I wasn't sure where to put this thread, but anyway, I know I've already said that we aren't getting our raggies until september/october but I was having a conversation with Neil (my partner) and we have already browsed some prices of ragdoll kittens but they seem to differ quite a lot! Nearer to the time I will probably be asking for more advice on reputable breeders but could anybody tell me what sort of price we will be looking at for the kittens? Just so that we know how much to save! On top of the actual kittens how much should we be setting aside for other necessities? Also, are some coat patterns/colours rarer than others?
Thanks
My kitten was 675, he came with his first 2 rounds of shots, wormed, and neutered. I have taken him to the vets so far for his last shots, when he hurt his leg, diagnose asthma/allergies (which are gone now), and a UTI. I was glad to have about $600 set aside to help pay for each vet visit. His first shots visits came out to about $60 (I think). When he hurt his leg they took an x-ray which was $300!!! And it wasn't even broken, just a pulled muscle... then he got muscle relaxer. His UTI visit came out to about $80. Along with all food, toys, and grooming supplies... the first year is pretty expensive! I'm going broke.
I agree with Alisha, the first year is expensive! Dex cost $650 and this included first shots and his neuter. In order for my breeder to honor his health contract I had to take him to the vet within a week of bringing him home for a check up and that was $60. A couple months later he developed a tooth infection which cost about $120 (two vet visits plus antibiotics). Then he had a checkup and shots which cost $110. Then he got a toenail infection (two vet visits plus 4 weeks of antibiotics) cost about $250. Wow. It's crazy to add it all up... $540!! One expensive kitty! Hopefully his second year of life will be cheaper LOL!! And Leo, my eight year old DSH has only had to be at the vet once, for a checkup and shots. I couldn't even try to add up how much food/toys/treats and other random stuff I've bought for them!
Oh and Dexter was wormed too when I first got him.
There are regional differences in prices. Pet kittens can run from $500 to $1000 based on geography alone. At this time, you should not expect to pay more for color/pattern. The most popular colors are seal and blue and some breeders do not offer red or lynx. However, they are not rare and should not cost more. It may be a longer wait to get one locally depending on the interests of local breeders.
For a kitten from a reputable breeder that in the U.S. should include shots and neuter, you're going to spend at least $650 -800 per kitten. Don't be duped into paying more for a RARE color or pattern -- most of those are actually colors or patterns that are rare only in that they aren't recognized as a breed standard. Immediately after getting the kitten you need to take it for a wellness check. Lots of times the contract will even stipulate that it is required. This gives you the chance to check out your vet and your vet to become familiar with the kitten before anything happens. However, I would hazard to say, most people skip this part.
Then there is the litter, food, litter boxes, toys, cat condo/tree (a must!!), and then saving for other vet visits that might be needed due to illness, or a booster vaccination or whatever.
While ragdolls aren't cheap to own, they certainly pay you back in love for everything and are still cheaper than having a child, and give you less headaches!!
Teresa and Jan had some great input. Definitely DON'T pay extra for a "rare" color... this would be a red flag.
I completely forgot about the kitty condo too! Those things range from $100 - 1,000 depending on the size and quality! I have two, my large one cost about $300 and my small one $75 (a very, very small one).
In Lindsey's post if you ONLY add the cost of her kitten plus the vet visits, that is nearly $1,200!! That may be a scary number up front but this number is probably pretty average for all new kitten owners.
At a bear minimum, expect to pay 600 - 800 for kitten, then your vet visit after. That would range between $700 and 900 as a minimum, not including food and toys. However, your kitten might get hurt or sick so you definitely want to be prepared for extra vet visits.
There is no accurate number that you can come up with to say what the total cost will be, but it is better to be prepared than to have to struggle financially! Luckily you guys are being smart in the whole process by doing your research ahead of time and you will have several months to save up! Ultimately you will decide how much to save up for...
I would say based off this information so far, a good amount to save up would be around $1,500 - 1,700. That should be enough cover the cost of your kitten, vet bills, and your supplies and toys. Just don't forget that food and litter will be ongoing expenses, and that yearly vet check ups are also ongoing! The expensive part is mainly the several vet visits during the first year along with the initial purchase of your supplies (dishes, litter boxes, condo, etc).
I paid 735 for my little love nugget. This included food/litter to last about 1.5 weeks, his first two shots and -, and his neuter.
Then I also have probably spent around $200 on necessary toys, litter box, carrier, bowls etc. Then another $50 on additional toys that may have not been necessary. I have not gotten him a a cat tree/condo yet and I think I might build my own. This will still probably cost a pretty penny.
He has his first appointment soon where he will get a check up and his first shot which will cost me around $75 and then I believe I'll need to take him back twice for other shots and check ups.
So total in his first year he has cost me approx
$1200 and that is no including his food and if he has any issues and needs to go in for emergency apts etc. Which lets hope he doesn't!
Thanks for all the advice guys!! I live in Yorkshire, England, so the money in dollars shocked me for a second cos it seemed like more than I expected! But I went on a currency converter and (though still a lot!) it's more within our capacities I think! I've never owned a cat before so I'm not sure of their needs etc either, do you think it would be worth me getting a guidebook or something that I can browse through while we're travelling over the summer? I don't want to annoy you lot with asking 20 questions a day LOL
As the others have already said, the first year is the most expensive. A kitten from a reputable breeder costs between $600 - $800 here, and includes first (sometimes second) vaccinations, worming, flea treatment and desexing, and peace of mind you are getting a healthy, sociable kitten. Sometimes the reds are slightly less because its not as popular as the other colours yet. Once you are set up with things like a kitty condo, toys, carry cage (a good one is $70), food/water bowls etc, the ongoing costs are fairly consistent and it doesn't make much difference between having one or two cats. It really helps to have a few hundred dollars saved for unexpected vet bills too. In the first year Lancelot had 3 teeth removed, 3 courses of antibiotics, blood tests and overnight vet stays... Merlin also had to stay overnight with an IV drip when we first got him because he was V&D everywhere and extremely dehydrated (hence we cannot emphasise enough the importance of a reputable breeder!) I estimate all up this cost us an extra $1500... I think we were unlucky with some things tho.
You can download the "Ragdoll cat secrets" e-book from the main page, we found it very helpful for getting down all the basics. You're not at all annoying for asking questions, everyone here is more than happy to help!
Thanks again, every bit of information I can get is much appreciated! Where can I download the Ragdoll cat secrets e-book? I'm really sorry I probably sound silly but I don't understand what you mean by the main page?!
P.S. Haha I'll hold you to the asking questions thing, you'll all be sick of me!