Cats are the pretty creatures and best friends of humans. It is essential to know about the cat’s personality and behavior before bringing her to your home. But when it comes to Birman cats and Ragdoll cats, you can get confused to tell the difference between these breeds because both these breeds of cats have more similarities rather than differences.
Do not get worried. In this article, you will know about the Birman Cats and Ragdoll Cats’ particular characteristics that will help you recognize between these breeds.
Before starting, let’s take a look at the origin and history of the Birman and Ragdoll Breed.
History of Birman Cat Breed:
This breed of cats is also called “Sacred Cats of Burma.” Birman is a domestic cat breed. It is unknown how these cats came, but the theories suggest that crossing between Angoras and Siamese results in this breed. The Cat Club de Paris recognized this breed for the first time in 1925.
The name of this breed is derivative of the French word “Birmanie.” for Burma.
History of Ragdoll Cat Breed:
This cat breed is more common in the United States and the United Kingdom. Its name is derivated from the tendency to relax when it is picked up. It is famous for its kind temperament and friendly nature. It is friendly with other pets, so it is considered the best social animal.
Their intelligence also makes them a favorite pet of everyone.
Physical Characteristics:
As mentioned earlier, Birman and Ragdoll cats are similar in most features. They have the same face shape; both cats have medium-sized ears and long fur.
But they differ in some physical attributes that differentiate between the breeds.
- Eyes:
Birmans: Their eyes are medium, and the shape of the eyes is round.
Ragdolls: Their eyes are larger in size and have an oval shape.
- Fur:
Birmans: This legendary breed of cats has silky fur and slight undercoats. The fur appears to be wavy in the abdomen, and on the neck, it forms ruff.
Ragdolls: The Ragdolls have more soft and fluffy fur as compared to the Birmans.
- Tail:
Birmans: The Birmans havea medium-sized tail. On the other hand, Ragdolls have long tails.
- Size:
Birmans: The Birman cats grow only to a medium size and weigh about three to six kilograms. The female Birman cats are smaller than the male Birmans,giving them less weight.
Ragdolls: The Ragdolls grow large than the Birman cats, but their growth rate is slower. The average weight of an adult male Ragdoll is six to nine kilograms, whereas an adult female Birman cat weighs four to six kilograms.
Coat Color:
All the physical attributes are not similar. Above mentioned differences will help you to recognize the specific breed. But still, if you are confused, the coat color will definitely help you.
At the time of birth, Birmans and Ragdolls are white, but they develop different colors on the body as they grow. These cats will take two to four years to develop the color spots on the body. Both the cat breeds have the same colors, such as Lilac, Seal, Chocolate, red, and brown.
If the colors are also the same, you must think about what will help you recognize Birman or Ragdoll. The white pattern is an effective difference to help you recognize both breeds.
Color Pattern in Birmans:
Birmans: One of the main features of Birman’s color coat is that they are mitted. Paws are covered with white gloves. The white color covers the toes and joints entirely. But on the back legs, the white color forms an inverted B V shape.
The white pattern is symmetrical, and the mitted pattern appears because of gene mutation in this breed.
Ragdolls: Ragdolls have three color patterns, namely Bicolor, Mitted, and ColorPoint.
- Mitted Color Pattern in Ragdolls:
A mitted color pattern is also present in this breed, but it is different from the Birman breed. Ragdolls have white chins and sometimes white bands that continuously run from the chin to the tail.
Sometimes the Ragdolls also show mitted patterns like Birmans, but it is rare and not due to gene mutation, but another genetic process is responsible for this mitted pattern.
- Bicolor Pattern:
The Ragdoll cats are light-colored, but their face, legs, and tail are darker that is helpful to recognize the ragdolls easily.
- ColorPoint:
The easiest way to tell the Ragdolls apart from the Birmans is to look at the paws. If the paws are not white, it is a Ragdoll because Ragdolls do not have any white spots.
The Nature of Ragdoll Cats vs. Birman Cats:
- The nature of Birmans:
Birmans possess a gentle temperament and are loyal partners. These cats are amicable, peaceful, and loving. These cats welcome strangers with greetings and do not fear them. Hence, these cats are very oriented.
As these cats are gentle and friendly, so these can be handled easily. It is a perfect option for those people who want a loving and quiet companion. The best thing about this cat is that it follows his favorite person from room to room without reason and does not behave arrogantly.
These cats would like to spend more time with their owners. They may lay down near the feet of their owner or will prefer to cuddle or sit in the lap of their owner like any toddler.
These cats can be noisy, but they vocalize softly to remind you for dinner or ask for your attention and love.
- The nature of Ragdolls:
Ragdoll and Birmans are also similar in nature. Birmans and Ragdolls are both very friendly and loving. Ragdoll cat breed is also very gentle and kind, welcoming people on the doors and greeting them. These cats are docile, but that does not mean that these cats are inactive and do not participate in playful activities. They like to engage in friendly activities and play with toys.
