How Much Does a Ragdoll Cat Cost? 2024 Price Guide

Ragdoll cats are some of the most adorable and sought-after cat breeds. Unfortunately, this breed is very expensive, both in one-time fees and monthly fees. Knowing the associated costs can help you determine whether or not you have the financial means to provide the cat a happy and healthy home.

As we will discuss in more detail later, Ragdoll cats are most expensive for their one-time costs, such as adoption or purchase from a breeder. Even after the initial costs have been paid, you will still need to pay for this cat every month.

To find out exactly how much it cost to own a Ragdoll cat, read on.

Bringing Home a New Ragdoll Cat: One-Time Costs

The biggest expense you will pay for your Ragdoll cat is the one-time cost associated with adoption and bringing the cat into your home for the first time.

Although you can technically find Ragdoll cats at shelters and other places where the price will be affordable, if not free, it is much more likely that you will need to pay over $1,000 for the cat and other features associated with its adoption. Let’s take a look at these one-time costs associated with bringing a Ragdoll cat home.

Free

Ragdoll cats are notoriously expensive, and it is next to impossible to find them for free. Unless you know someone willing to lose over $1,000 by giving their cat away, don’t expect the Ragdoll or prices associated with the cat to be free.

In fact, if someone is willing to give away their Ragdoll kitten for free, it likely means that there is an issue with the kitten. We generally advise against cheap or free Ragdolls since it is a sign of a health issue present in the cat.

Adoption

$400–$1,000

Adopting a Ragdoll cat can be an affordable and rewarding experience, but it can be difficult to find one for adoption. If you find a Ragdoll at a local shelter, you can likely adopt it for a price between $400 and $1,000.

It’s important to keep in mind that it can be very difficult to find a Ragdoll cat for adoption. These cats are often scooped up very quickly. Plus, Ragdolls available for adoption often come with health issues that you will have to pay more for down the line.

Breeder

$1,000–$2,500+

Ragdoll cats are typically only sold by breeders, which means you are more likely to pay this price than the adoption price. Even though the breeder price may seem outrageously expensive, it shows you that the cat is healthy and a purebred Ragdoll.

Although you may be tempted to opt for a less expensive breeder, we generally advise against it. Any breeders that charge under $1,000 for a Ragdoll are typically untrustworthy and breed cats that have some sort of health issue. It is for this reason that selecting a reputable breeder is a must when buying a Ragdoll cat.

Initial Setup and Supplies

$250–$450

In addition to buying the cat, you will have to buy supplies and other things so that the cat is comfortable, safe, and healthy in your home. This includes things like a cat bed, food and water dishes, toys, a microchip, vaccinations, surgery, accessories, and food.

At the bare minimum, you will need an ID tag, collar, food, vaccinations, and food and water dishes, but responsible owners will also microchip and spay or neuter their Ragdoll. These surgeries are what make the initial setup and supplies so expensive.

List of Ragdoll Cat Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Ragdoll Cat Cost Per Month?

$255–$730+ per month

In addition to paying the initial costs for your Ragdoll cat, you will also have to pay to keep the cat healthy and happy the rest of its life. In other words, Ragdoll cats are a lifetime commitment, not just a one-time fee.

Health Care

$0–$200+ per month

In the case that your Ragdoll cat is healthy, health care should be pretty affordable by the month. However, cats with known illnesses can be very expensive in terms of health care. You can easily pay over $200 a month in healthcare-related prices if the cat is ill or old.

In the case that your cat is healthy, healthcare prices are related to great food, grooming, and annual vet visits. Below, we break down prices for each of these in their respective categories.

Food

$50–$100 per month

The biggest expense you will absolutely have to pay for your Ragdoll cat is food. Most Ragdolls play quite a bit, and they are larger than other domesticated cats, meaning you have to feed them more.

Not only do you have to supply enough food for your cat, but the food needs to be high quality as well. High-quality cat food is not cheap. It is for this reason that you should expect to pay between $50 and $100 per month for your cat’s food.

Grooming

$25–$50 per month

One way that Ragdoll cats are more high maintenance than other cats is in their grooming requirements. These cats need regular nail clipping, teeth brushing, and fur maintenance. You should expect to pay between $25 and $50 to maintain your cat’s physical appearance.

This price assumes that you visit your vet for nail clipping services and brush your cat’s teeth yourself. This price will go up if you hire a professional to clean your Ragdoll’s teeth, but that is not necessary. Just grab a toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste and do it yourself!

