdolls: Go limp when held. They are strictly indoor, low-prey-drive cats.
Maine Coons: Active hunters. They trill, fetch, and patrol.

The Mix: Expect a cat that follows you from room to room (Coon trait) but flops on your feet when you sit down (Ragdoll trait). They are rarely as “dopey” as a pure Ragdoll; the Maine Coon intelligence usually shines through. They are big, heavy, and extremely affectionate.

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Essential for the 'RagCoon' mix. Their double coat is thicker than a purebred, and this brush removes the dense undercoat easily.

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Conclusion#

The Maine Coon x Ragdoll is a magnificent, loving tank of a cat. Just be prepared for a lot of fur, and don’t expect them to be lazy. They are “relaxed hunters.”

References#

Vella, C. et al. (1999). Robinson’s Genetics. “Albino Alleles (Colorpoint),” p. 139.
Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Temperament,” p. 20.
TICA. Ragdoll Breed Standard.
CFA. Maine Coon Breed Standard.
Helgren, J.A. Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds.