Who wouldn’t want to own a Ragdoll cat!?
Ragdolls are gorgeous, gentle, and giant. They’re affectionate and appreciative, and they’re easy to care for. They’re great for families with children because of their calm and collected nature.
Ragdolls are arguably the purrfect pets, and that’s exactly the purpose for which they were created by Ann Baker around the 1960s.
Ann wanted to create a big, beautiful breed, but she didn’t want it to possess aggressive characteristics (as that’s what breeders at the time noticed with other bigger breeds). Ann was obsessed with Ragdolls for a reason, and she managed to convince the rest of the world to become obsessed with them, too.
Nowadays, Ragdoll cats are highly sought-after, which means you might need to break the bank to get your hands on one of them. Not to mention the other expenses to consider. What’s the overall cost of owning a Ragdoll cat, though? We’re bringing you everything you need to know down below!
One-time costs of owning a Ragdoll cat
1. Getting a Ragdoll cat for free
First things first, there are different ways of getting your hands on a Raggie. Furthermore, the cost of one depends on whether you get one as a present, adopt one, or purchase one from a breeder.
Free Ragdoll cats, however, are extremely rare and are typically a sign that there’s something wrong with the cat. But, there’s always a chance that someone doesn’t have the means to care for a Ragdoll and wants to give her away for free to someone who’ll take good care of her.
2. Adopting a Ragdoll
Now, one of the best ways to get your hands on a Ragdoll cat without breaking the bank (completely) happens to be through adoption.
Adopting a Ragdoll kitty ranges anywhere between $400 and $1,000, depending on the adoption center, age of the cat, condition of the cat, as well as adoption fees. And, even though Ragdolls aren’t frequent at adoption centers, they’re worth the wait.
3. Buying a Ragdoll from a breeder
Of course, the most trustworthy way to get your hands on a purebred Ragdoll cat is through a reputable breeder. Ragdolls typically cost in the vicinity of $1,000 to $2,500+ depending on many different factors, from age and health to coat color.
Those that go for under $1,000 might be suffering from health problems. More times than not, expensive Ragdolls are the ones that are purebred, happy, and healthy.
4. Supplies for a Ragdoll cat
Whether you decide to get your Ragdoll from a shelter, adoption agency, or breeder, don’t forget about the setup and supplies needed to get the two of you started.
We wouldn’t call Raggies high-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need anything when they arrive at your home. We suggest setting aside $250 to $600 for food, feeding bowls, a cat bed, a cat carrier, and a few toys to make her more comfortable.
Other than that, you might also need to pay for vaccinations, microchips, spaying/neutering, and ID tags. Of course, the prices will vary depending on where you are.
What are the monthly costs of owning a Ragdoll cat?
1. Feeding
Okay, you purchased everything mentioned above and brought your big furball home. What now?
Now, you need to keep on spending money to provide your Ragdoll with a happy and healthy life. We brushed over the fact that Raggies aren’t high maintenance, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need anything.
Ragdolls, same as other cats, require meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients to survive. But rather than hunting the meat themselves, Ragdolls rely on you to provide them with delicious and nutritious snacks and spreads on a regular.
Depending on the brand, quantity, and quality of the food, you might spend anywhere between $50 to $100 a month on feeding your kitto.
2. Healthcare
Ragdolls need healthcare, too. Whether you opt for a healthcare plan to ensure your Ragdoll gets the best veterinary care out there, or set aside some money for the sake of treatments, checkups, and other veterinary services, you’re going to spend anywhere from $0 to $300+ a month.
We added the “zero cost” because Ragdolls aren’t known to be prone to health problems and typically go without needing veterinary care for years and years. Whatever the case might be, you’re the one that needs to decide whether you’re going to spend a little or a lot of money on your Ragdoll’s healthcare.
3. Vet visits and medications
While on the topic of healthcare, you might need to spend more money on vet visits and medications on the off chance that your Ragdoll gets unwell.
We underlined the fact that Ragdolls aren’t known to experience health problems, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and urinary tract issues – ailments most cats suffer from eventually.
Vet visits and medication can cost you anywhere between $100 and $200 a month, depending on the medical issue. Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and treatments can rack up the cost, too.
4. Pet insurance
Oftentimes, pet parents refuse to pay for pet insurance for Ragdolls because they’re considered a healthy breed that doesn’t experience health problems that often. On one hand, it’s true and that’s why you might want to put that money toward something else.
On the other, Ragdolls aren’t immune to accidents and unexpected events that might be much more expensive than $25 to $50 a month (the average cost of pet insurance). Ultimately, it’s your choice whether or not that’s something your Ragdoll needs or not.
5. Kitty entertainment
At the end of the day, Ragdolls need some sort of entertainment to be happy and healthy. Whether we’re talking about scratching posts, cat trees, cat shelves, or toys, you’re going to spend at least $30 to $60 a month on these things.
We suggest subscription boxes because they’re a great way to provide your cat with new toys and treats every month without having to depart from your home whatsoever. Ragdolls are worth the money, though!