Medications and Vet Visits

$100–$200 per visit

Assuming that your cat is healthy, you should not have to visit the veterinarian every month. At the very least, you should take your cat for an annual vet checkup. Most regular checkups cost between $100 and $200. Keep in mind that you will not have to pay this price every single month.

If your cat is healthy, you should not have to pay any vet bills the majority of the year, but you may need to start bringing your Ragdoll to the vet more frequently as it ages.

Pet Insurance

$25–$50 per month

Pet insurance is not required for all pets, but it may be a good idea if you know your cat has health conditions or you are using it for show purposes. Most pet insurance companies offer plans that range between $25 and $50 a month.

Even if you do not opt for pet insurance, you can set aside a savings account for when accidents with your Ragdoll arises. This can allow you to have a bit of cushion in a worst-case scenario without paying monthly bills.

Environment Maintenance

$25–$80 per month

In order for your cat to stay healthy, you have to focus on environment maintenance. Environment maintenance for a Ragdoll includes the litter box, deodorizers, disposable scratchers, and more.

Of these features, the kitty litter will be the most expensive recurring item you will have to pay for each month. Additionally, a cardboard scratcher is a great option if your cat is not declawed, which we recommend.

Entertainment

$30–$50 per month

Just as you get bored, your cat can get bored too. Because of this reason, you have to factor in entertainment costs for your cat every month. Luckily, there are many options for cat entertainment, allowing you to find an entertainment option that fits your budget.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on your cat’s entertainment, you can simply buy individual toys at the pet store once a month.

However, you can treat your cat to optimal entertainment by opting for a subscription cat box. These boxes will come with toys, treats, and more, but they will be more expensive than if you bought individual toys on your own.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Ragdoll Cat

$255–$730+ per month

The exact cost for keeping your Ragdoll cat healthy and happy every month can cost between $255 to over $730. If your cat is healthy, focus on the cat’s food, litter box, and entertainment. Cats with known health conditions or aging cats also require more health care prices and vet visits, which can be very expensive.

Additional Costs to Factor In

In addition to the costs we mentioned above, there are some other costs to factor in. For example, you will have to pay someone to pet-sit for you whenever you go out of town. You may also need to pay for training if you anticipate showing your cat or competing it.

If you get the cat as a kitten, you will likely have to pay for any possible household damage caused by the cat, such as urine stains, scratches on the furniture, and more.

If you are worried about household damage, know that Ragdoll cats learn very quickly. So long as you train the cat well from the time it is a kitten, you will not have to deal with a lot of damage once the cat ages.

Owning a Ragdoll Cat on a Budget

If you are on a real tight budget, you may be worried about all of the prices associated with Ragdoll cat ownership. It is important to note that with the exception of the high breeder price of these cats, any other cat use select will cost about the same on the monthly scale.

Even though it may be tempting to cut some corners, always remember that the cat’s life and happiness depend on you. Even though it may force you to pinch some pennies elsewhere, always provide your cat the quality and care it deserves.

With that being said, there are ways to own a Ragdoll cat on a budget. By doing things like focusing on the cat’s diet and maintenance, you reduce the Ragdoll’s risk of injury and illness, which are two of the most cost consuming prices associated with cat ownership.

You can also opt for more affordable entertainment options, such as making toys out of string, cardboard, and other affordable items. Cats are pretty easily entertained, meaning you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your cat happy.

Saving Money on Ragdoll Cat Care

You can save money on Ragdoll cat care by spending your money wisely. For example, opting for higher-quality food may feel more expensive upfront, but it will help your cat stay healthy, saving you a lot in vet visits over the course of the cat’s life.

You can also use coupons. Because the pet industry is so influential, it’s very easy to find coupons and other ways to pinch pennies while buying the everyday items that your cat needs, such as food or kitty litter.

Conclusion

Ragdoll cats are very expensive, especially in comparison to other breeds. These cats are the most expensive in terms of their one-time costs. More specifically, expect to pay over $1,000 if you buy this cat from a reputable breeder, which you might have to do since these cats are hard to find for adoption.

In terms of this cat’s monthly expenses, it is about the same as it would be with any other cat. Food, kitty litter, grooming, and vet visits are all monthly expenses that you need to keep in mind.

As you can see, Ragdoll cats are a serious financial commitment, and you should not get one unless you know you have the financial means to provide the cat the care, love, and companionship it deserves!

Related Read: 

• Himalayan vs. Ragdoll Cat: Which Cat is Best for You?
• Blue Lynx Ragdoll Cat — Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Serita Vossen, Shutterstock