Ragdoll Cat Prices in 2024: All You Need To Know Before Buying a Ragdoll Cat
Dreaming of welcoming a fluffy, floppy Ragdoll into your life? You’re not alone! These enchanting felines have captured hearts worldwide with their gentle nature and dazzling blue eyes. But before bringing home your purrfect pal, the question naturally arises: “How much should a Ragdoll cat cost?” Understanding the current Ragdoll cat price is your first step, followed by finding a legitimate, reputable breeder and avoiding being scammed.
Breakdown of a Ragdoll Cat Price (Ragdoll Kitten Price)
Curious about Ragdoll kitten prices? Here’s a price guide based on my research. Spotted different costs? Leave a comment below to help others!
| Quality: | Approximate Cost: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|
| Pet (Alter) Quality | USD$1200-USD $2800+ | (some breeders charge more for females because spaying costs more than neutering, also some breeders will charge more for rare or non-traditional color patterns, like Torties, Creams, Lilacs, and Flames) |
| Show (Alter) Quality | USD$1500- USD $4000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows but is spayed or neutered. |
| Breeder Quality | USD$1800- USD $3000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is fit for breeding and should also have been tested to be free of genetic diseases. |
| Show/Breeder Quality | USD$2300- USD $5000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows and is also fit for breeding. |
Having a Ragdoll cat blog since 2008 and being a Ragdoll cat owner for over 30 years, I’ve gathered everything you need to know, along with the latest pricing information I can find – but feel free to comment if you’ve seen prices that vary.
It’s important to remember that owning any cat, including a Ragdoll, involves ongoing expenses like quality food, regular vet checkups, and playful accessories. Budgeting for these furry necessities is crucial for a responsible, lifelong partnership.
However, don’t let the initial cost deter you from dreaming of becoming a Ragdoll parent! Many shelters and rescue organizations offer these gentle giants a second chance at a loving home.
This website uses affiliate links that earn a commission at no additional cost. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Ragdoll Cat Price Ranges
The Ragdoll cat price range can vary considerably, starting at around $1200 and going upwards of $5000+. The cost of a Ragdoll cat varies depending on the color pattern and quality of the cat. For example, a pet-quality Ragdoll will cost less than a show-quality or breeder-quality cat because they will need the markings to be higher quality. However, it doesn’t mean they are any less a Ragdoll.
A Ragdoll kitten purchased from a breeder usually starts at about $1200 and, depending on the quality, goes up to $5000+. You can also adopt retired breeder Ragdoll cats for around $500+. Sometimes, you can find Ragdoll rescues or Ragdolls needing rehoming for around $200 or less.
A long time ago (or it seems like it), I wrote a blog post about buying a Ragdoll cat. Unfortunately, the Ragdoll cat price does vary quite a bit depending on the potential show and breeder quality of the cat in question.
I thought it would be fun to show the prices of the Ragdoll cats through the years that my family has purchased:
- Rags, purchased in 1989 with his brother Cosby – $350/ea
- Caymus and Murphy, purchased in 2004 – $600/ea (reduced by $50 each because my parents were buying 2)
- Charlie and Trigg, purchased in 2009 – $800/each (reduced by $50 each because I was buying 2)
General Ragdoll Kitten Price
While prices will vary depending on location and breeder, expect to pay somewhere between $1200 and $2500 for a general pet-quality Ragdoll kitten.
Show Quality vs. Pet Quality
If you want to buy a Ragdoll kitten, you first have to consider why you are buying it – as a pet, to take it to cat shows, to breed, or to breed and take it to cat shows. This is the primary stepping stone because it also tells you where to buy your Ragdoll kitten from.
Some breeders only sell show-quality, which increases the price. In contrast, others only sell pet-quality Ragdoll kittens, which are purebred Ragdoll cats but have some breed characteristic defects that disqualify them from shows. Pet quality cats cost less than show quality, making them the most affordable Ragdoll kittens.
If you want to purchase a breeder-quality Ragdoll cat, you should be prepared to spend more than you would on a pet or show-quality kitten. Breeder-quality cats have a certificate that attests that they are free from genetic diseases and are authorized to breed purebred Ragdolls. Pet and show quality, on the other hand, are sold neutered/spayed.
Show/breeder quality is the most expensive because they present the characteristic features of the breed perfectly, so they are fit to be shown in official cat shows. They also have a reproductive certificate, which increases their price even further. Why are these Ragdoll cats so expensive? Because not only are they show-worthy, but they can breed show-worthy kittens.
Breeder and Show Quality Price
A show-quality Ragdoll kitten will likely cost between $1500 and $4000, while a breeder-quality Ragdoll kitty will be somewhere between $1800 and up to $5000+. If you want a Ragdoll kitten that’s strong for both show and breeder qualities, you’ll pay a premium between $2300 and $5000+.
