A Complete Price Guide for Ragdoll Cats
Source: © Shutterstock
The Ragdoll is a breed of cat that is known for being expensive. The unique feline gets its name from its tendency to go limp when picked up and held. It’s a behavioral trait that seems to be instinctual. It sets the breed apart from other cats and gives it an endearing quality that attracts people. Cat lovers preferring unusual breeds gravitate toward the Ragdoll because of its uniqueness, which dives the cost for purebred kitties up, but it’s not the only factor involved in pricing.
There’s a lot to know before buying any exotic or expensive cat breed. Too many people experience buyer’s remorse or pay for cats they never receive. If you’re considering Ragdoll cat, we’ve produced a guide to give you all the information you need to avoid paying too much or being scammed by disreputable breeders.
How much does a purebred Ragdoll cat cost?
According to Ragdoll Love, the average price range for a purebred Ragdoll cat is between $400 and more than $2,000. This is a conservative figure for the United States. In other parts of the world, the price can go up dramatically with some Ragdoll cats selling for several thousand dollars. Several factors influence the price you will pay for one of these beautiful cats.
Why is the price range so varied?
The price breeders charge for a Ragdoll cat is based on multiple factors. The country, state or region, pedigree of the cat, age, and quality are the most notable factors influencing the price. The reputation of the breeder can also affect pricing. The most expensive Ragdoll cats are kittens with impressive pedigrees. Some Ragdoll cats have a long list of ancestors with a history of winning competitions in contests.
These cats have the most remarkable physical features that stack up well against the breed standards that are established by pedigree certification agencies. The show record of a cat influences its value. Kittens produced by parents with impressive pedigrees have a higher value than those that have not participated in competitions.
They’re referred to as championship bloodlines. Breeders that sell off their older breed stock often lower the price on aging cats. They may sell cats diagnosed with genetic conditions for less. Cats that do not physically meet established trait standards may also be sold for a lower price that can start between $400 to $800. These cats may have limited registration status or full registration status. The pedigree and physical traits are the greatest determining factors of the value of each cat. Buyers usually pay more for show-quality cats than for cats intended as house pets only.
Supply and demand drives Ragdoll cat prices
As with anything that is bought and sold, the demand for Ragdoll cats and the available supply is drivers in determining what they cost. Reputable breeders do not undersell these cats when they know the value in their region. Regions with a high demand for Ragdolls, and low supplies of them create an inflated price in that specific geographic area.
When there are more cats than the market can support, the price goes down. Ragdoll cats are not as popular in some areas, depending on the socio-economic climate, which also influences the price. Some breeders only raise Ragdolls in areas where it is easiest to sell them. They may also offer shipping services to transport the cats to the new owners, but this is a practice that most reputable breeders prefer not to engage in unless necessary, as it stresses the animal.
Other factors in determining the quality of a Ragdoll cat and its value
Public perception of the value of the Ragdoll cat also influences the price. In some regions, such as China, where the breed is a status symbol. They also view it as an exceptional house pet. The value goes up into the thousands. Another determinant of the cost is if you’re buying the breeding rights for the line. These are all factored into the overall value of each Ragdoll cat sold.
The reputation of the breeder
Reputable Ragdoll cat breeders go the extra mile to ensure that each adult cat under ownership lives in a caring home with plenty of space to move around and exercise. The cats also receive healthy and nutritional foods. Pregnant mother cats get regular vet checkups with testing to make sure that the pregnancy moves forward smoothly.
They’re tested for genetic problems that could arise in the kittens. Documentation of the health status for the breeders to be passed forward to the new owners comes from these visits. A reputable breeder maintains all documentation of pedigree status, ancestral history of the bloodlines, if applicable, and medical history for parents and kittens.
Kittens that are for sale should have their first shots with verification documents. It’s not wise to take a breeder’s word for it. If they don’t have the required evidence on paper, you’re dealing with an inexperienced breeder or one that takes shortcuts along with way. You can verify the credentials of the breeder by reading reviews from other customers who purchased cats from them. We recommend confirming the breeder’s reputation before dealing with them.
We discourage dealing with kitten mills that raise these cats in crowded or unsanitary environments. Kittens born to unhealthy parents are less likely to grow into healthy adult cats. Breeders that charge the going rate for cats born in squalor may even violate laws in place to protect the welfare of animals. Cats raised in cages are not as likely to develop to their full potential in personality or their physical health.
In summary, reputable breeders go the extra mile with the execution of the best practices. They incur significant expenses to produce the best quality kittens. The breeder’s costs are figured into the price of the kittens they sell. In most cases, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for discounts or low prices, you’re likely to end up with a cat that does not meet the highest standards.
