Why are ragdoll kitten prices so different?
The price of a kitten varies so widely that it can have adopters scratching their head. I get it.
Most relationships between breeder and buyer begin with “How much does a ragdoll cat cost?” Many breeders publish their prices on their websites so it’s an easy question to answer! But this guide will help you navigate the price differences. You’ll also learn the factors that influence these prices so you can make a good decision.
Ragdoll Cat Prices:
A Total Package
Many pedigree kittens are offered as a package. Naturally these added-value items increase the cost of the ragdoll kitten.
Kittens are rehomed with a health guarantee, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea preventative, microchip, and alteration (spayed/neutered). Ethical breeders set up a kitten with health insurance for the first 30 days in his new home. Additional convenience items, such as a carrier, toys, treats, blankets, are often just part of a go-home package.
The reputable breeder includes these services as a convenience to the buyer and as a health benefit to the kitten. When you pick up your kitten, you are simply free to enjoy him. The cattery is also underwriting the risks associated with surgery. This is often an unnoticed value-added service.
bargain – hunting
Of course, you can look for a breeder who doesn’t spay/neuter or provide support, but in the long run such a kitten could cost you in medical bills and heartbreak.
2024 Ragdoll Prices
| Pearl’s Ragdolls | Texas | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Ragalicious Ragdolls | California | $3,800 – $5,000 |
| Pastel Ragdolls | Arizona | $3,900 + $4,900 |
| Willowtree Ragdolls | Massachusets | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Cotton Blues Ragdolls | Ohio | $3,000 + |
| Leah’s Ragdolls | New York | $3,000 + |
| Masterpiece Ragdolls | Washington, DC | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Ragdoll Kitten Price Varies by Breeder
Because of the disposition & beauty of the breed, there are many ragdoll breeders. The demand is incredibly high for pedigreed ragdoll kittens. Both Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) & The International Cat Association (TICA) consistently place them as the most popular breed in the cat fancy. Of course that affects the cost of a kitten as a pet. If the price of the pet is high, you can bet the price for a kitten with breeding rights is higher.
I can’t speak for every breeder, but for Masterpiece Ragdolls, the cost of a ragdoll cat has to do with several factors: pedigree, cost of the queen, demand for the particular lines, and whether or not the breeding program needs the kitten to replace any retiring queens or studs. For us, the kitten price includes complete, age-appropriate medical care.
iNFLUENCING FACTOR #3
Colors & patterns & price
Ragdoll Cat Colors will affect the cost of the kitten. For example, the blue point bicolor ragdoll kitten is hugely popular. A blue lynx point is even more coveted. Oviously, the wait will be longer & the cost, higher.
Ragalicious Ragdolls produces mostly blue point bicolors. They are highly popular and are priced to reflect that. Not only are they gorgeous, but the kittens are the product of two parents who have been DNA tested to ensure no genetic deficiencies are passed down, such as HCM, are passed down to the kittens. Her kittens come with a pretty generous health guarantee and are fed an exclusively raw diet.
Seal Point Bicolor
Seal Lynx Point
Cream Point Bicolor
Blue Lynx Point Bicolor
Seal Lynx Point Bicolor
Blue Point Bicolor
Lineage Quality Affects Ragdoll Cat Price
Each breeder is unique in their pricing. Some charge a flat rate because they view all their lines equally. The decision is up to the breeder ultimately. And most breeders are not willing to negotiate. They have both time and money invested in their program and know what it takes to maintain a healthy program.
Generally, as with most goods & services, the lower the cost, the lower the quality. Higher priced ragdolls are from more experienced breeders who eliminate breeding cats in their program who fail to measure up to very high standards.
Ragdoll Cat Costs Depend on:
Breeding Programs and Practices
You can think of breeding cats as a service. Breeders who’ve developed a superior breeding program weigh many options when deciding which cats to mate. Blood type, physical features, genetic behavior, historic temperament, timing, etc all play a role in managing the breeding program. Breeding is not as simple as tossing two willing cats into the bedroom.
Similarly, when a lawyer bills a client’s account, he is not charging for the documents he files in court, but rather the hours compiling evidence and studying case law, along with the years in law school where he earned nothing at all. He labored so that he could perform a service at a later date. And he loves providing the service! Might even do it for free if he did not need to value his time in dollars.
Husbandry is
part science and part art.
It requires both education & wisdom.
Show-Quality Ragdolls have a higher price tag.
Many breeders breed to the written standard. Seeking judge’s approval (conformation) is an objective way to be sure the breeding practices are correct. Exhibition isn’t just for the pageantry.
Breeders pair cats for mating to balance out extreme features. Essentially, to improve the breed as a whole. The result often produces “pet-quality.” Pet quality kittens range in price from $2,500-$4,000.
These kittens still have the temperament ragdolls are known for! You may notice eye color is diluted, a smaller size, or she may have uneven markings on the face and/or body. Even two “perfect” cats can produce “pet quality” kittens.
Show quality ragdoll kittens are usually $3,800 + Show quality ragdolls meet the breed standard. Arriving at that condition is challenging.
So, What does a Ragdoll Cat Actually Cost?
A registered & altered, vaccinated kitten will cost $2,500 – $ 5,000 depending on the influencing factors above.
On adoption day, you’ll need basics supplies from each category below. Work with your breeder to determine the brands they use. You can transition to your preferred products gradually.
Food & Water
Exactly the food your breeder was serving for 1-3 weeks to transition. Keep food & water fountain ~ 2 feet away from
litter box.
Budget $150/month for food.
$45 one-time cost for a water fountain.
Litter, etc.
A small litter box, a larger litter-box, kitty litter, disposable gloves or a scoop and a safe, permanent location to house the box.
Litterbox one-time cost $50 – $500
Budget $50/month for litter
Kitty Comforts
Cat tree, cozy house, a get-away. A blanket from his old home and time to rest as well time spent with you!
These creature comforts needn’t be extravagant, but they can be!
Budget Ragdoll Cat
If you can find a ragdoll kitten at a lower price (less than $2,000), consider the short-cuts the breeder may have taken. Around the corner, might lurk long-term medical expenses.
Tip: Classified Listings found on gokitty and others are risky options, too. Once you “buy” the seller is gone. no support, no health guarantee. No review or dispute process. Reputable breeders have a reputation to protect so they are more likely to be there for ya after the adoption.
Consider adopting a retired breeder from a reputable cattery. These adult cats are of the highest standard and deserve a loving home. You can be more confident because they come with documentation and medical records. They will also be neutered and cost significantly less.
Additional Costs
These are options that you may want to consider. Ragdoll Cats and Kittens are pretty low maintenance but grooming, health care, and enrichment are still necessary. If traveling, the options are unlimited.
Enrichment
Anything that improves the quality of your ragdoll’s life, specifically, his brain’s life. Toys, visual stimulation, boredom-busters. DIY!
Travel Costs
Unless you never travel for work or vacation, you’ll need to think about providing the least-stressful experience for your ragdoll cat. Boarding vs. hotel fees. It’s a lot to think about.
Are you ready to adopt a ragdoll kitten?
Once you decide you are ready for a ragdoll kitten (or cat), do a little soul searching and bank reconciliation. Only after you’ve chewed on what really matters to you will you make the best decision. A cute photo on Instagram is simply not enough to trigger action. The cost is only one of many factors but for some, the investment will be incredibly rewarding!
