How Much Do Ragdoll Cats Cost?

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Ragdoll cats not only look nice but are also great family pets.
Image Credit: Lachy_Bartholomew/iStock/GettyImages

If you're looking for a loving, laid-back, beautiful cat to add to your home, the Ragdoll cat might be an ideal choice. Not only are these cats striking to look at, but they have many temperament traits that make them desirable as a family pet. But because Ragdolls are a highly desired yet specialized breed, buying one will cost more than you'd pay for some other purebred cats.

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The cost of Ragdoll cats

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Ragdolls certainly aren't the cheapest breed of cat to buy. Ragdoll kittens can cost $400 each, while show-quality cats may be priced at $2,000 or more. Prices will vary according to the breeder and the quality, age, and show record, if any, of the cat that you're considering.

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The high cost of these cats is due to a number of factors, including the demand for these unique cats and the costs associated with maintaining a breeding program. Breeders who have show-quality cats can also charge higher costs for their kittens and cats. Ragdolls are prone to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so a reputable breeder should perform DNA tests on her breeding stock to make sure that the trait isn't passed down to kittens.

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Adopting a Ragdoll cat

While the cost of purchasing Ragdoll kittens or cats can be prohibitive, you may be able to adopt a Ragdoll for a fraction of the price that you would pay when buying one from a breeder. Shelters and animal rescues do occasionally have Ragdoll cats, and you can adopt a cat for between $75 and $100. You may also come across Ragdoll mixes in shelters, or you could potentially find cats who are now retired from breeding and who need new homes.

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Adopting a cat offers additional benefits over buying. When adopting an adult Ragdoll, you'll already have a sense of that cat's personality. If you buy a kitten, you won't really know what that cat's personality will be like until he's an adult. An adopted cat will also already likely be spayed or neutered, saving you additional veterinary expenses.

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Finding your new cat

If you'd like to add a Ragdoll to your family, you'll have a few different options. If you would like to try to give a cat in need a new home, check your local shelters to see if they have any Ragdolls available. You may need to check repeatedly over a period of months or even years, but Ragdolls do come through shelters on occasion, and this can save you significant money over buying a kitten from a breeder.

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You can also look for reputable breeders in your area and contact them to find out about buying a kitten or potentially buying a retired breeding cat. While you'll get to spend more of your years with a cat that you get as a kitten, breeders may be willing to retire their breeding cats to a good home for a minimal cost.

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While buying a Ragdoll can be expensive, many cat owners feel that these cats' friendly, laid-back personalities make them well worth the investment. You'll need to consider your budget and what you're looking for in a cat to decide whether the Ragdoll is right for you.

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