How To Pick a Reputable Breeder
There are several factors to consider when trying to find the right breeder. First, you don’t want to be scammed with either a diseased cat or even no cat at all.
The onus is on the buyer to do their research. Unfortunately, there are many great breeders out there, and there are many scammers or backyard breeders. A backyard breeder isn’t necessarily a scammer. Still, they won’t follow the proper procedures and might skip important early vet visits. In addition, they might mislead you on the pedigree of a kitten, either intentionally or through inexperience.
Step one is to check the breeder out online. Start with their website – does it look professional, or has it been thrown together? Not all breeders are web designers, but if they’re reputable, they will want to advertise themselves that way.
Also, look beyond their site. Google the name of the breeder and “complaints” to see what shows up.
Next up, you’ll want to get in touch and establish their credentials and expertise. Is it a breeder or just a broker? Do they have both parents and can they offer proof of the Sire and Dam’s medical history and genetics?
Find out how long they’ve been in business and if they allow visits. If they do, make an effort to go and visit in advance. The traveling expenses upfront are more than worth it if you avoid paying higher prices for a cat that shouldn’t be sold. Make sure the cats look well cared for and smell – you shouldn’t be able to smell any cat urine or perfume used to cover it up. Many breeders I’ve interviewed agree with me about avoiding scented cat litter.
One of the most evident signs of a bad breeder is the price of a Ragdoll kitten that they’re selling. If the price tag for the cat is lower than the prices I’ve given here by a couple of hundred dollars, then you should be suspicious. Don’t assume you’re getting a great bargain. It’s likely a poor-quality breeder who wants to make a quick buck.
How Do Breeding Costs Affect the Price of Ragdoll Cats?
The final price for a Ragdoll cat also depends on the breeder and the medical procedures they have performed on the kittens before selling them, such as veterinary checkups and spaying/neutering (for non-breed-quality kittens). In some states, the breeders must complete the vaccination course before selling the cats.
The cost of these procedures will be included in the overall purchase price the breeders set for the Ragdoll kittens, so make sure you inquire about them. The more of these the breeder performs, the less you will have to take your new kitty to the vet.
If you want to buy two or more Ragdoll kittens, ask the breeder for a discount because this is standard practice. Any breeder is happy to have the kittens stay together, so they will be pleased to sell you more kittens.
If you want to buy two or more Ragdoll kittens, ask the breeder for a discount because this is standard practice. Any breeder is happy to have the kittens stay together, so they will be pleased to sell you more kittens.
Different Ragdoll Patterns and Their Prices
It depends on whether the breeder charges more for a specific color or pattern. First, you must find a list of breeders you are interested in adopting from. Once that is solidified and vetted (you’ve done your due diligence to ensure they genetically test their cats for disease and know they are a legitimate/reputable breeder), you can ask about the colors they produce. At the same time, you can ask if a specific color or pattern costs more.
Most breeders only vary the price based on the “quality” of the cat – whether it’s a pet, show, breeder, or show breeder. Many do not price kittens differently based on color patterns. However, some will price them differently based on sex, as a female kitten is more expensive to spay than to neuter a male kitten.
While compiling the research for this post, I contacted several reputable Ragdoll cat breeders to determine the price ranges. Many offered further insight that was interesting enough to share on this post. In other words, it’s essential to find a Ragdoll cat breeder you like and then ask further questions than just price – because not all prices are created equal:
Prices vary significantly in the different areas of the US. They are highest on the East Coast, primarily near larger cities. There is more of a varying degree also between the type of breeder you are buying from now.
Where those who show and have been around a while are charging more than small breeders who do not show but still have registered kittens, the rock bottom minimum is likely $850-$900, but that likely doesn’t include early spay/neuter, which all reputable breeders do now.
- While I hate to begin a conversation with prices, most buyers think they will get a quality, well-bred Ragdoll for under $1000…sigh.
- None of us breed minks, sepia, green-eyed or yellow-eyed Ragdoll… they’re not in breed standards, can’t be shown in CFA or TICA, and can’t even be registered as Ragdoll in CFA.
- I am sure you are aware of this, but adopters should be aware of the type of breeder they are dealing with. It’s more complex than the price. There are so many “backyard” breeders out there. Do they test their breeder cats? Do they feed quality food? Are the cats loved, treated as family members, given proper medical attention, and live in the house? Are the kittens raised with love, healthy and well socialized, etc.?
- My kittens had their first booster shots, dewormed, altered, and microchipped when they left me at 14 weeks old. They also leave here with a substantial kitten kit of holistic hard food, canned food, two types of freeze-dried turkey/chicken treats, a bag of litter, assorted toys, and a handmade bed.
- Sometimes it’s more than the kitten’s price – they can come with shots, health guarantees, spaying or neutering, and TICA or CFA registration.
