Why Ragdoll Cats Are So Expensive

The Ragdoll is arguably one of the most expensive cats that you can get your hands on. With its enchanting blue eyes, pleasant demeanor, and soft and silky coat, it’s not surprising that these felines can cost you a fortune. But why are these cats so expensive in the first place?

Why Are Ragdoll Cats So Expensive? Ragdoll cats are so expensive because they are carefully and selectively bred to achieve their highly desirable characteristics. Their steep price can also be attributed to their availability—or lack thereof. Ragdolls are not as freely available as other popular pedigree cats such as Maine Coons and Persians, which makes them even more coveted among cat lovers.

The upfront cost of acquiring a Ragdoll cat will vary depending on the breeder, location, and the quality of the cat itself. Some breeders charge a more premium price for Ragdolls with rare or non-traditional eye colors and coat patterns. In general, you can expect the cost to vary from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Here is what you should be aware of.

How much do Ragdoll cats cost?

As said earlier, the initial cost of owning a Ragdoll depends on various factors. If you’re planning to purr-chase one, you can expect to pay around $400 for a good pet-quality cat and a minimum of $1000 for a show-quality cat.

While it can’t be denied that Ragdoll cats are very expensive, many cat lovers—especially Ragdoll cat owners—swear that they are worth every penny. The Ragdoll is such a pleasure to have as a pet because of its affectionate nature.

Why are there discrepancies in Ragdoll cat prices?

Perhaps you’ve been canvassing prices of Ragdoll cats and have noticed that the prices tend to vary considerably among breeders. Breeding a purebred cat like the Ragdoll can be very costly. There are so many costly expenses that come with breeding a high-quality Ragdoll cat. Here are some of them:

• Breeders are required to vaccinate the kittens before they sell them. Vaccination rates vary depending on their location.
• Some breeders have their Ragdolls DNA tested to make sure that they fit the standard of the breed.
• Some breeders have their kittens undergo genetic testing to screen for inherited diseases and abnormalities.
• The daily expense of caring for the kitten. This includes food, litter, and milk replacer (if necessary), among other things.

How to buy a Ragdoll cat without being scammed?

Ragdoll cats are pretty rare, and thus expensive and difficult to find. The popularity of these exceptionally affectionate felines has made it difficult for breeders to keep up with the demand.

You know what they say, people want what others can’t and don’t have.

This is why a number of cat breeders take advantage of this situation by selling below standard—or even a mix—to unsuspecting consumers just to make a quick buck.

Prior to purchasing your Ragdoll, take some time to do a quick background check on your desired breeders to find out whether their prices are worth it.

You may come by a seemingly too-good-to-be-true deal, but the cat may come with a multitude of health issues.

On the other hand, a higher price tag doesn’t automatically mean a higher quality cat—exorbitant prices could also mean that someone is trying to take advantage of you.

So, the reputation of the breeder plays a key role in determining whether their asking prices are reasonable or not.

Costs of Having a Ragdoll Cat

As with any other cat breed, or pet for that matter, your expenses don’t stop once you’ve bought and picked them up at the breeder.

Owning a Ragdoll cat isn’t all about cuteness and snuggles, you need to be sure that you can handle the responsibility that comes with having one.

Every year, numerous cats are brought to the shelters by their owners who weren’t financially prepared to raise them. Please don’t be one of them. When you bring a cat to your home, you need to be in it for the long haul.

Getting a cat is a serious financial responsibility, so you need to budget accordingly before you take the plunge. If you’re really decided on getting a Ragdoll cat, allow me to walk you through the numbers.

Initial Vet Visits

Spaying and neutering your cat can set you back around $50 to $130. Initial vaccinations can cost you around $60 to $130. Recurring expenses such as tick and flea treatments cost about $35 to $40 per visit; and worming, about $10 to $15 every three months.

Food

Your food expenses will depend on the weight of your Ragdoll cat, as well as your choice of what kind of food to feed your cat—kibble, wet food, or a combination of both.
On average, prepare to spend around $20 to $40 a month for your Ragdoll’s sustenance.

Grooming

Despite being relatively low maintenance compared to other long-haired purebred cats, Ragdolls still require coat brushing from time to time to prevent them from ingesting their own hair.

If you intend to have your cat professionally groomed, expect to spend around $50 to $80 per visit.

Vet Emergencies

Unfortunately, even the healthiest of cats will amass a number of vet emergencies throughout their lifetime. Make sure that you have enough money to shoulder the expenses once the need arises.

An average veterinary treatment can set you back around $300 to a couple of thousands more for complicated procedures.

Luckily, some Ragdoll cat breeders do genetic testing to detect potential hereditary diseases. Acquiring a sickly cat can multiply your expenses tenfold, so it’s important to get your Ragdoll from a reputable breeder.

Conclusion

Apart from the expensive initial cost of purchasing a Ragdoll, subsequent expenses can be high as well. If you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll kitten, be absolutely sure that you are financially prepared for the costs involved in raising one.

Purchasing a Ragdoll cat is a huge investment. Nevertheless, they will surely pay you back with lots of happiness and affection, if they are well taken care of.

Related Questions

Which Ragdoll cat gender is more expensive? Female Ragdolls are much more expensive than males simply due to the fact that they are capable of reproducing. However, male Ragdoll cats are more likely to develop costly medical problems as they age.

What is the life expectancy of a Ragdoll cat? A healthy Ragdoll cat can live up to 12 to 15 years. So basically, that means, having a Ragdoll cat is a 12 to 15-year financial commitment. You need to be able to provide for your feline friend’s basic and medical needs for more than a decade.

I’m a first-time Ragdoll cat owner, what other things do I need to purchase? You need to get a litter box, a cat bed, food and water bowls, a grooming comb, a scratching post, a cat carrier, and some toys for entertainment. You may also want to throw in a cute leash or two.

Are Ragdoll cats affectionate? Ragdolls are considered as one of the most affectionate cat breeds in the world. They also tend to be more interested in interacting with humans than with other breeds of cats, or other pets in the household in general.