Ragdoll Cat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and Other Costs

Have you been thinking about adding a Ragdoll to your family? This breed of cat is relatively new, first developed in the 1960s by a woman named Ann Baker. Ann’s mission was to create a beautiful cat with a mellow and cuddly personality and she was wildly successful. The inspiration for the name “Ragdoll” stems from Ann’s observations raising them. While getting handled or picked up, these cats had a tendency to flop over and relax, much like a ragdoll! 

Ragdoll cats come in a variety of colors, such as blue, lilac, seal, cream, chocolate, and red. In addition, the five main patterns Ragdolls can adopt are lynx point, tortie point, mitted, colorpoint, and bicolor. Ragdolls are an affectionate and social cat breed, and they make a lovely addition to any household; however, it’s important to do proper research regarding expenses and care before making such a big decision. Today, we’ll go over the rough cost of purchasing and caring for a Ragdoll. 

How Much Does a Ragdoll Kitten Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $3500 for a Ragdoll kitten. This is a large range, but several factors determine the price. For example, Ragdoll cats intended to be kept as house pets will be on the lower end of the range, while Ragdolls bred to be show cats will be on the more expensive side. A safe price estimate is around $2,000 for a purebred Ragdoll kitten. There are other factors that may affect the cost as well, such as the location of the breeder and their reputation. However, if you don’t mind adopting instead of buying directly from a breeder, Ragdolls can be significantly cheaper. On average, the cost of adopting an adult Ragdoll is roughly $50-$250. Keep an eye on your local shelters and rescues to look out for an opportunity.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Ragdoll

Ragdolls require quite a bit of grooming. Because they lack an undercoat like other long-haired cat breeds, Ragdolls are somewhat resistant to matting. Despite this, their semi-long hair should be brushed at least once a week. In addition, it’s also important to be mindful of trimming their nails routinely. 

When it comes to bathing your Ragdoll, it differs from person to person. Many Ragdoll owners report bathing their cats every four to six weeks to upkeep their silky coats. However, some owners report only bathing their Ragdoll if completely necessary. Use your best judgment to determine when it’s time to bathe your cat. Depending on whether you bring your cat to the groomer or groom them at home, the cost will vary. On average, you can expect to spend roughly $30 to $140 monthly.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Ragdolls

What about veterinary care? Ragdolls are generally considered healthy cats, but there are a few health issues to be aware of. It’s important to do research about who you purchase a Ragdoll kitten from. If a breeder does not offer a health guarantee on their kittens or if they claim that their cats are always perfectly healthy, exercise caution. Some breeders will cover the cost of vaccination, but in the event that they don’t, you can expect to pay between $110 and 210.

As a purebred cat breed, Ragdolls are more vulnerable to hereditary health conditions than their mixed-breed counterparts. One of the conditions to look out for is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a heart disease characterized by the thickening of the muscle walls of the heart. Ragdolls are also susceptible to urinary tract conditions and obesity. It’s always best to acquire pet insurance as a precautionary measure before an emergency happens. The cost of pet insurance will fluctuate depending on the age of your pet and where you’re located, but on average, you can expect to pay around $20 to $100 monthly. Some of these conditions lie dormant for years and have the potential to occur unexpectedly. Vet bills can be incredibly expensive and you’ll thank yourself for being safe rather than sorry. 

Cost of Food and Supplies for Ragdolls

The diet of a Ragdoll cat is also an important factor to consider before welcoming one into your home. As obligate carnivores, it’s important for them to eat a diet rich in meat. In addition, be sure to incorporate healthy fats and limit the amount of carbohydrates consumed. Ideally, Ragdolls eat a mixture of wet and dry food. The wet food will provide the protein that your cat needs to thrive, whereas dry food will aid in tartar removal and promote dental health. Each cat is different, and ultimately, the ideal diet for each Ragdoll will be determined by their personal needs. Consulting with your veterinarian may be helpful to develop a meal plan that works for your cat. On average, you can expect to spend $30 to $200 on food monthly, depending on your budget and your cat’s needs. There are also additional costs to consider, such as litter, toys, and accessories. These will likely cost about $30 to $40 dollars per month.

Final Thoughts

What you will pay for your Ragdoll will depend heavily on the choices you make. The most economical option is to adopt an adult Ragdoll, groom it at home, and purchase a basic package of pet insurance. If you’re interested in buying a show cat and have a disposable income, costs can be much higher. Keep in mind Ragdolls are a long-term commitment, as they live from 12 to 15 years on average. It’s important to put thought into this decision and budget enough money to care for them accordingly. 

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