- Breeders who are responsible spay and neuter – when kittens have already been spayed or neutered (all reputable breeders require this, and it is usually quite expensive plus, then you have to deal with the aftercare – keeping the kitten quiet and confined, not allowing them to jump, hoping they don’t rip their stitches, get an infection, or get a hernia, and of course, there is always the slight risk they might not make it through the surgery)
Ragdoll Cat Price vs. Lifetime Cost
When you decide to buy a Ragdoll kitten, you must consider the price you will pay to the breeder and the cost of caring for your Ragdoll cat. Raggies are more expensive than many other breeds, so you might be focused on the initial investment. But remember that there is also a long-term investment that you must be ready to make in your Ragdoll cat.
The cost of caring for a Ragdoll cat is higher than that of a regular cat. This is because Ragdolls are large cats, meaning they need more food and specialized accessories like grooming tools for cats with long coats, cat beds, cat scratchers, and cat towers for large-sized cats, which are more expensive. Aside from these, you should also consider the cost of veterinary bills for vaccinations, regular checkups, and, if needed, particular interventions.
The initial price of the Ragdoll cat is only the beginning of the investment. The total cost includes the long-term cost of caring for your Ragdoll cat.
Since this is such a popular topic, I asked our Facebook community – How much did you pay for your Ragdoll kitten/cat? What year was it? Are you a breeder – do these prices pretty much match your ranges?
Though – the question about Ragdoll cat price should ALSO include the total cost of a cat in 1 year. A kitten can be quite expensive because of vaccinations and whatnot. A cat can still be expensive because of food, litter, vet bills, etc. Do you know what your budget is for your kitty every year?
To Adopt or Buy a Ragdoll Cat?
There are benefits to buying a cat, and there are benefits to adopting. Unfortunately, there’s no single correct answer. If you plan to adopt, you might struggle to find a Ragdoll cat near you – it’s a particular breed to be looking for. However, you can sometimes arrange for transport to get your cat to your home.
Adopting means you’re less likely to know much about your new kitty. If you’re adopting your new pet from its former cat owners, they may be able to tell you more, but if you’re adopting from a shelter, you could be pretty blind to its history. The initial cost might be lower, but expenses further down the line for unknown medical conditions could mean a high price in the future.
The General Price for a Ragdoll Kitten
Here is a breakdown of the prices of the Ragdoll kittens that I found. If you’ve found prices that are different, then please leave comments below:
| Quality: | Approximate Cost: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|
| Pet (Alter) Quality | USD$1200-USD $2800+ | (some breeders charge more for females because spaying costs more than neutering, also some breeders will charge more for rare or non-traditional color patterns, like Torties, Creams, Lilacs, and Flames) |
| Show (Alter) Quality | USD$1500- USD $4000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows but is spayed or neutered. |
| Breeder Quality | USD$1800- USD $3000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is fit for breeding and should also have been tested to be free of genetic diseases. |
| Show/Breeder Quality | USD$2300- USD $5000+ | This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows and is also fit for breeding. |
Price for Pet Quality
Expect to pay somewhere between $1200 and $2800, although more. Some breeders charge more for females because spaying costs more than neutering. In contrast, some breeders will charge more for rare or non-traditional color patterns, like Torties, Creams, Lilacs, and Flames.
Price for Show Quality
The price for a show (alter) quality Ragdoll will likely be between $1500 and $4000. These cats are perfectly marked for cat shows, but they’re spayed or neutered.
Price for Breeder Quality
You should pay between $1800 and $3000 for a breeder-quality Ragdoll. These cats might not have perfect markings, but they are fit, suited to breeding, and have been tested to show that they’re free from any genetic diseases.
Price for Show/Breeder Quality
For a cat that is both strong and fit enough for breeding (and free of genetic diseases) and has perfect markings, you will likely have to pay somewhere between $2300 and $5000.
Remember that the average prices for Ragdoll cats differ from one breeder to another and depend on the kitten’s parents.
Why Are There Discrepancies in Ragdoll Cat Prices?
Aside from the quality of the Ragdoll cat, another major factor that impacts the price is the color/pattern. While blue and seal point Ragdolls are the most common variety, red and lilac Ragdolls are rare, making them more expensive. Please note that each color/pattern may come at a different price.
How To Buy a Ragdoll Cat Without Being Scammed?
There are several ways to avoid being scammed. They aren’t always guaranteed but follow these steps to ensure you give yourself the best chance of buying from genuine Ragdoll breeders who know what they are doing:
- Check out their website and search the internet for any complaints or reviews.
- Pay attention reading the advert or website – does it sound like someone who cares about cats? This might seem subjective, but it’s often easy to spot someone in it just for the money!
- Try searching online for the picture of the cat in the advert. If it appears on other websites, it’s likely a fake or stolen image.
- Pay a fair price – now that you’ve got an idea of the price of a Ragdoll cat, don’t jump at what looks like a bargain. It’s probably a low price for a (wrong) reason.
