Some people may mistake Birman cats for Ragdoll cats or vice versa, although this is not their fault. Blue eyes and long-haired, color-pointed coats characterize both breeds. There are, however, some distinctions between them. The Ragdoll has plushy fur, while Birman cats have silky ones with almost no undercoat.
The origins of the Ragdoll
Similar to the Birman, there are numerous myths surrounding the Ragdoll breed’s beginnings. One thing is certain: Ann Baker developed this breed in the 1960s from a single cat named Josephine. According to legend, Josephine, a Persian-type white cat, developed an especially loving personality following an automobile accident and had a propensity to limp when being lifted. These character traits led Ann Baker to decide to selectively breed Josephine in order to produce more cats with those traits; in fact, the legend even claims that she and her babies lost the ability to feel pain, which is obviously untrue. In reference to the cat’s propensity to become limp like a stuffed doll, she named the breed Ragdoll. Ragdoll was a name that Ann Baker trademarked, and for a while the cat could only be registered through her registry. Eventually, some of the cats were shipped to Europe in the 1980s, and the Ragdoll breed became officially recognized by most of the major cat registries at that point. 1991 saw the breed’s recognition by the Fifé and the GCCF. The Ragdoll breed was developed using Birman blood, which explains the similarities between these two breeds.
From left to right, a blue mitted Ragdoll and a seal tabby mitted Ragdoll from @twocanadianragdolls
The majority of the physical characteristics of ragdolls and Birmans are similar: they both have long fur, medium-sized ears with rounded tips, rounded triangle-shaped faces, medium-length muzzles, and long, well-muscled bodies with strong bones. Nonetheless, some physical characteristics aid in distinguishing one breed from another.
Birmans have medium-sized, rounded eyes, while Ragdolls have large oval eyes.
The Ragdoll has soft, plush fur, while the Birman has silky fur with nearly no undercoat.
The Ragdoll tail is long, while the Birman tail is medium in length.
From left to right, a chocolate point Birman, a seal point Birman and a seal bicolor Ragdoll from @ladylolathecat
The Ragdoll is a large and slow to mature cat. A mature male can weigh between 6 and 9 kg (12 and 20 pounds), while an adult female can weigh between 4 and 6 kg (8 and 15 pounds). The adult male Birman weighs between 3 and 6 kg (6 and 12 pounds), while the females are slightly smaller. The Birman is a medium-sized cat.
The Birman nose is roman-shaped with a small indentation, whereas the Ragdoll nose has a soft curve.
On the left a lilac point Birman from @irmathebirman and on the right a blue mitted Ragdoll from @chuckbass_gossipcat
While there are some physical differences between the two breeds, most of these variations can be difficult for an untrained eye to notice. Fortunately, a Birman can be distinguished from a Ragdoll best by examining its coat!
The origins of the Birman
Burmese Birmans, also known as Sacred Cats, have a mythical history. The Kittah priests in their Burmese temple reared these cats. According to legend, they inherited their sapphire blue eyes from the revered goddess. In recognition of their devotion, the white paws were given as a symbol of purity. The Birmans are thought to be descended from a pair of cats that were transported back to France in the 1920s from a temple in Burma. 1927 saw reports of the breed from the Cat Club de France. But the breed was nearly completely exterminated during World War II, and it was resurrected from two purebred Birmans with the addition of Siamese and Persian ancestry. The Fifé first recognized the breed in 1949. It was subsequently exported outside of France and gained recognition in the US and the UK in the 1960s.
From left to right, a blue point Birman and a lilac tabby point Birman from @suzannes
Two Cat Breeds with Unique Temperament and Personalities
The personalities of Ragdoll and Birman cats are similar in that they are both true lap cats who enjoy human company.
Birman cats are renowned for being gregarious and loving; they frequently follow their owners around the house like devoted shadows. They are excellent for families with other pets because of their gentle nature and adaptability.
Ragdoll cats go above and beyond in their love of cuddles. These floppy marvels are well-known for enjoying to be cuddled and held, frequently vanishing into your arms in the form of a furry liquid. They are well-known for having pleasant, laid-back dispositions, which make them the perfect companions in homes with kids and other animals. Additionally intelligent, ragdolls can be trained tricks or basic games to keep their minds active.
FAQ
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