Scottish Fold vs. Ragdoll: Which Is a Better Cat?

Scottish Folds are known for their distinctive folded ears that give them an “owl-like” appearance. They are generally a smaller breed, weighing between 6 and 13 pounds. On the other hand, Ragdolls are known for their relaxed and easy-going personalities and are also known for their large size, with males weighing 12 and 20 pounds and females weighing 8 and 15 pounds. 

Quick Comparison Between Ragdoll and Scottish Fold 

Price

How much is a Scottish Fold cat? On average, the cost can range from $800 to $2,000. Scottish Fold cats can also vary in price, but they are more expensive than Ragdoll. The average cost for a Scottish Fold cat can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. It’s important to note that these prices may vary depending on location and breeder. 

Additionally, keep in mind that purchasing a purebred cat from a reputable breeder may cost more than adopting a mixed-breed cat from a shelter or rescue organization, and it’s also important to consider all the costs of owning a cat such as food, litter, toys, and veterinary visits.

Size

Ragdolls are known for their large size, with males weighing between 12 and 20 pounds and females weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. They have long, silky coats that come in various colors and patterns. Scottish Folds are generally smaller, weighing between 6 and 13 pounds. They have short and medium-length coats that come in various colors and patterns.

Health 

According to PubMed Central, Scottish Fold cats have a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which affects the bones and cartilage in their ears, legs, and tail. This can lead to arthritis and other joint issues as they age; therefore, it’s essential to purchase Scottish Fold cats from a reputable breeder who has tested their cats for this condition.

On the other hand, Ragdolls are generally considered healthy, but they are known to be prone to certain health conditions such as bladder stones and obesity. They also tend to develop hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can cause arthritis and lameness.

Grooming

Scottish Folds have short to medium-length coat that is relatively low maintenance. They shed moderately and should be brushed once or twice a week to remove loose hair and keep their coats shiny and healthy. They don’t require professional grooming but regular trimming of their nails, cleaning their ears, and keeping their teeth clean are necessary for overall hygiene.

On the other hand, Ragdolls have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming. They shed moderately and require daily brushing to remove tangles and mats. They also require professional grooming every few months, including trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and keeping their teeth clean. 

Ragdolls are also known to have a lot of loose hair, and to avoid hairballs, brush and groom them regularly to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Temperament

Scottish fold cats are affectionate with their family but can be independent and aloof with others. Ragdoll cats are more social and maybe affectionate with friends and strangers. 

Scottish Folds are typically calmer and less active than Ragdoll cats. They are also less likely to shed their fur, making them a good choice for allergy-prone people. Scottish Folds are suitable for people who want a low-maintenance pet, as they are only sometimes seen before they want attention. 

Ragdoll cats are more active and require more attention than Scottish Fold cats. They tend to be more demanding and require more attention from their owners. This can make them more challenging to care for over the long term. Therefore, picking the right cat breed for your unique needs and temperament is crucial.

Tendency to Vocalize

One of the unique features of Scottish fold cats is their tendency to vocalize. This breed is known for its ability to talk and carry on conversations with people. Furthermore, Ragdolls are also noted for their ability to vocalize and are known for their high-pitched cries that you can hear across a wide area.

However, these two breeds of cats exhibit different behaviors depending on the situation. For example, Scottish fold cats are more likely to vocalize in situations involving excitement or playfulness, whereas ragdoll cats are more likely to “flop” when they’re content or relaxed. These breeds have different personalities and require extra care, but they can coexist harmoniously in any household.

Intelligence

The ragdoll and the Scottish fold cat are known for their high intelligence. However, it is only partially accurate to say that Ragdolls have a more remarkable ability to learn new things and process information quickly than Scottish Folds. Both breeds are intelligent and have the potential to learn and process information quickly.

Ragdolls are known to be very social and enjoy interacting with their owners. They may have a greater tendency to exhibit social behaviors such as play and interaction, which can make them more active and playful. They are known to be curious and enjoy exploring and playing with toys.

Scottish Folds, on the other hand, are known for their affectionate personalities and love of human companionship. They tend to be less active and more content to spend their time lounging and cuddling with their owners. They are also known to be quite intelligent and playful, but they tend to be more low-key and relaxed than other breeds.