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Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular cat breeds around. These adorable cats are loving, playful, and make ideal pets. This makes them a very sought-after breed. Unfortunately, Ragdolls are also one of the more expensive cats out there. The initial cost of bringing a Ragdoll home from a reputable breeder will easily cost $1,000 or more. Once they are in your home, you’ll find that, like any pet, there are monthly costs involved with keeping your Ragdoll happy and healthy. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of these costs so you can decide whether one of these beautiful kitties is right for you.
Bringing Home a New Ragdoll Cat: One-Time Costs
Bringing home a Ragdoll cat is a special moment. Of course, the entire family will be excited but that doesn’t mean you won’t be considering the one-time costs involved. The largest expense you’ll face will be the cost associated with bringing one of these cats home from a reputable breeder. Ragdoll cats and the fees involved with their purchase often cost $1,000 or more. Below, we’ll take a look at several of the costs involved when making a Ragdoll cat the newest member of your family.
Free
Finding a Ragdoll cat for free is not an easy feat. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be lucky enough to have a friend who is looking to rehome a Ragdoll or who may have a kitten they are willing to part with. You must keep in mind, however, that if a Ragdoll cat is being given to you for free, the owner is losing $1,000 or more. There could potentially be behavioral or health issues related to the cat or kitten in question so beware.
Adoption
- $100–$1,000
Going to your local shelter to adopt a pet is a rewarding experience in both yours and the animal’s lives. Unfortunately, Ragdoll cats aren’t often found in local animal shelters. As with receiving a free Ragdoll, there’s also the potential that the kitty has found itself at the shelter due to behavioral or health issues. If you are one of the lucky ones who find a healthy Ragdoll cat looking for a home at your local shelter, you should expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for the adoption fee. Every shelter charges different fees. You’ll find that in most cases the cat you adopt from a shelter has been spayed or neutered and has been given its first set of vaccinations, or you’ll receive a voucher to have these things done, which is included in the cost.
Breeder
- $1,000–$2,500+
This is where most of the money associated with bringing a Ragdoll cat into your life comes from. While $1,000 or more may seem expensive for a cat, Ragdolls are usually only available from breeders. Luckily, when you purchase a Ragdoll cat from a reputable breeder you know the cat is purebred and healthy. A good breeder will be upfront with all information about the cat and its lineage as well as the cat’s living conditions.
You may find breeders out there that offer Ragdoll cats at lower-than-average prices. Unfortunately, these breeders should be avoided. When a breeder offers a Ragdoll cat for less than $1,000 they shouldn’t be trusted. Many people have found themselves with unhealthy cats or those that aren’t purebred in these situations. Always work with a reputable breeder when bringing a Ragdoll cat or any pet into your home.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $250–$450
After you’ve purchased your Ragdoll it’s time to ensure it has everything it needs to be happy and healthy in its new home. You’ll need a comfortable bed, a cat tree, toys, food and water bowls, high-quality cat food, ID tags, a kitty collar, a litter box, and more. You’ll also need to take your kitty for a check-up at the veterinarian to get any needed vaccinations and schedule its spaying or neutering.
List of Ragdoll Cat Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $35 |
| Spay/Neuter | $145–$300 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$250 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $45–$55 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$300 |
| Bed | $30–$50 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $5–$10 |
| Brush (optional) | $5–$15 |
| Litter Box | $20–$25+ |
| Litter Scoop | $5–$10 |
| Toys | $10–30 |
| Carrier | $40+ |
| Food and Water Bowls | $20–$30 |
How Much Does a Ragdoll Cat Cost Per Month?
- $200–$700+ per month
Bringing any pet into your home is making a lifetime commitment to them. This means you will be responsible for seeing that all their needs are met. You’ll need to ensure your Ragdoll is healthy, fed, watered, safe, and loved.
Health Care
- $0–$200 per month
Ragdolls are considered relatively healthy cats. If your kitty does well you may not spend lots of money at the veterinarian on illnesses but you will need to ensure they get routine care. If your Ragdoll has health issues, you could easily spend $200 or more for their healthcare. You’ll also be purchasing healthy food and tending to its grooming needs. Here’s a look at how a few of these health-related costs break down per month.
Food
- $50–$100 per monthÂ
Ragdolls are large cats that love to play and use energy. This means they are going to eat a bit more than your average housecat. Ragdolls do best when given high-quality cat food. Considering the current price of quality cat food on the market, this will most likely be your largest monthly expense if your kitty is healthy. You’ll easily spend $50 to $100 per month ensuring your Ragdoll has quality food they enjoy.