These cats are quick learners and very polite. They demand food and care by gentle and soft vocalization that does not disturb the peaceful environment of the house. These cats learn quickly with food rewards and behave like well-mannered cats. Like Birman cats, you will find it on the sofas, beds and chase you around the house.
These cats are brilliant and can learn anything quickly, especially when given food rewards. These cats are very patient and can quickly learn to greet others by shaking hands. Both the cats are generally inactive and are found resting on the sofas.
All the cats want to be treated with love and care, so they react when they are poorly handled. But if we talk about Ragdolls. These cats forgive easily if they are handled or poorly held.
Keeping requirements of Ragdolls vs. Birmans:
Every pet owner tries to provide their pets with all the necessities and comforts. Here are some requirements to keep Ragdolls and Birmans as a pet.
- Food requirement:
Every cat wants to get healthy food. For Ragdolls and Birmans, food with high protein value and low levels of carbohydrates is best. Birman and Ragdoll breeds do not like food mixed with artificial colors and preservatives. Artificial flavors should also be avoided for these innocent and gentle cats.
These cats do not need any exceptional nutritional food because they can produce all the nutrition by themselves, but they cannot produce enough Vitamin A. So their food should have taurine and vitamin A to compensate for its deficiency in the body.
There are some health issues for the Ragdolls and Birmans in their old age, but these problems can be prevented by proper diet and care. Ragdolls can suffer from arthritis in old age, so they should be fed with high fatty acid and Omega levels to strengthen their bones and joints.
When Birmans get old, they can suffer from obesity. So Birmans should not overfeed. Moreover, water fascinates both the cat breeds, so always serve them with a freshwater bowl with the food.
- Litter Box requirement:
Cats are very hygiene conscious. They want a neat and clean litter box. Your cat may peep out of the litter box if it is dirty or smelly.
Moreover, the cat’s coat can get dirty if the box is not clean. For the Ragdoll cat breed, the litter box should be bigger because the Ragdoll cat will difficult to squat the litter in small litter boxes.
Small boxes will be sufficient for the Birman cat breed because squatting in a larger litter box will waste a lot of litter in the litter box.
- Outdoor or Indoor:
Cats show different behaviors; some cats like to live indoors while others like to spend their time outdoors. But Ragdolls and Birmans are innocent and gentle cats.
Cats who live outdoors become more susceptible to diseases and have shorter life spans than indoor cats.
These cats can become victims of sudden or accidental poisoning or can be stolen by anyone outdoors. Moreover, there are risks of accidents by hitting the vehicles and fighting with other animals. These cat breeds are sensitive and can catch diseases easily. So outdoor environment is not safe for these cats.
But that does not mean that you should keep the cat at home and never let him out. You can take your pal to any park or garden so that it can feel fresh and healthy. Sometimes, Ragdolls and Birmans get bored by staying at home. So they need fresh air to become active and explore nature. It is necessary to take your cat for a walk at least once a week because staying in can cause psychological disorders in the cats.
- Environment requirement:
Both the cats require a quiet and peaceful environment to relax and sleep. That is why these cats are primarily found in lounges on sofas because they are cozy and soft.
Both breeds do not love high places and love to live on the ground. Some cats love to sleep on windows. So window perch will be best for them. You can also place their beds in quiet locations where they feel easy and comfortable.
- Grooming of the Cat Coats:
Grooming is an essential process for cats. Both these cats need their coats to be groomed. The cats should be combed twice a week to prevent more loose fur. During the shedding seasons, the combing should be increased.
Ragdolls are smaller and have thinner coats. So grooming this cat breed is a bit difficult compared to the Birmans, bigger than the Ragdolls.
When the coat of the cats gets dirty, bathing will be helpful. Bath your pal with lukewarm water and wash the cat’s coat with pet shampoo. The shampoo will help to clean the coat by removing dirt and grease from the coat.
Please do not use any shampoo other than pet shampoo because it can react with the cat’s sensitive skin. You can also trim the coat hairs.
The claws of the cats also need to be groomed. Claws overgrow and can cause scratches to the furniture. It would be best to trim the nails to protect your furniture and infections due to overgrown claws. Ears should also be cleaned, and brushing the cat’s teeth will be helpful for your cat to live a healthy life.
The eyes of the Ragdolls and Birmans should be cleaned with a soft and damp piece of cloth. Please do not use the same wipe or cloth for both eyes because it can cause eye infections in cats.
- Scratching behavior of cats:
Cats have a natural tendency to scratch. By scratching, cats build and mark their territory with the help of scent glands. Scratching also helps the cat get rid of the dead layer of the claws.
It is important to place some scratching posts in the house to prevent your furniture from cat scratches.
