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Writer's pictureTracy Weigle

How much ?

Understanding the True Value of a Ragdoll Kitten


To those who inquire about the price of a Ragdoll kitten and express surprise at the cost, or who seek a "cheaper" option elsewhere, it's important to convey a deeper understanding of what you're investing in. A purebred kitten is far more than "just a pet."


Behind Every Kitten: The Role of a Breeder


A BREEDER—distinguished here in capital letters to set them apart from mere pet mills or factories—is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the breed. This commitment involves not only the physical well-being of each kitten but also the integrity and health of the lineage. A reputable breeder meticulously documents the lineage of their cats, ensuring that potential genetic issues are identified and managed. This careful documentation, often dismissed by those uninterested in "papers," is crucial for the health and future of the breed.


The Responsibilities of a Breeder


A responsible breeder's work goes far beyond just pairing cats to produce kittens. They undertake a rigorous process that includes:


Health Testing:


Comprehensive genetic tests and screenings ensure the breeding pair is healthy and free from inheritable conditions.


Emergency Care:

Being prepared for the unpredictable, including emergency surgeries and round-the-clock care during and after births.


Routine Care:

Includes vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and regular health check-ups for all kittens.


These breeders also make significant investments in:


Specialized Housing:

Secure and comfortable accommodations for male cats, ensuring their well-being and reducing stress

.

Nutrition and Care: High-quality food, supplements, and litter, often tailored to the specific needs of the breed to ensure optimal health.


Environment Enrichment: Providing cat trees, toys, and other forms of enrichment to promote physical and mental stimulation.

- **Maintenance and Upkeep**: Regular replacement of worn-out toys and the use of advanced litter management systems like Litter Robots for hygiene and convenience.


In addition, importing new genetic lines to maintain and improve breed standards often requires substantial financial investment. Such imports can cost upwards of $6,000 per kitten, ensuring the diversity and health of the breed.


The Emotional Investment


A breeder's work is not just a business; it's a passion and a calling. Each kitten sold is not just a transaction but an extension of their family. They carefully select new owners, ensuring that their kittens go to homes where they will be loved and cared for. This process is meticulous because a breeder's concern extends beyond the sale—they remain invested in the well-being of their kittens for life.


Breeders often experience joy and heartbreak. They share in the milestones and challenges of the families that adopt their kittens, sometimes welcoming kittens back into their care without hesitation if circumstances change.


Choosing a Family: The Breeder's Perspective


A reputable breeder does not sell their kittens to just anyone. They are selective because they care deeply about the future of each kitten and the continuation of their carefully nurtured bloodline. This selective process is not about elitism but about ensuring that each kitten finds a home where it will be loved, well-cared for, and appreciated.


Breeding is a lifestyle choice, a commitment to nurturing life in a way that honors the cat's natural grace, health, and temperament. It's not a pursuit for financial gain but a labor of love and dedication.


A Kitten is Never "Just a Pet"


Each Ragdoll kitten represents the culmination of careful planning, extensive care, and emotional investment. They become a legacy, a best friend to a child, a companion to the elderly, and a beloved member of the family. The value of a Ragdoll kitten extends far beyond its initial cost, embodying a breeder's commitment to the breed and the joy it brings into the lives of those who welcome these beautiful cats into their homes.


This was taken from another breeder, I’ve changed some of it but all very true.


"BREEDER'S PRICE LIST"

of any type of animal (dog, cat.....) and why every breeder hates when they get an inquiry for their baby that only says "price?" Or “how much?”

1. Procurement of uncastrated healthy breeding animals (the prices are not very low, they are usually twice the prices for pets)

2. Going to get the same breeding animals or paying for shipping to get them to the breeder

3. Payment of the necessary documents for the registration of the cattery and eventual nostrification of the pedigree.

4. Care, quality food, supplements, vitamins, toys, climbing frames, litter boxes for cats, litter for the boxes, possible veterinary expenses if the animal falls ill approximately one year before the first possible mating...and throughout its life.. ..

5. Genetic tests, ultrasound, X-ray, veterinary examinations before mating...

6. The cost of exhibiting animals at exhibitions

7. Possible construction of separate areas of the cattery, because the breeding males must mostly be separated from the females in order to avoid unwanted mating... also the breeding males very often mark the area, so they must be separated, so that the breeder and his family do not lose their minds cleaning and scrubbing marked parts of the house (breeders will understand)

8. When the first mating finally occurs, with a male owned by the same breeder (so all this was invested in him before) or with a male from another breeder (so you pay the mating price)

9. Even better food and a little more supplements and vitamins for pregnant moms

10. If you're lucky...mom will deliver and take care of the babies herself..if you're not, she might need vet help or a c-section, which again is a big expense

11.Also if you are lucky, there will be a larger number of completely healthy babies in the litter... and it can also happen that you lose the entire litter... or that you only have one or two babies in the litter.

12. Maybe those same babies will need to be supplemented with a bottle, so you will also need powdered milk...they may also need heating....

13. When babies start eating on their own, which is usually at 3-4 weeks of age, they will need quality food, and again supplements and vitamins. Don't forget that all this time mom needs all this too. 14. They will also need toys for socialization

15. When the babies grow up, they should be vaccinated, microchipped, examined by a veterinarian, paid for the pedigree and transfer and any other papers and vaccination against rabies if the baby is going to a new home somewhere across the border....

16. The cost of a possible website, payment for advertisements for the sale of kittens

17. Take into account everything mentioned above and the fuel used for the car for every trip to the vet, going to get food at the pet store (or paying for delivery) and going to get other necessities.

18. Heating/cooling separate quarters.

What has no price is care, the enormous love of every ethical, caring breeder for their animals, sleepless nights, patience, ruined walls and floors from intact cats, ruined furniture in the house from scratching or peeing, ruined vacuum cleaner when you accidentally pick up cat urine or poop with it....

19 Wear and tear on washer from hair. Clogged pipes from hair.

20 Compare, most reputable breeders practice ESN with kittens, no family should have to endure spraying, calling, and fighting intact cats. Intact cats can and will destroy your home. It’s definitely a labor of love with a lot of work involved 24/7.


Who wouldn't go crazy when, after all this, you only get the question "Price?" on your ad.

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