Balinese Cat vs. Ragdoll Cat: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

Balinese and Ragdoll cats look similar but they are completely different cat breeds. Without learning about the physical differences between the two, it can be tough to tell them apart, especially at first glance.

We put together this handy guide to help you understand the differences between Balinese cats and Ragdoll cats. Hopefully, you will get a clear idea of how the two breeds differ and which breed you think would make the best pet for you!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Balinese Cat Overview

The Balinese cat is a hardy breed that weighs 8–12 pounds when fully grown. They have long, cream-colored coats with color points on their tails, legs, face, and ears. These points are usually black, grey, or brown, but they can be a variety of colors, including orange and blue. Their bodies are compact, but their fluffy fur makes them look bigger than they actually are. Their eyes are usually bright blue, and their ears are pointy. They have soft round noses and fluffy tails.

Personality / Character

This cat breed is extremely social, curious, and playful. They enjoy spending their time with other cats and human family members and prefer to spend as little time as possible alone. Balinese cats are vocal and will take any opportunity to communicate with their household members, even in the middle of the night.

These kitties are active, so they require access to toys and things like scratching posts to help keep them busy throughout the day. Their curiosity can get them into trouble occasionally, but they are generally well-behaved. Balinese cats can get along well with other animals, especially the cats and dogs that live with them. They are smart and can be trained to do basic things like come when called, but their stubborn streak can make training time-consuming and frustrating.

Health & Care

Balinese cats are considered a healthy breed overall, but there are a few hereditary health conditions that they are susceptible to developing. One of the most prolific problems to watch out for is progressive retinal atrophy, a disease in which the cat’s eyes deteriorate over time. Eventually, they will go blind. Other hereditary health problems to be aware of include:

Balinese cats are generally healthy, though, so the chance of them developing these illnesses and diseases is low. Regular veterinary checkups can help catch health problems early so they can be addressed before they become too serious to treat.

Suitable for:

Balinese cats are social and interactive, making them great pets for families of all shapes and sizes. They also get along well in single adult and senior households and where other cats and well-behaved dogs live. These cats are fine in both apartment and house settings if they have plenty of room to run and play.

Ragdoll Cat Overview

Ragdolls are typically larger than Balinese cats and can weigh up to 20 pounds as adults. They are super fluffy and have semi-long fur with pointed patterns, like Siamese and Balinese cat breeds do. These cats have white or cream bodies and dark-colored tails, eyes, and ears. Sometimes, the backs of their heads have dark markings.

They are known for their light yet vibrant blue eyes and scruffy-looking chests. Ragdoll cats have pointy ears, small noses, and inquisitive facial features. Their legs are short and stout, and their bodies are athletic and agile. The Ragdoll’s tail is fluffier and shorter than that of the Balinese.

Personality / Character

Ragdoll cats are gentle and docile by nature. They were named Ragdolls because they tend to go limp whenever they are picked up. These cats will happily sit in a family member’s lap all day long if they are allowed to. It seems that their main goal in life is to cuddle and be fawned over. This is a smart breed that likes to play and has a curious side, but they are not known for being active during the day.

Unlike Balinese cats, Ragdolls are typically quiet creatures, so they are rarely heard verbally communicating around the house. These are not adventurous cats, so they don’t do much climbing or jumping. They prefer to stick close to the ground whenever possible.

Health & Care

The Ragdoll breed is relatively healthy overall, but there are a few health issues that they can develop as they age. Obesity is one of the biggest problems that these cats face because they are not that active and are prone to overeating if they have access to more food than is necessary for them. Other health problems that this breed may develop include:

If caught early, most health conditions can be managed to ensure a long and happy life. Regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and a safe household are all important aspects of keeping a Ragdoll cat healthy throughout their life.

Suitable for:

Ragdoll cats are most suitable for adult and family households that do not include young children. They are not interested in active play with kids and prefer quiet settings. These cats can live in households with other pets, but rambunctious dogs may be a problem.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Now that you know more about Balinese and Ragdoll cats, you can decide which breed is right for you with confidence. If you are looking for an active cat that likes to play, the Balinese is a great choice. If you’re more into cats that are low-key and gentle, a Ragdoll is worth considering. Both breeds are fluffy and beautiful, and either can quickly become your best friend.

Featured Image Credit: Left: Balinese Cat: Fazlyeva Kamilla, Shutterstock | Right: Ragdoll Cat: absolutimages, Shutterstock