As mentioned above, Ragdolls possess more weight than the Birmans due to their bigger size. So they need scratching posts that are stronger and larger. You can also check online for suitable scratching posts for your Ragdoll or Birman cat breeds.
- Interaction with the cats:
Ragdolls and Birmans are friendly and innocent cat breeds. They love to spend quality time with their owner. So you will need to spend a lot of time with these cats.
You can shower them regularly with love and care. Ragdolls are more attention seekers than the Birmans, so they need more attention and care compared to the Birmans.
Birmans are also very affectionate and want your attention. They try to sit in your lap, and if it is not possible, they will try to sit near you to get attention and love.
Ragdolls and Birmans are very friendly and enjoy with humans and other pets. But they do not love to live alone at home, so do not leave them alone.
- Playing Activities of the cats:
Birmans and Ragdolls do not compromise for their playing sessions. Playing sessions are not only for cat’s refreshment but are also helpful for cat’s exercise.
For Birmans and Ragdolls, play sessions should not be longer than ten to fifteen minutes. Younger Birmans and Ragdolls need more sessions than the older cats. About eight to ten sessions will be sufficient for younger cats, and three to five sessions are enough for the older cats.
You can play hide and seek or use toys to play with your cats. Not all the time, the cats are in a playing mood. So your cat will let you know if it is not interested in playing.
If the cat is breathing heavily and panting, let your cat rest before starting another playing session.
Health Issues of Birman Cats vs. Ragdolls:
These cats have mixed breeds and can have various genetic health problems. Let’s discuss these problems one by one.
Health Problems of Ragdoll Cats:
The common health problems of Ragdoll cats are as follows:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: It is a kind of heart disease that is inherited in this breed. It is identified through DNA tests. Heart muscles thicken in this disease, and the cat feels difficulty breathing. Weight fluctuation is also seen in cats suffering from Hypertrophic Cardiomyotherapy.
- Risk of FIP: FIP is feline infectious Peritonitis. It is a viral disease and is caused by the feline virus. Its common symptoms include energy loss and varying body temperatures.
- Calcium Oxalate: Calcium Oxalate forms stones in the body. It increases the risk of stones in the urinary bladder. Bisphosphonates are used to treat a severe form of Idiopathic Hypercalcemia.
- Blood Clots: Ragdolls are very susceptible to the formation of blood clots in the arteries. The common symptoms of blood clotting include loss of appetite, lethargy, and fainting. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is time to take your cat to the doctor.
- Gum disease: Gum disease can be life-threatening. It would be best to brush Ragdolls teeth regularly because these cats can easily prey to bacterial infections. If brushing teeth on a daily basis is not possible, it should be done once a week because it will protect your cat from bacterial infections in the mouth.
Health Issues in Birman Cats:
- Corneal Dermoid: It affects the Birman’s hairs and skin and on the transparent front of the eye, known as the cornea. It is treated with surgeries.
- Spongiform Degeneration: It affects the central nervous system. Its symptoms include hind limb weakness and uncontrolled movement.
- Congenital Hypotrichosis: It causes hairless growth in the Birmans. Thymic Aplasia increases the risk of infection due to weak immunity that can lead to the death of the Birman cat. But these diseases are not more common.
- Trembling in the Birmans: Birmans are affected by this condition when they are a week old and last until 12 or 13 weeks old. The cause of the disease is unknown, and the cat is recovered spontaneously.
- High Levels of Urea and Creatinine: High levels of urea and creatinine can indicate kidney failure.
Is Birman Cat Breed Suitable to keep With Children?
It is a very common question that every cat owner should ask if they have children at their home. Suppose you are going to choose Birman cat breed for your children at home. It will be a perfect friend of your children because the children will treat it with care, so it will be a new companion and will live friendly and peacefully with your children.
Is Ragdoll Suitable to Keep with Your children?
One of the best things about the Ragdolls is that it does not extend or scratch their claws while playing. So it is suitable for families having little kids at their home. The Ragdolls also enjoy playing with the kids and other pets at home.
But you should always monitor your cats when playing with children because children are innocent and can hurt the cat.
Which Cat Should You Get?
The answer to this question is very simple. If you are looking for a cat that is neither bigger nor smaller, the Birman cat breed will be a good option because it is medium-sized and not clingy like Ragdoll.
But if you want to get a furball to play and spend quality time, then Ragdolls will be the best option to go with. Ragdolls are great pets because they are quiet and do not disturb the environment of the house. They are also very loyal and soft to cuddle.
Keep both the Cat Breeds Together:
After knowing about the physical attributes of both cats, many people are confused and cannot decide which one will be better for them or want to keep both cats together. Keeping both the cats together is also a great option.
If you are a busy person and cannot give a lot of time to your cat, then you can keep both the cats together because both the cats are amiable and can give quality time to each other.
Keeping these cats together will help each other to solve anxiety issues or lonely feelings and depression.