FAQs
How much should Ragdolls cost?
There isn’t a single answer to how much Ragdolls “should” cost, as the price can vary widely depending on several factors:
“Quality” type of Ragdoll:
Pet-quality: These are Ragdolls for companionship, typically costing $1200-$2,000.
Show-quality: Bred for specific breed standards and potential competition, these can cost $2,500 and above.
Breeder quality: Bred with breeding rights in mind, these can reach even higher prices, exceeding $5,000.
Other factors influencing cost:
Breeder reputation and experience: Reputable breeders with ethical practices and well-cared-for cats tend to charge more.
Kitten’s coat pattern and markings: Rarer patterns and markings can increase prices.
Location: Prices can vary depending on the region or country.
Demand: Higher demand in a specific area can lead to higher prices.
Alternatives to buying:
Adoption: You might find Ragdolls at shelters or rescues for much lower costs, potentially between $50-$250.
Responsible rehoming: Websites or networks dedicated to rehoming cats sometimes have Ragdolls available for adoption.
Ultimately, the “fair” price for a Ragdoll depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a loving companion, a pet-quality Ragdoll from a reputable breeder might be the best option. However, if you’re looking for a show-quality cat with specific breeding potential, be prepared to pay a premium.
Are Ragdoll Cats Good?
Ragdoll cats are beautiful, loyal, and loving. They’re excellent family pets since they will love spending time with their owners. They have a good nature and will love being petted. While they’re known for being docile, they enjoy games and indoor exercise.
How Much Does a Ragdoll Cat Cost?
The price of a Ragdoll cat varies depending on the breeder (and their location) and the quality. Expect to pay at least $1200 for a pet quality kitten, with the breeder and show quality Ragdoll cats costing more. For the best breeder/show quality cats, prices in some parts of the US can reach $5000.
Why Are Ragdoll Cats So Expensive?
There are several reasons why Ragdoll cats are more expensive than many other cat breeds:
Selective Breeding: Ragdolls are carefully bred to maintain their unique traits, including their gentle temperament, floppy limbs, and stunning blue eyes. This selective breeding ensures the breed’s characteristics continue, but it also involves significant costs for reputable breeders. These costs include:
Health testing: Responsible breeders test their breeding cats for genetic diseases to avoid passing them on to kittens.
Quality care: Providing high-quality nutrition, veterinary care, and a stimulating environment for breeding cats adds to the cost.
Limited litters: Ragdolls typically have smaller litter sizes than other breeds, increasing the price per kitten.
High Demand: Ragdolls are in high demand thanks to their appealing personality and striking appearance. This increases the price as breeders can charge more for kittens, knowing they have eager buyers.
Breed Standard Variations: Within the Ragdoll breed, coat patterns and markings can also affect price. Rarer patterns tend to be more expensive than the classic pointed pattern.
Show-Quality Cats: The price point can soar even higher for cats intended for competition in cat shows. These cats require additional grooming, training, and preparation, justifying the additional expense.
Breeder Reputation: The reputation and experience of the breeder also play a role. Reputable breeders who prioritize ethical practices and the well-being of their cats may charge more than those who don’t.
It’s important to remember that while the initial purchase price of a Ragdoll may be higher, they are generally healthy and long-lived cats, which can help offset some long-term costs.
Ultimately, the “high” cost of Ragdolls is subjective and depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re looking for a loving and gentle companion, a pet-quality Ragdoll from a reputable breeder can be a worthwhile investment. However, if budget is a major concern, consider adopting a Ragdoll from a shelter or rescue organization.
Are Ragdoll Cats Indoor Cats?
Ragdoll cats were bred to be indoor cats and didn’t have the best survival skills. They’re intelligent and can learn, but if you want your cat to go outside, they should be supervised or kept in a safe space like a catio.
The inquiry into the Ragdoll cat price should ALSO include the total cost of a cat in 1 year. A kitten can be quite expensive because of vaccinations and whatnot. A cat can still be expensive because of food, litter, vet bills, etc. Do you know what you budget for your kitty every year?
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
I paid $375 + $275 airfare for my Ollie – 1/2 price discount as the breeder (NOT RECOMMENDED) was discounting older kittens. He was 7 1/2 months when I got him. They did not neuter him either, I discovered later during research that all other breeders spay/neuter before sending to their homes. I spent almost $1,500 on him in vet bills in the first 4 months, in addition to his neutering, chipping and vacs he was discovered to have an ear polyp after 2 1/2 months of trying to figure out why he had a chronic ear infection and weepy eye. Thankfully the ear is good now but we still deal with the weepy eye.
I have no idea how much I spend on vet bills a year, I have 5 cats now and this has been an unusual year with all Ollie’s issues. As for feeding, about $30/$40 a month on dry (Blue) and not sure about wet, around $15-$20/mo depending if I can get Friskies on sale. I split 1 5.5 oz can for all 5 a day.