Expect to pay more for show-quality Ragdoll cats
Floppy Cats confirms that in some regions, the cost of a Ragdoll cat for companionship can start as high as $1,200 in areas where the demand is high. Show quality Ragdoll cats can go for as much as $5,000. Breeders get the price they ask for in some areas. According to Cats Love To Know, a Ragdoll that has tremendous show quality is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay in some areas. Championship bloodline pedigrees fetch the highest prices. The potential for producing cats that meet high physical standards can be enough to justify a higher value.
What to consider when buying a Ragdoll Cat
The first consideration to make when thinking about buying a ragdoll cat is what you plan to do with the cat. What is its purpose? Will this be a household pet or do you plan to become a breeder. Considering the requirements for building a strong reputation as a breeder, think about the cost of owning a Ragdoll cat with the nutritional, medical, space, and care requirements. If this is a family pet, it’s wise to know the peculiarities of the breed to determine if it will fit in with your family’s situation. Will you be able to keep up with the required maintenance of the cat and can you provide a suitable environment?
Can you find a Ragdoll cat at a shelter?
It’s possible to find a Ragdoll cat at an animal rescue shelter, but not likely. These are valuable cats that people tend to scoop up quickly when they become available. There are pros and cons associated with adopting a Ragdoll cat from an animal shelter. On the plus side, the cost of adoption versus purchase from a breeder is much lower.
The average price range is between $100 to $350 to adopt. This includes the cost of spaying or neutering and vaccinations in most cases. It not only saves you money, but it also helps an animal that needs a forever home, and it makes more room at the shelter for other cats that are in need. On the downside, you will not have documentation to confirm the history or ancestral heritage of the cat. You will not be able to prove that it is purebred or know whether it has a pedigree.
Most shelters require spay or neuter as a term of the adoption agreement. With some, this clause is not negotiable. You may find a Ragdoll mix cat at a shelter that looks more like a Ragdoll than the other contributing parent. There are many unknowns when adopting a pet, but it’s a good option if you want to save money and you’re looking for a house pet.
What you need to know about the Ragdoll cat
A Ragdoll cat has a unique temperament. One question to ask yourself is if this is the right cat to fit in with your lifestyle and your family. According to My Ragdoll Cats, this breed is good for most families or single people. Each cat has a distinct personality, which can vary from one animal to another. We can make some generalizations about the habits of the breed. Most Ragdoll cats go limp when you pick them up. Ragdoll cats are not usually needy cats.
They don’t require copious amounts of affection or attention, but they need some. They are independent creatures who do not prefer to be pestered, but occasionally, they enjoy being snuggled and cuddled. Your Ragdoll cat will let you know when he is in the mood for your attention. If you’re a busy person, this could work to your mutual advantage. Some Ragdoll cats are more inquisitive than others and do want to be a part of whatever is going on in the family. Be prepared for either extreme because it’s in a cat’s nature to pull a Jekyll and Hyde move on you.
Maintenance of a Ragdoll cat
Your Ragdoll cat has a luxurious fur coat that means he will need to be groomed occasionally. Uniquely, the Ragdoll does not have an undercoat. This makes them less prone to shedding. A weekly brushing should be good enough to keep his coat in good condition and minimize the amount of fur you need to clean from your home. Most Ragdoll cats need to have their nails clipped occasionally.
Costs of owning a Ragdoll cat
Prepare to have an ongoing cost of ownership of a Ragdoll cat. It’s going to be more if you’re a breeder versus a pet Ragdoll. As with any house pet, your Ragdoll cat needs to eat a balanced diet. The breed is large and bulky compared to other cat breeds. The price you pay to buy or adopt a Ragdoll cat is just the beginning of the expenses.
These big cats cost about $100 per month for the wet food they prefer to eat. You will need to purchase grooming supplies, including brushes for their long hair, and cat shampoos and conditioners, to keep the fur looking its best and in good health. They require vet checkups to maintain good health and catch any problems before they escalate into bigger issues. The average cost of medical examinations and testing ranges between $100 to $200 for healthy cats. Your Ragdoll kitten and adult cats also need to have a bed, a litter box, frequent litter changes, and toys to play with.
Final thoughts
Ragdoll cats range in price from $100 to $350 for adopting or up to $5,000 for show-quality cats. It’s a popular breed but the cost of maintenance is ongoing. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you have all the information to decide if this is the right choice for your family, and how to proceed in finding a reputable seller.
You can also read:
- Consider Getting Your New Pet Through A Ragdoll Cat Rescue
- How to Find the Perfect Ragdoll Cat Breeders
- 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Ragdoll Cat
- Pros and Cons of the Ragdoll Cat Breed: Is it the Right Pet for You?
image sources
- Playing,Little,Cat: © Shutterstock