Ragdoll vs Birman – Similarities and Differences

Ragdoll vs Birman

By Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

July 30, 2022

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There are many different types of cats, and each one has its own unique set of characteristics. The Ragdoll and Birman are two cat breeds that look very similar and it can be hard to tell the difference between the two. Though they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between these two breeds. This article will compare and contrast the Ragdoll and Birman cats, so that you can find out how to tell them apart and decide which one is the right fit for you.

 

What is a Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls are a large, long-haired breed of domestic cat. They were developed in the early 1960s by Ann Baker, an American breeder who named the breed for their tendency to go limp in her arms like a ragdoll. Ragdolls are one of the most popular breeds of cats in the United States and are bred to be companion cats.

seal mitted ragdoll cat
Ragdoll Cat

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What is a Birman Cat?

The Birman is a medium-sized cat. Birmans are semi-long-haired, colorpoint cats with white gloves on their paws. The breed has a number of distinct qualities, including their blue eyes and point coloration. They are known for being gentle, placid, and intelligent cats.

Birman Cat

Birman Cat

Ragdoll Vs Birman – Appearance

Although they may physically appear the same to the untrained eye, there are a few ways to distinguish a Ragdoll cat from a Birman.

Both breeds have beautiful blue eyes, but the eyes of a Ragdoll cat will usually be brighter than the eyes of a Birman cat. The Ragdoll has large oval eyes whereas the eyes of the Birman are medium-sized and more rounder.

The nose of the Ragdoll has a soft curve compared to the Roman nose of the Birman Cat. Also a Ragdoll’s tail is usually longer than that of the Birman.

The Birman and Ragdoll cat breeds share the same blue-eyed, pointed cat characteristics and colors that have been recognised as The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) as their breed standards.

Both breeds of cats present in the following colors:

  • Seal – the extremities (nose, ears, tail and paws) are dark brown, and their body a cream color with a shade of brown.
  • Blue – the extremities are dark grey, and their bodies are cream-coloured shades of gray.
  • Chocolate – the extremities are light brown, and their body a creamy white color.
  • Lilac – the extremities are light blue, and their body an icy white color.
  • Flame – the extremities are a red/orange color, and their body a creamy color with a shade of orange.
  • Cream – the extremities are ivory, and their body clear white.

Birman and Ragdoll kittens are born white and develop color on their extremities during the first few weeks of life.

How to tell the difference between a Ragdoll and a Birman?

One of the main differences between a Ragdoll and a Birman is the pattern. A Ragdoll my present in one of three patterns – colorpoint, mitted and bicolor whereas the Birman is always mitted meaning that its ‘gloves’ (front paws) and ‘gauntlets’ (back paws) are white in color. Birmans look very similar to mitted Ragdolls. To tell the difference between the breeds you need to take a look at their chin. If the cat has a colored chin it is likely to be a Birman as the mitted Ragdoll should have a white chin.

Birman Cat

Birman Cat

Birman Vs Ragdoll Cat – Size

There is a size difference between the two breeds as Ragdoll Cats are typically bigger than Birmans. An adult male ragdoll can weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, while Birman Cats weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. Ragdoll Cats also have a longer coat of fur than Birman Cats. This can make them appear shaggier or fluffier than Birmans.

 

Ragdoll Vs Birman – Coat

Both the Ragdoll and the Birman have soft, silky hair that is unlikely to tangle and mat. Ragdolls are long-haired cats where as the Birman coat is of medium-length. They are both considered to be low-maintenance cats in terms of grooming, needing a brush once a week to maintain their coat. Both breeds are unusual in the fact that they do not have an undercoat, unlike many cats. The lack of undercoat results in less fur being shed by the feline and may trigger less of an allergic reaction in people who are known to be allergic to cats. Although neither cat can be said to be hypoallergenic.

Whose Coat is more Plush Ragdoll or Birman?

When most people think of plush animals, they often think of Ragdolls and Birmans. Both breeds are known for their soft, plush coats, but which one is the softest? According to some experts, Ragdolls are actually softer than Birmans. This may be due to the fact that Ragdolls have a longer coat than Birmans.

Ragdoll Cat
Ragdoll Cat

Birman Cat Vs Ragdoll Cat – Personality

Both of these breeds are known for their gentle, affectionate, friendly and laid-back personalities. The Birman prefers to attach itself to one particular member of the family whereas the Ragdoll loves people and spreads its love around everyone. Both breeds are not aggressive although the Birman is known to be more territorial.

Intelligence

Ragdoll cats are considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds of cats. They are known for being very playful and loving, and they typically have a very easy-going temperament. Birmans, on the other hand, are also considered to be an intelligent breed, but they are more independent and aloof than Ragdolls. Both cats can be easily trained to play fetch and walk on a harness.

Friendliness

Both the Ragdoll and the Birman cat crave human interaction and will follow you around the house in search of attention. They are both very affectionate cats and love to be cuddled and petted. They are also both very good with children, making them great family pets. If you’re looking for a friendly, social cat that will keep you company, either a Ragdoll or a Birman would be a good choice.

Playfulness

Ragdoll cats are known for being one of the most laid-back and playful cat breeds. They’re typically docile and good with children, making them a perfect pet for a family. Birmans, on the other hand, are known for being more active than the Ragdoll. They are playful and enjoy climbing and playing games.

Vocalness

Both breeds are generally considered to be a quiet breed as opposed to a vocal cat like the Siamese Cat. Their meows tend to be soft and musical.

Compatibility with Children and Other Pets

Both are considered docile, easy-going breeds that typically get along well with both children and other dogs and cats in the home.

Birman Cat

Birman Cat

Ragdoll Vs Birman Cat – Health Issues

Both are fairly robust breeds with few major health issues. Some common issues include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Heart Disease), Polycystic Kidney Disease, Gum Disease and Urinary Tract infections. Both breeds can be prone to obesity.

Birmans Vs Ragdolls – Lifespan

Both the two cat breeds are known for their longevity with the average lifespan for both cats being around 15- 20 years.

 

Ragdoll Vs Birman – Cost

A Birman typically costs around $700 – $1500, while a Ragdoll can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500.

Birman Cat

Birman Cat

In conclusion, Ragdoll cats and Birman cats are both wonderful pets. They are both gentle, loving cats that make great companions. However, there are some important differences between these two breeds that you should consider before deciding which one is right for you. Consider the pros and cons of each breed, and then decide which cat is right for your family.

 

Other cat breed comparisons with the Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll vs Maine Coon Cat
Ragdoll vs Snowshoe Cat
Ragdoll vs Himalayan Cat
Ragdoll vs Ragamuffin Cat
Ragdoll vs Siamese Cat

Find out more about Ragdoll Cats

Find Ragdoll Kittens for sale near me 

Written by Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

I'm Jennie, the creator of Ragdoll Cats World. I have been owned and loved by Ragdoll Cats for almost twenty years after getting my first Ragdoll kittens, Huey and Choo-Choo back in 2003. They lived to the grand old age of 18 and 17 and they even made the move from London to Australia with me! We now have two Ragdoll cats, Violet and Ocean, and a Maine Coon cat named Eddie, and we love sharing our knowledge of all things related to Ragdoll Cats with you at Ragdoll Cats World!

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