In 2007 I adopted Sebastian when he was 6 years old for the low low price of $25. He was listen on petfinder.com. For that fee I got the most amazing companion, his brush, a broken automatic littler box, and his carrier. I often tell Sebastian that was the best $25 I have ever spent. He was in a situation where he was kept in a basement of a home because he was afraid of the dogs and children. Now 5 years later he is still with me, living a happy carefree life. No matter what we pay for a Ragdoll these beautiful cats make the most amazing companions with their sweet distempers, gentle head butts, their “Ragdoll Flops”, blue eyes, and unconditional love.
Melissa, you are absolutely right ! ! I’ve had 4 cats I never paid a cent for and they are all so sweet and loveable !
Davidson aka Davi was diagnosed this week with severe stomatitis – a common oral infection/inflammation in many of the ‘oriental’ breeds (Himalayan/Birman/Siamese, Tonkinese, etc.) and also in Ragdolls. His vet visit, microchipping and antibiotics for the stomatitis came to about $330. Yikes! Now I have to give him 1ml liquid abx twice a day – and he HATES it. I have to wrap him in a blanket and squish him between my knees to inject the liquid into his mouth. Neither of us are happy campers, but I hope the med helps. Stomatitis can be VERY bad.
Heather,
I may be interested in your furry friend. So sorry to hear you can’t keep him, but would absolutely love to get more information from you!
Thanks,
I’m looking for a place to put the word out and find a great home for our Ragdoll…. We have two little boys who we have found to be alergic to our precious Ragdoll – Ryoko. Ryoko turned one in August, is a seal point beauty, neutered, has his claws but never uses them, loves everyone and wants to be in the middle of kid’s chaos, and also loves our yellow lab.
I have to find him a home to someone who prefereably has a loving dog, children and house that would spoil him rotten.
Any suggestions?
I was soooo lucky. I got a CFA registered Sealpoint Mitten male at 2 1/2 years old from a younger Russian woman who had bought him from a breeder a few months back in 01/12. She found that he didn’t like her two daughters – maybe they pestered him too much? – and she was going back to Europe for a while and couldn’t take him. She had let a neighbor “take care” of him for just a few days, and supposedly in that time his whole belly and chest became matted. She sold him, his carrier and large hooded litter pan for $30. No, that was not a typo. I took him to a very good groomer and for $65 plus a $10 tip got his belly and chest shaved of matts, and the rest of him bathed, as well as a high-and-tight trim around his butt (I can’t STAND cling-ons) and nails cut. He gets along with my 20 lb. dog (as long as he stays away from the dog’s food), he is incredibly affectionate, loves to curl up by me, follows me everywhere in the house…and meows loudly for his spendy $1.49 per tiny can of wet food – occasionally on sale for 99c at Petsmart (I tried some Friskies…he only ate that when he realized I wasn’t going to give in right away to the more expensive choice he’s on now; after all, Friskies wet food is better than no wet food). He was also fed Iams Digestive Health dry food because “he has a sensitive stomach” and though I still have him on it, I’m doing some research on better options for longevity. (Seems he didn’t take to Blue Buffalo; it gave him loose stools.) I also buy Feline Pine litter at $13+tax per 14lb box, and with cleaning his box twice/day and weekly fresh litter, I go through about a box every 2 1/2 weeks. His shots were up to date, but I’m getting him examined in a couple of weeks for some baseline lab work, as well as getting him microchipped. heaven forbid he slip out of the house – I would never get him back, I think, even if he were ‘chipped, cause he is SO handsome! $25 for a cat tree, $10 for a grooming tool, plus there’s toys, catnip, treats, waterless shampoo for between quarterly groomer visits…. phew! But so worth it. Now if I could just de-smell his poop he’d be perfect. LOL
that’s great that you were able to rescue him! Thanks for sharing! I hope you will share him as Ragdoll of the Week!
I had to convert that to US dollars – 1000 EURO equals $1225 US dollars. I’m really not sure what the going rate in Italy is for Ragdoll kittens. In the US, for that price you would likely get a show-quality kitten. Pet quality kittens, based on the local breeders I’m familiar with are about $675-700 US dollars. This would normally include everything you mentioned, as well as knowing the parents have been genetically tested for the HCM gene.
So while I agree with Jenny that they are worth every penny, compared to US prices, 1000 EURO seems a bit high to me for a pet quality kitten! But if that’s what you have to pay in your area, you will not regret it!
I’m looking at getting a kitten here in Italy from a reputable breeder. The price for the one I want is 1,000 EURO. It includes sterilization, vaccines, pedigree, and health papers.This price is higher than what I am seeing on here but maybe because it is Europe and the sterilization fee of course. Does this sound reasonable? Thanks so much!
