Highlander vs Ragdoll

Which cat breed is right for you?

Highlander

Size
10–20 lbs
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Energetic Playful Confident Social

Ragdoll

Size
10–20 lbs
Lifespan
12–17 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Calm Affectionate Docile

About the Highlander

The Highlander — originally called the Highland Lynx — was developed in 2004 by crossing Desert Lynx cats with Jungle Curls, aiming to create a domestic cat with a wild appearance. This large breed weighs 10–25 pounds and has a powerful, muscular build with a naturally short or bobbed tail. Their most distinctive features are their loosely curled ears (curling backward like the American Curl) and their optional polydactyl (extra-toed) paws — their coat comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties in all colors and patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Highlanders are confident, outgoing cats that love to be the center of attention and entertain their families with playful antics. They are gentle giants — patient with children, friendly with dogs, and sociable with other cats. Their clownish, energetic personality combined with their wild appearance makes them a conversation-starting companion.

Pros

  • Striking wild appearance with curled ears and bobbed tail — truly unique-looking
  • Confident, clownish personality — loves to entertain and interact
  • Gentle despite their large size — excellent with children and other pets
  • Optional polydactylism adds to their distinctive charm

Cons

  • Curled ears need regular cleaning and careful handling to avoid cartilage damage
  • Large size requires more food, larger litter boxes, and sturdier cat furniture
  • Relatively new breed — long-term health data is still being collected
  • Can be boisterous and may accidentally knock things over due to size and energy

Want a gentle giant with a wild side? Browse Highlander cats and other unique breeds on Puplister.

About the Ragdoll

The Ragdoll was developed in the 1960s in Riverside, California, by breeder Ann Baker, who selected for docile, floppy cats that go limp when held — hence the name. One of the largest domestic cat breeds, Ragdolls weigh 10–20 pounds (males often exceeding 15 pounds) and have striking blue eyes, a semi-long silky coat, and a colorpoint pattern with a lighter body and darker extremities. They come in six main colors — seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream — with four patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and lynx.

Temperament & Personality

Ragdolls are famously gentle, relaxed cats that often follow their owners from room to room like loyal dogs. They tend to greet you at the door and flop at your feet, earning their reputation as "floor cats" and "puppy cats." Exceptionally tolerant and patient, they are among the best breeds for families with children and get along beautifully with dogs and other cats.

Pros

  • Extremely gentle and tolerant — ideal for households with young children
  • Silky coat lacks a dense undercoat, reducing matting and shedding compared to other longhairs
  • Calm, laid-back energy level — content with moderate play and lots of cuddling
  • Dog-like devotion — follows owners, greets guests, and can learn simple tricks

Cons

  • Genetic predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — DNA testing recommended
  • Trusting and non-aggressive to a fault — must be kept strictly indoors
  • Large size means higher food costs and need for oversized litter boxes
  • Can develop bladder stones and urinary tract issues

If a big, blue-eyed lap cat sounds like your dream companion, search for Ragdoll cats available for adoption on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Highlander and a Ragdoll?
The Highlander is 10–20 lbs sized while the Ragdoll is 10–20 lbs sized. They differ in size (10–20 lbs vs 10–20 lbs), lifespan (10–15 years vs 12–17 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Highlander or Ragdoll?
Highlander is generally good with kids. Ragdoll is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Highlander or Ragdoll?
The Highlander has a lifespan of 10–15 years while the Ragdoll has a lifespan of 12–17 years.

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