Who can resist the adorable look and nature of a Ragdoll cat? Not many people. So, it’s not surprising that these affectionate and docile cats are one of the most popular breeds of cats in Australia. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a ragdoll cat is their tendency to go limp when you pick them up, thus the name Ragdoll. So, how much does it cost to bring a Ragdoll home? Well, as a responsible pet owner, you’ll need to consider more than just the initial purchase price to understand the cost of a Ragdoll. Here’s what you need to consider.
Ragdoll cats are popular because of their affectionate tendencies. You can find a Ragdoll kitten in Australia for between $1000 to $2500. Registered breeders typically charge more for their kittens because they have the credibility of being registered backing them. On the other hand, you might find unregistered breeders charging lower prices, but we recommend steering clear of them for several reasons. Buying a Ragdoll kitten or adult cat from your local adoption shelter is possible.
Registered Ragdoll breeders in Australia can charge you between $1,000 and $2,500, sometimes even $3000, for a purebred Ragdoll kitten. These prices would depend on factors including the breeder’s reputation, the pedigree of the kittens, and their bloodline. Breeders that breed show quality Ragdoll cats would generally charge premium prices.
Adopting a Ragdoll kitten or adult cat is a great way to bring a new pet into the family. Usually, adoption fees for cats in Australia can typically cost between $250 and $650, depending on the breed, age, pedigree of the cat and your location.
As you look for a purebred Ragdoll around Australia, knowing what factors influence their prices is helpful. Here are some of the factors that influence the cost of a Ragdoll:
Breeder reputation can greatly impact the overall price of a Ragdoll kitten in Australia. Breeders who develop a reputation for producing purebred Ragdoll kittens from a good bloodline and with good features (coat quality, coat colour, health) will often sell their kittens for premium prices.
In Australia, breeders need to register to sell Ragdoll kittens legally. This registration ensures that they adhere to ethical breeding standards and that their kittens are high-quality. Registration also offers breeders more credibility in the market, allowing them to price their kittens more competitively.
When we refer to bloodline, we’re talking about the lineage of the Ragdoll. Suppose a breeder is breeding with pedigree Ragdoll cats with good features and healthy characteristics. In that case, the chances are that they are from a good bloodline that’s developed strong genes, making them less likely to develop serious ailments later in their life that result in high vet bills.
How available are Ragdoll kittens in Australia? You can find Ragdoll breeders in most states in Australia, making them fairly available. However, keep in mind that breeders don’t always have litters at the same time. This might impact the availability of Ragdoll kittens in certain areas. This could impact the overall cost of Ragdolls in Australia and add a delivery fee if you have to purchase a Ragdoll from another state.
The initial cost of purchasing a Ragdoll cat is merely the first cost to consider. Following this, you must consider getting a few essentials before bringing your kitten home. While many of these aren’t necessary until your Ragdoll is a little holder, it’s helpful to have them or at least know about them. Here are some essentials you may need for your Ragdoll and how much they cost on average:
In addition to the essentials above and the initial cost of getting a Ragdoll cat, maintenance costs must also be factored in. When we refer to maintenance costs, we’re talking about the costs of food, vet visits, grooming, and training. Here is what you can expect to pay for Ragdoll maintenance:
Ragdoll cats weigh slightly more than your average cat, weighing around 4 to 9kg. Because of this weight, a ragdoll cat will need between 40 to 70g of dry food daily or 120 to 150g of wet food daily. That said, the price will depend on the brand, quality, and diet you have your ragdoll on. Here is a breakdown of the estimated feeding costs per day:
Every year, you’ll undoubtedly have some vet expenses to factor in, too. This may not be emergency visits to the vet, although you should prepare for those by investing in pet insurance. Most of your yearly vet costs include annual health checks, vaccinations, parasite protection, and pet insurance. Here’s what you can expect to pay for vet bills in a year on average:
Keep in mind that many of these costs vary based on aspects like the vet you visit and the quality of the medications or treatments they use. Regarding pet insurance, the cost may also vary depending on the extent of the coverage you choose.
Ragdoll cats generally have longer, fluffier hair. While they may do a good job at grooming themselves, you may need to help them occasionally. Here are some of the standard costs of grooming your Ragdoll cat if you feel you need to:
Cats don’t necessarily need training like dogs would. Ideally, you would train your cat to recognise your call, to know where they can and can’t go, where their litter box is, and to get used to their cat box or going for health checks. In most cases, this training requires consistency and patience, as cats are independent and difficult to train. Here is what you can expect to pay for training sessions and equipment:
The ragdoll cat is ideal for those who are after a cat that melts into your harms when you hold them. That said, before you invest in a Ragdoll cat, we would encourage you to fully consider the costs and responsibilities of owning a Ragdoll cat. Factor in their breed-specific needs, as well as their maintenance costs. By understanding the full costs of owning a Ragdoll in Australia, you can better prepare yourself before you bring this new addition to your family home.
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