Hi Jessica, for me, the cost of the kitten doesn’t really matter if I know I like the breeder, know that the parents have been tested for disease and the kitten looks healthy and most of all if I feel a connection to it. In 1989, my mom paid $300 for my Rags who lived 19.5 years. That breaks down to $15/year. I would have paid $3,000+ a year for him. He was the love of my life. I don’t think 1,000 EURO sounds like a lot. Again, though, to me it’s not really the important part.
I paid $550 for Tessa in 2005, she is not a show cat but a family cat. She had been spayed and had her 1st set of shots. She was 16 weeks old when I was able to pick her up from the Breeder. She is a blue bi-color. For her 6th birthday I purchased her animal health insurance at $20 per month. She eats both dry and wet food – Royal Canin Hairball (about $18 a bag) and Blue Buffalo Wilderness ($25 per bag) her wet is Wellness Helath Indulgenc at $1.23 a pouch. I’ve tried to switch her entirely to wet but she really will not eat the foos she licks the juices from the wet.
She has been so well worth any money I have had to pay for her; she’s just like a child to me.
I just got my little baby “floppycat”, Olivia Grace on Feburary 11, 2012. She came
with her 3 sets of shots, deworming, and was spayed. Her price was $900. She is a blue sepia/mitted. If I remember correctly, the classic color ragdolls were about $100 less. The lady was super kind and told me up front that she would help me with payment if I needed it. Since we lived about 3 hours apart, she brought Grace all but an 1 hour away from our house so we could pick her up while her sister was going to another person in the same area.. The breeder offered to bring her all the way here, but it was no problem driving the hour away – in fact – it was really fun because it snowed! Actually got to visit the cattery to pick her out, and it was immaculately clean and sparkling. All kitties were well and playful. She has been a complete joy and can’t imagine life before her now.
As far as food, she is on Royal Canin #36 for kittens dry food, but will try to slowly switch her over to Wellness cans (used a groupon from PetFlow), as soon as possible since I am not comfortable with all the data that is suggesting that dry food is either causing or highly contributing to renal failure. Have had a number of cats over my life and more than half of them have died from this horrible disease. Have switched over all of my adult cats to canned food and they seem like they are healthier because of it. One cat I have right now has renal failure and she is one that ate the dry food for a long time before the data was made available. Yes, the canned food is expensive, (I use 4-6 cans per day) , but our babies definitely are worth it. Anyone with any suggestions of how to switch her over to canned food, would be most appreciated. Thanks.
To add to the current convo, I got my sweet Illaria who is a seal mitted lynx in October 2012. She was $950 and the breeder gave us a month’s supply of food together with the pink carrier she was in. When we met, the breeder brought her sister and offered her to me for $450.00. Boy, it was hard to turn that offer down, but I had my husband there staring pointedly at me. So wished I could have gotten both, but the breeder assured me that Illaria’s sister would have a great home as well.
I dont budget for their food for the simple fact that I know I would cringe if I really added up all that I spend on my 3 girls. Had to put Illaria on life’s abundance cat food and so I transitioned everyone over to it. It is pretty expensive, but it is good quality and none of them have reacted negatively to it. The yearly vet bills are around $300 for checkups, plus anything extra that might arise. Thank God nothing so far. Also spend a lot on toys, blankets, and scratchers. Have been getting the spoiled rotten boxes that are $24 a month too. Whew, see why I dont keep up with this stuff -it scares me just writing it. And, lastly but very importantly is the litter expense that is about $75 a month. My girls are my children and, just like many of other Floppycat parents, we just love them so much that I don’t care if I have to go without an extra latte or Starbucks, or eating out – because I would rather be home loving on my babies.♥
My beloved Buddha got Feline Diabetes from dry food. It is very high in carbs. I have had others that lived until 18 eating high quality dry though. Cats are Obligate carnivores. I cured Buddha through Dr Elizabeth Hodgkins “tight regulation” which she holds a patent for.
I fed him 2 raw warmed white mice (that I ordered frozen from a very reputable place in calif) in the morning and fancy feast at night. Fancy feast used to have less carbs than most, but it’s quality has since been lowered. Switching can be difficult as they spray the dry with an animal digest to hold it in the little pieces . Cats become addicted to the taste or would Never eat the stuff. I ended up with freeze dried food from Stella and Chewy. It can be soaked in slightly warm water. No grains or fillers. Tasty items such as forti flora($$) can be sprinkled onto the wet food..Parmasan cheese or crushed freeze dried Duck Duck dog treats- cats love them too. Puff will only eat lousy Friskies, so I feed him human grade raw chicken pieces to supplement it with real meat. I learned to be a catfood detective and though the meat is a higher quality in many premium foods they are usually loaded with fillers like cranberries and other vegetables and fruits that are not natural food for cats.Most cats can handle these if they are w/i reason, but I had two become diabetic from Dry food. I wish to God I’d known ,as I lost one of the greatest cats when I was clueless. .There are starting to be more commercial raw foods on the market now as many of us see the difference it makes in the health of our household carnivores. It will cost you more, but you will SAVE on vet bills (and heartache). Sprinkle the wet food w/ any really tasty treat..Forta Flora is great, but you can grind any other treat -all meat baby food as topper, freeze dried dog treats w/o fillers, Tuna juice on fish flavor. I wish you the best!!
