If you’re occupied with thoughts of Birman vs. Ragdoll, it probably has to do with their personality. This is always a tricky question because each cat is unique. I know they look very similar, but these two have distinct characteristics that will clear up the fog for you. They differ in both physical and personality features.
As you may have guessed, their origins are different as well. The Birman breed, which is often known as the “Sacred Cats of Burma,” has an intriguing origin. It’s said that the Kittah monks nurtured these cats in their shrines in Burma. According to tradition, these cats inherited their blue eyes from the venerated goddess, who also had sapphire blue eyes. For their loyalty, the white paws were bestowed as a sign of purity.
On the other hand, the Ragdoll breed has several tales regarding its origins. One is that Ann Baker developed this breed in the 1960s from a single cat named Josephine, a white Persian cat. Following a car accident, she had a very caring demeanor and a tendency to limp when picked up. Ann Baker wanted to carefully breed Josephine in order to generate other cats with these characteristics. She patented the name Ragdoll, and the cat could only be registered in her registry for a long time.
Birman DNA was also utilized to produce the Ragdoll breed, which explains the similarities between the two breeds. So how to decide on the “Birman vs. Ragdoll” question?
1. Physical features of a Birman cat
If you’re debating whether you should get a Birman or a Ragdoll, it’s definitely a tough choice. Both of these cat breeds are astonishing and to make things worse, they’re not that different at all!
However, we’re going to list a few of Birman’s main physical characteristics to try and point out the differences. Perhaps this would be a deal-breaker for you and you’ll finally make your choice.
Starting from the most obvious feature, most of the Birman’s fur is white. However, this cat can come in slightly different tones, such as cream, cinnamon, chocolate, or even red.
One thing that makes them so recognizable is their fur pattern which can be pointed or mitted. A Birman cat has one color on the majority of her body, with other tones decorating her face, ears, back, tail, and legs.
What people find to be so cute about these felines are their big white paws. Next to that, this magnificent cat breed is blessed with two sapphire blue eyes that you can look into and just melt right on the spot.
You might find it surprising, but also attractive that Birmans have almost no undercoat. This makes life ten times easier because it means less maintenance and less brushing.
Felines who have a double coat require twice the grooming because their fur is prone to matting. So if you’re not looking for a cat you can name Tangled, you might want to opt for Birman’s silky fur.
These are big-boned cats, so I might as well mention that they can grow quite large in size. For instance, both males and females can weigh up to 12 pounds! That’s not as big as Maine Coon, but it’s still a handful!
2. Ragdoll’s physical characteristics
Once you’re done looking at the Birman cat and decide to search up a Ragdoll, you might think this is the same breed. People will easily mistake the two because, at first glance, it seems like exactly the same fluffy marshmallow.
However, apart from differences in origins, believe it or not, Ragdolls have distinct physical characteristics. Just like their Birman friends, Ragdolls have overall white fur with a touch of other colors on their heads, tails, and legs. Yes, they also have piercing blue eyes that can get you confused between the two.
Still, Ragdolls are much bigger than Birmans and can be twice their size. A male and female Ragdoll will definitely outgrow a Birman because they can weigh even up to 20 pounds.
One of the clear differences between these two is the chin. A Birman’s chin will usually be colored along with the rest of its face and head, whereas a Ragdoll’s chin is always white.
When it comes to fur, Ragdolls have a double layer of thick, fluffy coats. People usually go crazy about it because it’s soft to the touch, and honestly, it resembles a plushy, stuffed animal!
This fur is harder to maintain as it requires more care and brushing than a thin, silky fur of a Birman cat. Perhaps their thick coat adds to their size and they might appear bigger than they are. The tail also helps out as it’s a lot longer than a Birman’s tail.
Apart from size, Birmans and Ragdolls differ in color patterns. While Birman cat has two patterns, colorpoint and mitted, Ragdolls can also be bicolored. So how on earth do you pick one of the two?!
3. Birman cat: an introvert?
Birman cat is your usual feline: doesn’t have a care in the world and likes to mind her own business. However, this might not be exactly what you’re looking for.
Do you know those cats that will completely ignore you when you come home from a long day of work? I don’t want to disappoint you, but Birman is definitely one of those.
This breed enjoys its personal space and peace. They just like hanging out on their own, perhaps on a windowsill watching the birds and squirrels.
Sure, they might enjoy cuddle time here and there, but that’s about it. They’re not the type of cats to follow you around the house craving your attention 24/7.
Unfortunately, a lot of people just can’t resist their beautiful looks and will go against the cat’s will to pet her. This might result in their feline cowering and running away from them, leaving most people feeling rejected.
If this happens with your Birman companion, don’t take it personally. It’s just that this breed is more of an introvert and would gladly enjoy other cats’ company than a child’s, for instance.
Birman’s laid-back and calm demeanor is perfect for someone who lives alone or in a family that’s quiet enough and has a slow tempo this cat can adjust to.
However, they enjoy some playtime as they’re relatively active. Next time, you might offer your cat to play with you instead of suffocating her with kisses and pets. Still, make sure they have a safe place to retreat to once they’re done socializing.
4. Ragdolls: cuddle bugs
If you’re having trouble deciding on Birman vs. Ragdoll, this will probably clear it up for you. Unlike their distant cousins, Ragdolls are most cat owners’ dream. They’re the type of cat to follow you around the house, demanding more scratches and loving!
Just imagine coming home from a long day of work to your pet who’s ready to give you all the love and make you forget about the hardships you went through that day. What a life!
Ragdolls have the tendency to simply go limp once you pick them up, hence the name. They’re like stuffed dolls waiting to absorb all of your attention and affection.
If you’ve ever met a Ragdoll before, you probably noticed how she just flopped down on her belly. “Here I am. Now, please, love me and pet me. I’m all yours.” It certainly feels like she’s trying to tell us that.
With them being so chill and easy to love, Ragdolls are more tolerant than Birmans. This cat breed doesn’t mind having another pet in the household, even if it’s a canine.
Due to their size, it’s unusual for this cat to lack confidence, so she doesn’t have any trouble telling others to back off. On the other hand, this might be a bit more difficult for Birmans since they have strict boundaries and are half the Ragdoll’s size.
Their tolerance is definitely beneficial to households with small children who like to explore and stuff their faces at their pets. However, if you’re looking for a cat willing to engage in some playtime with you, you better skip Ragdolls. These beautiful dolls are made to suit the eye and not to sweat their butts off!