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title: "Ragdoll or Birman: Which breed should you choose? | Pedibase"
description: "Ragdoll or Birman? Compare size, temperament, price, monthly budget, apartment living, and compatibility with children to choose your future cat."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
Breed comparison
# Ragdoll or Birman: Which breed should you choose?
Ragdoll and Birman are two cat breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
[](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll)
## [Ragdoll](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll)
Large3–9 kg€600 – €2,500
[Full listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll) [Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-ragdoll)
 +6
[](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman)
## [Birman](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman)
Medium4–7 kg€400 – €1,400
[Full listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman) [Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-birman)
 +10
## Key takeaways
- Ragdoll and Birman are a similar size (3–9 kg).
- Birman costs less to buy: €400 – €1,400 compared with €600 – €2,500 for Ragdoll.
- The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €95 per month.
- Ragdoll needs less daily activity (2/5 compared with 3/5 for Birman).
- Birman scores higher for “Families and children”: 5/5 compared with 4/5 for Ragdoll.
- For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 12–17 years.
## Our verdict
Choose Ragdoll if you’re looking for…
- Calm families: Its gentleness and patience are well suited to calm households that respect its pace.
- Apartment living: It adapts very well to a comfortable and secure indoor home.
- First-time adopters: Its stable and affectionate temperament often makes life easier with a first purebred cat.
Choose Birman if you’re looking for…
- Families with respectful children: His gentleness and patience generally make him a good family companion.
- People present on a daily basis: He appreciates a close relationship and benefits from a home where he receives regular attention.
- Apartment living: His natural calm suits a properly arranged indoor home.
## Detailed comparison
| | [Ragdoll
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll) | [Birman
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| General information | | |
| Origin | United States | France |
| Build | Large | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 30–38 cm | 22–30 cm |
| Weight | 3–9 kg | 4–7 kg |
| Coat | Semi-long, fine | Semi-long, silky |
| Life expectancy | 12–17 years | 14–17 years |
| Average price | €600 – €2,500 | €400 – €1,400 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €95 | ≈ €95 |
| Compatibility | | |
| Families and children | Very good | Excellent |
| Daily exercise needs | Low | Moderate |
| Apartment living | Excellent | Excellent |
| First-time owners | Excellent | Excellent |
| Other pets | Very good | Very good |
| Tolerance of being alone | Limited | Limited |
| Vocalization | Quiet | Quiet |
| Strengths and weaknesses | | |
| | - Moderate exercise needs
- Highly adaptable
- Good health
- Prone to destructive behavior
- High-maintenance coat
- Sheds a lot
| - Highly adaptable
- Good health
- High exercise needs
- Prone to destructive behavior
- High-maintenance coat
- Sheds a lot
|
[Add a third breed](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=ragdoll,birman) [Which cat should you choose?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
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