Grooming
- $25–$50 per month
A lot goes into making a Ragdoll cat look good. You’ll notice that Ragdolls have lush, long hair. This means they require a bit more grooming than a typical cat. Yes, you’ll need to have your kitty’s nails clipped and their fur maintained at the veterinarian or groomer. Your Ragdoll will also need their teeth cleaned daily. You can purchase a toothbrush and kitty toothpaste to tackle this bit of kitty maintenance.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $100–$200 per visit
Your Ragdoll may not need medications and vet visits every month. However, when issues do arise and a visit is called for, you can easily expect to pay between $100 to $200 per visit. If your cat remains healthy, you should still plan on taking your kitty in for their annual veterinarian visits and to get updated vaccines, especially as they get older.
Pet Insurance
- $25–$50 per month
Pet insurance is not a requirement but it does come in handy if your Ragdoll becomes injured or faces a medical situation. Pet insurance is also recommended if your Ragdoll will be shown. If the $25 to $50 per month for pet insurance doesn’t suit your needs, you can place the same amount in a savings account to have if your Ragdoll experiences a medical emergency.
Environment Maintenance
- $25–$80 per month
Cats are quite picky about their environment. Ragdolls will need scratchers, kitty litter, litter box liners, and more. Of course, the litter will be the biggest recurring expense in this category. If you’ve had cats in your home before, you understand the amount of litter needed to keep their boxes clean and sanitized.
| Kitty Litter | $20–$40/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $5–$20/month |
| Cardboard Scratcher | $10–$20/month |
Entertainment
- $30–$50 per month
When cats get bored, they can get a bit temperamental. To avoid this, your kitty needs to have access to fun toys and activities throughout the day. There are several ways you can succeed in this area. Cats enjoy cat trees, tunnels, and other toys. These can easily be bought at your local pet store. You can also opt to purchase your kitty a monthly subscription box where new toys will arrive on your doorstep. Whatever path you choose, you should expect to pay $30 to $50 a month to keep your cat entertained.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Ragdoll Cat
- $250–$750 per month
While every Ragdoll cat and situation is different, you should expect the total monthly cost of owning a Ragdoll cat to average $250 to $750 per month. In instances where your cat is healthy, you can ensure they receive healthy food, lots of toys, and the environmental elements required for them to be happy.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Of course, the things mentioned above aren’t the only costs you may experience when owning a Ragdoll cat. Like with any pet, there are always additional costs you need to factor in. When you go on vacation, you will need to pay someone to come by your home and care for your cat. If not, you may need to seek out a pet boarder.
You’ll also find that Ragdoll kittens like to get into things. This means they could cause damage around the house that you’ll need to fix. Fortunately, these cats learn quickly and shouldn’t be overly destructive. If you have behavioral issues with your Ragdoll, you may need training assistance which will also cost a bit extra.
Owning a Ragdoll Cat on a Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, owning a Ragdoll may seem like an impossible task. If you’re able to purchase your Ragdoll from a reputable breeder, you’ll quickly realize they don’t cost more than other cats to own. By providing your kitty with high-quality cat food, you lower their risk of health issues. It’s also important to keep a close eye on your cat to avoid injuries. If you can keep your Ragdoll healthy, you’ll find that the money saved on medical care can be used to help with your cat’s other needs.
Saving Money on Ragdoll Cat Care
Luckily, there are several ways you can save money on your Ragdoll’s cat care. When buying things they need, look for money-saving coupons. You’ll also find that signing up for auto-ship with sites like Chewy offers great savings. You can also lower your kitty’s entertainment costs by making fun toys for them yourself. There’s always string and cardboard around the house that can be used.
Conclusion
Not only are Ragdoll cats beautiful, but they are also expensive. When choosing a Ragdoll from a reputable breeder you should expect to pay $1,000 or more. In comparison to other cat breeds, this is quite expensive. However, when looking at the monthly costs involved in caring for a Ragdoll cat, you’ll find that they aren’t that different from any other breed. Like any pet, Ragdolls require love, time, and money for them to be happy and healthy. If you’re unsure of whether you can afford the needs of one of these cats, perhaps you should wait to bring one into your family. When the time is right, a Ragdoll will make a great pet and friend.
Featured Image Credit: Omar Ramadan, Pexels
