Mine coon vs. Ragdoll

Question
QUESTION: Hi I'm interested in getting a cat and have 4 dogs (2 chi's, 1 pug and 1 1/2 chi 1/2 rat terrier mix) and 3 kids ages 9, 5, and 3. We are trying to decide what type of cat would be best suited for our household in the choices of maine coon and ragdoll based on temperment, ability to get along with the dogs and good with the kids (they are good with animals by the way not rough). Please let me know which would be the best suited as is your opinion.

ANSWER: Stacie,

Maine Coons and Ragdolls are equally mild tempered and tend to get along with dogs and children.  However, there are a couple of pointers for you.

First of all, I would get an older kitten (at least 5-6 months of age), mostly so it can cope with the young children.  Young children tend to be unpredictable and cats are very cautious about them. If the children have learned to be gentle with pets (because of the dogs), then this may work out.  If the 3 or 5 year olds get too aggressive with the kitten, the kitten will scratch in self defense.

The other tip is a method of introduction that will help things go more smoothly.  If you can find a kitten that has been around dogs, this will help immeasurable.

The following is a technique we advise on introducing a new kitten to a household with established pets:

Start out your new kitten in one room with a litter pan and water dish. Ideally, the one room should be a bedroom with yourself or another human resident. This accomplishes a couple of things. Your new kitten will not be overwhelmed by its new surroundings and get "lost", and thusly will have no problem finding the litter pan (often kittens have been confined and are somewhat daunted by wide open spaces!). You will feed the new kitten in this room and keep the established pets out. It allows the new kitten to bond with you or another human being and also build up some self assurance in its new surroundings since it will not have to compete for food or attention right away. Finally, it allows the new kitten and the established pets to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 3-5 days of being in its one room, it is time to let them meet each other. Be prepared for some posturing, some spitting and hissing, and the like on the part of the new kitten. IGNORE IT! After a while, the kitten and dogs should begin chasing each other about and still have the occasional hiss or spit as they get accustomed to
each other. Cats tend to make a whole lot of noise and even loosen up some fur. Rarely will a cat hurt a dog. You will have to watch to make sure the dogs do not gang up on the kitten.  

Once they are introduced, there are a couple of things you must remember. Do not separate them again, they will get along! Do not interfere in their "discussions" as they need to sort it out amongst themselves!

It does not hurt to give the established pets treats and extra attention after the new kitten is introduced (yes, dogs and children do get jealous!).

You will have to feed your kitten where the dogs cannot get to its food (dogs LOVE cat food).

Also keep the cat's litter pan somewhere the dogs cannot get to.  Dogs often look at cat poop as candy and will even interfere with the cat while it is doing its business.  This could lead to the cat finding somewhere else besides the litter pan to poop!!!!!

All, in all, this method seems to have had great success in the past and makes for a fairly smooth introduction. Please remember that they may make up immediately, or it may take a few weeks.  In rare cases, it just does not work out, but you will really need to give it lots of time.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi
I have found a 2 year old Maine Coon female cat (fixed and declawed) that is currently in foster care. She seems to be the perfect cat according to her foster mom and loves the little 7 year old in that household (they do everything together from what I understand). The foster mom can't keep her as her neice is VERY allergic to cats and hasn't been able to enter their house since they have had her due to allergies so her hubby said she can't keep her. Anyway my question is are there any draw backs to adopting and adult cat verses a kitty as far as bonding ect (her mom says she is very loveable to all). I felt she maybe a better choice since I have young kids and also other inside dogs.
Thanks,
Stacie

ANSWER: Stacie,

This may be ideal!  I cannot predict how this female will adjust to the dogs (except that she should be able to take care of herself).  She should do great with the children.

As to bonding, cats are not like dogs.  Cats can and will bond with people at any age, from kitten hood up into their senior years.

I would still follow the previous specified regimen for introducing her into the household (only you may want to give it a week instead of 3-5 days).  You can find out what kind and brand of litter they are currently using (and use it with her), what kind and brand of food they are currently feeding (and feed her that food), what her veterinary history (especially vaccinations) is, etc.

Please let me know how things turn out.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I also forgot to ask 1 more important question that will help me to decide which cat or kitten I will get and that is on the subject of grooming/shedding. How often does a Maine Coon need to be brushed versus a Ragdoll and how do they compare in the shedding department as well. I also just recently read something about Maine Coons having oily skin and was wondering about that with furniture?
Thanks so much!!

Answer
Stacie,

Ragdolls are a bit easier to maintain than Maine Coons.  Both breeds have naturally oily coats to help shed water. However, with minimal grooming this should not be a problem with furniture.  I would say that combing once a week and bathing no more than quarterly would probably work for either breed.  Ragdolls probably shed a bit less than Maine Coons.

I hope this is helpful.

Best regards... Norm.