Ragdoll Cat Costs: A Pet Parent’s Guide

Let’s start this article with a fact: cats are awesome. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about a breed of cat that is the epitome of what all cats should be: the Ragdoll cat. Ragdoll cats are absolutely stunning with their blue eyes and distinct colorpoint coat. They also happen to be real charmers, most being very sweet and docile and happy to lounge with you. It’s because these cats are so wonderful that they come with a very big price tag. Keep reading to learn all about Ragdoll cat costs.

How Much Do Ragdoll Cats Cost?

Without question, Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular cat breeds, if not THE most popular, hence the big price tag. If your heart is set on having a Ragdoll cat in your life, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3500 for a Ragdoll kitten.

There are a variety of factors that can affect how much you pay for your fur baby. These can include where you live and the breeder’s reputation, as well as the age and pedigree of your kitten. Breeders tend to charge more for kittens that come from high-titled parents.

The main factor that determines the price of a Ragdoll cat is whether they are pet quality, show quality or breed quality. 

All kittens are beautiful and special and deserving of love and a good home. Having said that, in the world of breeders, some kittens “outshine” others. Pet quality kittens are those that have the most basic desirable physical characteristics. Show quality Ragdoll kittens are very close to ideal, meaning they have all of the desired characteristics of the breed. These cats tend to perform very well as show cats. And finally breed quality kittens have all of the desired breed characteristics and also exceptional health, temperament and beauty. 

As you can imagine, the difference in price between these three types of Ragdoll kittens is typically great, with breed-quality having the biggest price tag.

Other Factors That Affect Ragdoll Cat Costs

There are other reasons why Ragdoll cats are so expensive. To start, Ragdolls are a fairly new breed of cat, having only been developed in the 1960s. Because of this, there is a smaller gene pool, and that fact alone drives up the price of breeding stock.

In addition, Ragdolls are bred specifically for their size and temperament, not their coat color or pattern. Because of this, it takes more time, energy and effort to breed these cats. This will also be reflected in the price tag.

Ragdoll Health Issues

It’s important to mention that the costs of owning a Ragdoll don’t end once you bring your kitten home. Ragdolls, like other cat breeds, come with their own set of health issues. It’s  important to understand these issues so you can take the very best care of your Ragdoll.

We’ll need to start this discussion by letting the cat out of the bag: Inbreeding is a serious problem in Ragdoll cats. Inbreeding describes when cats who are closely related to one another genetically have been mated. Unfortunately many cat and dog breeders will use inbreeding to encourage certain genetic traits. The result is a cat or dog that is very appealing but comes with some serious health impairments. This is why it is so important to research and choose a reputable breeder.

The following are some of the most common Ragdoll health issues:

Obesity

One of the reasons people love Ragdolls is because they are so chill and laid back. They love to be held and just lay with you, or on you, while you stream TV. While it can be nice to share your home with a docile cat, that docile-ness can lead to obesity for lack of real exercise.

If you have a Ragdoll or are thinking of getting one, be sure to prioritize a balanced and nutritional diet and encourage exercise. 

Urinary Tract Infections

Another common health condition with Ragdoll cats is urinary tract infections (UITs). This condition can affect any part of the urinary tract including urethras, ureters, bladders and kidneys. 

In addition to UTIs, Ragdolls are often seen with Cystitis and feline lower urinary tract disease (previously called feline urological syndrome).

All of these conditions can present with a variety of symptoms including:

• Constantly getting into the litter box but not urinating
• Consistent licking of the genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Straining to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Urinary incontinence (urinating outside of the litter box)

Polycystic Kidney Disease 

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disease that is often seen in Persians, Exotic Shorthairs and Ragdolls. The disease causes fluid filled cysts to grow within the kidney. Over time these cysts increase in size and can lead to severe kidney damage and even kidney failure.

Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• General malaise
• Depression/lethargy
• High water intake
• Frequent urination

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy 

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats, and it just so happens to be a particular worry in breeds such as the Ragdoll. The disease causes a thickening of the wall of the left ventricle, which leads to a reduction in blood flow that is pumped to other tissues and organs in the body. 

Symptoms of the disease depend on the overall state of health of the cat, but generally speaking will include:

• Apathy
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Depression and lethargy
• Weakness in the hind limbs
• Sudden death

Keep Ragdoll Cat Costs Down with Pet Insurance

Ragdolls are prone to health issues just like any other breed of cat. And some of these health issues require comprehensive medical attention. Will you be able to pay a big vet bill should something happen to your fur baby?

A pet insurance plan means you can have peace of mind knowing you will be reimbursed for a portion of the vet bills. And sometimes by as much as 90% of the bill! 

Take 2 minutes to get a free customized quote from some of the top insurance providers in the country so you can have peace of mind.

References:

1. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll “Ragdoll Cat Breed Information”
2. https://www.thesprucepets.com/ragdoll-cat-breed-profile-4583144 “Ragdoll Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care”
3. https://ahcfargo.com/client-resources/breed-info/ragdoll/ “Ragdoll”

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.