More expenses!!!
I forgot to mention microchiping is anywhere from free (with spay/neuter clinic) to $50 at the vet. Also, pet insurance for all breeders/show cats at $32 (Queens) to $34(Kings) per cat.
Of course there’s treats and toys. Roughly $150/month.
Each has a bed $10-15 and a carrier $50-70.
I have 2 pet strollers $50 each.
Then, there’s the Sturdi show cage (I think)$250, the drapes and backdrop $200. The red wagon to haul everything for show $100, the brushes, combs, deshedder, shampoo, and rinse $30 (but lasts for months).
The big red First Aid/Earthquake duffle bag that I got at the Orange County Fair Pet Expo for $85 x 4.
One in every car/truck and one in the house at the door (for quick grabbing in case of evacuation).
They have the complete line of ‘Kittywalk Systems’ outdoor playground $700, the cargo cages (3 for the truck) @$100 each, the closet cages (which are the coolest things-they have long straps for the clothes bar and hang under your jackets/shirts and they can rock in them or just hang out in them).
BTW Kittywalk Systems were developed by a married couple who are owned by Ragdolls!! I get mine on Ebay!
They have 4-7 foot towers- 6 total about $125-$200 each, the scratching posts (Kong) $50 x 4, the Comfort Zone plug ins $25 x 4 each month. The service animal registration, vest, patches $100 each x 4 (so far), the Drinkwell fountains $20 (sale) x3, $70 x 2. The replacement filters $12 month. Their food bowls (which match my Pfaltzgraff Tea Rose dishes) $30 each x 7 (and replaced every one of them). The special pet hair vacuum cleaner $350, the electricity to run all of these toys (bill looks like the national debt).
TICA registration $14 (I think), and $50 for 5 generation pedigree, CFA registration (can’t remember how much that was)
I’m sure there’s more I’ll think of later. Ha!!
Molly and Daisy were each $500 in 2009 from the same breeder. They have the same parents but are from two different litters. Molly is seven months older than Daisy. (Like potato chips, you can’t have just one! ) They seem to do best on just dry food- Iams Proactive Health. When they were younger I did give them canned foods. They were very fussy but their favorite was Science Diet, but it didn’t always agree with them, so it is just the dry food now.
Oh heavens!
*#Gregory 1/2009 $700
*#Oliver 8/09. $700¤
€Aunt Bea 12/09 $450
*#Anthony 2/10 $750»
*Cassie 1/11. $1500
*Dash/Andy 3/11. $1800 each»
* turned down this amount
*# littermates sold for at least this much
€ was the runt of the liter (and markings looked like she was in a fire.)
¤ are registered as Service Animals
» are registered as Emotional Service Animals.
They work with my autistic son.
Yes, I’m a breeder.
I spend so much money in a year at the vets office, they gave me the code to the back door!!
Last year $7,862.50 for all
Neuter at the vet is $350, spay is $450. At the clinic it is $65 each.
Shows are entry fee, travel, lodging, food. Can be $1000 in a weekend. Not including professional photos taken at the show.
Food is bought in bulk. 5 bags of 20# plus. Buy 4, get 1 free. Every week.
Grooming takes hours! A bit different for show cats vs pets. Pets are brushed every day, show cats are bathed, primped, fluffed.
All have their teeth brushed every day and all are pampered.
Don’t forget the kitty liter. Total of 10 boxes that are scooped twice a day and totally dumped, washed, dried and refilled every week. That’s 10 bags of liter/week at about $10/bag. I’m ready to potty train the cats!
But there is NO price that equals the love they give, the companionship, the snuggle factor.
I just wouldn’t have it any other way.
I should mention that I have a full time job outside of the house!!
My 2,000 sq ft beach house is immaculate, does not smell like a liter box, the cats have free run of the home and no one sprays on the walls, destroys the furniture or is declawed. They are trained, with kindness and love. My sons and I all work with them all of the time!!
If someone is breeding for money, they’re not taking very good care of their cats, because until everything is said and done, I don’t make money.
BUT….I wouldn’t have it any other way!!
I loved reading your post! Are there pictures somewhere of your beautiful babies?
I paid nothing for my Charlie; her breeder simply needed to rehome her and wasn’t worried about payment. I spend about $150 per year on her at the vet (exams and such). All three of my cats eat the same food, Wilderness, which costs about $40 per month.
I bought my Louie in May 2002 for $550 b/c he was the runt of the litter and the last one left, no one wanted him. Plus his white triangle on his face was off center. But he is awesome either way. At the time raggies were in the range of $700-$950, so i got a deal
Ha! It won’t let me reply to our convo any more Jerri!
But…I have never heard of the “selects”…Sounds GREAT! I will see if my Petsmart carries that! And it’s funny you mention Wellness…THAT is what I first started him on but it was too rich for his lil tummy! Mooshu loves the turkey & beef & chicken slices & morsel flavors of Fancy Feast…get this…He is a SNOB & won’t go near the fishy flavors! He also used to only LOVE the Classic type…now he would rather starve than eat them…Thank god for the proplan with rice or with pasta flavors…LOVES those! But I am curious how he would like the Selects…Thanks for the idea!
My boys don’t really like the wellness cans – but they love the Wellness Healthy Indulgences Pouches, especially Tuna. It’s a chunky food with gravy.
That’s funny – the CLASSIC Fancy Feast flavors are the only ones that are gluten free and lower carb!
I do get the Pro Plan Selects at PetSmart! They are usually right by the regular Pro Plan, but the labels have more white on them. Different PetSmart stores carry different flavors. It is more pate-like – no gravy or chunks. My boys especially like the Turkey, Beef, Chicken and of course Tuna. Jenny just posted a link for a buy one get one free coupon – check that out!
Hahaha! Leave to my cat to not like the ONE that’s good for him!! I will see if the also have the Wellness pouches and try that…but not the tuna…god forbid a cat likes fish! Hahaha! And YES! I just printed the coupon! Every little bit helps!
Try the tuna pouches – it’s not really tuna-y if that makes sense. It has turkey and turkey broth and turkey liver as well. Sometimes I buy the other flavors, but I buy the tuna by the case!
Jenny…weird…I got an email with your reply but it’s not showing up on here…Her excuse was that her husband took the wrong kitten in to get fixed!! She seemed a little overwhelmed with all the kittens & her day job…she came highly recommended though…and was very sweet & apologetic…she was actually in tears. But still…not at all acceptable as far as I am concerned! She did call me weekly to check on him & sent me a sweet card apologizing & being grateful that I got him & was being a good mom to her baby…so it’s not that I think she didn’t care…I just think she lost track! UGH!
I forgot to talk about the kitty budget every year! I always have $1000 in a savings account for veterinary bills (which we have already blown through this year with Dusty!) With three Ragdolls, who are now eating canned food exclusively, I estimate I will be spending approximately $300 a month on their food alone. Another $60 or so on litter and toys.
Jerri…Since I just switched Mooshu over to ONLY wet food…I am going broke!! It’s about $80 a month!! I can’t even imagine THREE kitten mouths to feed!
You’re telling me – and I can’t bring myself to feed them friskies or other low end food, so most of what I buy is about $1 a can/pouch, and I open at least 6 cans a day. Most are 3 oz cans, but I will have to look into larger cans to try and save some money soon. They are worth it, but I have had to cut back on a few things like Starbucks and eating out!
To be honest…When I first got Moosh…I thought “nothing but the best for my boy!!” But he didn’t do well on “the best”…he had poopy butt (see my poop story on here) When I asked TWO different vets they both said I am not a bad mom if I feed him what his tummy can tolerate…that just so happens to be Fancy Feast 3oz cans +/- $0.60/can & ProPlan 3oz cans +/- $0.80/can & he gets 3-4 can a day! But hey…no poopy butt! 🙂
Well, I know Stormy would not be happy without his Wellness Pouches, but I do give them the Pro Plan Selects (a little pricier than the regular Pro Plan at about 95 cents a can.
I will feed them anything that doesn’t have corn, wheat or gluten of any kind in it … I prefer grain free, but try not to be obsessive about it! I think there are some flavors of Fancy Feast that meat that criteria. I might need to try a few!
I would suggest getting a raw food freeze dried dry food… maybe Instinct by Nature’s Variety because it is still raw food and healthier than your normal dry food. I buy a 10 lb bag for 40.00 for one cat and this lasts about 3-4 months.
Try Wysong, they have a variety pack Epigen that is PURE MEAT, nothing else that comes in 12 ounce cans. This could help when feeding mulitple cats.
Mooshu was $850 in 2011…and I was told he was fixed…but after noticing what one can not help but notice in a boys “area”…I found out he wasn’t!! Luckily the breeder acknowledged her error when I contacted her & reimbursed us for the cost! Over his life time (estimating 18 HEALTHY years) on food alone I expect to spend $17,280!!! Not including litter, baggies, toys (lots of toys) or treats…or even vet visits!! Man I LOVE him!
Dusty was $650 in 2006. His brother Stormy was $100 – because he had a rough start in life, and she couldn’t guarantee his health – I call him my discount kitty. 🙂 He’s been very healthy, so I got a good deal by taking a chance on him! Denali was $675 in 2011. All from the same breeder.