How Much Would You Pay for a Cat?

My mom spent that much on a Ragdoll kitten. She had researched a lot of breeds, and picked it for the affectionate temperament. And guess what? That cat is the most aloof, unfriendly cat I've ever seen. My mom is sorely disappointed with her. She has not once sat on her lap.

We've adopted two cats from shelters. We paid about $100.00 each time. They were/are both the most lovey, and affectionate cats ever.

If you are buying from a breeder, expect to have an overpriced cat with inbreeding problems. Local rescues also have cute cats who need homes for about $100.

The most I would spend on a cat (or dog for that matter) - is 100$ , the cost of a spayed/neutered / updated on shots animal from the animal shelter. I mean seriously. Don't people realize how many cats/kittens/dogs/puppies get euthanized every day because they don't have homes? That is absolutely ridiculous.

I wouldn't pay that much for a kid.

Ragdolls are very sweet kitties with a wonderful disposition. That said, I would never buy from a newspaper advertisement. Good breeders advertise through breed-specific networks and are registered and agree to adhere to breeding standards recommended by the CFA and TICA, as well as holding memberships with breed-specific clubs and associations.

I don't know what the going rate is for a top quality Ragdoll kitten, but I can tell you that the fact that it's in your local paper screams "stay away!"

(Both of my cats were adopted as strays when they were kittens. I don't buy kitties. There are too many that are homeless.)

Our sweet old gray cat passed away recently, and he was free from a home which needed a better placement for him. We had him for 10 years.

That said, with medical bills and whatnot over the time we had him -- and he was dreadfully ill when we got him,unbeknownst to us-- we have spent about $10,000 on him. I know some people would never have taken on the initial $3,000 vet bill we ended up dealing with. But Gus was an awesome, wonderful cat.

When we next get a cat, we will spend whatever the Humane Society asks. I know some people love specific breeds of cats, but with so many sweet kitties needing homes already, I'd rather do that. Plus, I would prefer to get a cat which is a year or two old already, so that we can sort of see what their temperament would be.

I haven't looked at other answers, but I am sure everyone has different priorities at different times in their lives.

I've never paid for a cat, just adopted from feral litters and had them fixed.

I would always go to the pound and never buy from someone selling animals. There are too many awesome, unwanted pets that get put to sleep every year.

We adopt strays or go to the shelter for our pets so I think the most we pay is $150 for the fees.

I would be willing to pay the adoption fees. Heck to the NO I would not pay $700 for a designer cat. We want to give a cat a home and save a life.

There are soooooo many cats that need a home. We got our cat from a foster home 2 years ago and she is practically perfect in every way! She was full grown,had all her shots, spayed and litter box trained and there was just a 25.00 adoption donation requested. Heck yes I was willing to pay that.

I never buy animals from breeders. There are so many animals being put down every day that will provide just as much love and companionship as "designer" pets. I can't justify spending money on a pet I know will not be killed just because there isn't room for it when I can save a life instead.

If you really want to find a specific breed, try searching for a rescue for that specific breed. I know people who have gotten pets that would cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars from a breeder, and only paid an adoption/vet fees from a rescue.

That said, I don't hold judgement against people who do buy from breeders (as long as they do their research and make sure it is a REPUTABLE breeder... Many over-breed their females, and their living conditions can be horrible because people are willing to pay so much for the cute puppies/kittens, and don't care enough to make sure the mother's health is considered as well. They breed any animal as long as the look is right, and disregard health issues.) My view is a personal choice, brought on from several years of fostering very lovable dogs (and cats, and even a ferret once) who were about to be put down due to lack of shelter space.

I would never pay that for a cat. I did once pay a $20 rehoming fee for a kitten, but only because my kids really wanted one and it was not that much. I will pay the $150 it costs at the local shelter (like I did for my most recent) because that money is going to the continuing care of animals in need of adoption.

Nope never would spend $700 on a cat or dog. All my animals are rescues. My current cat was free because his owner was moving (and I was very lucky because he's a great cat) and my dog was a $250.00 donation to the rescue group. My last cat was $100 to a rescue group.

I think it really depends upon your available income. And if you have zero debt, and you are a responsible financial individual, and you can afford to splurge on an unnecessary extravagant kitten, then go for it.

I have learned over the years to care far less about how people spend their money, as I have learned to care about how they make their money.

Personally, I'd rather give $650 to a local charity and spend $50 on kitty supplies and provide a home for an unwanted kitty.

$0 dollars. There are so many cats in pounds that just need homes and they are all free!! Why anyone would spend money to buy a cat is totally beyond me. In fact I would even go as far to call it irresponsible. if we werent paying breeders to breed more cats, perhaps there would be fewer animals in our pounds.

I wouldn't spend anything more than the adoption fee from the Humane Society for a cat. I wouldn't buy a puppy at all. There are too many animals being put down. I don't support the idea of breeding more animals.

Rag Doll cats are awesome cats. A friend of mine had one, he was a foundling. She litterly found him trapped under a car during a rain storm. He couldn't get out because his paw had gotten caught under his collar. Anyway they hauled him out, brought him in the house, got him cleaned up and dried him off and kept him.
My friend did a bit of research and found out at that time, about 25 yrs ago, Rag Dolls were running around $300. So I guess $700 would fit with inflation. One of the reasons Rag Dolls are so expensive is because the majority of them are fixed, so they don't over breed, keeping the numbers down.
To answer your question: I have 3 cats 1 belonged to my DIL's mom who couldn't keep her, #2 belonged to DIL's dad's friend who couldn't keep him, #3 we found in my garage . At least #3 was already fixed and de-clawed. I love my kitties if I lost one I would go to the local pound and get one. They often just give them away free because they have so many cats and can't find homes for them.
I also tell everyone SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS.

I wouldn't pay anything for a cat. You could find someone with a liter that is trying to find homes and would give the cat to you.

M

I would never spend that kind of money just to adopt a dog or cat. Every cat in my life has been a rescue cat. There are pure breeds at the shelter quite often along with all the mixed breed. We have a pure breed Maine Coon that we rescued.
A pure breed does not guarantee you'll get the personality you want either. You have a slightly higher chance but there are no guarantees. The cat that is currently purring away on my lap right now is a plain old orange tabby domestic short hair. Another thing to consider with pure breeds, especially ones from local ads, is you could end up with many health issues that could cost you infinitely more in vet care.
I would look to a shelter first. It is not unheard of for them to have ragdolls if you have your heart set on one. But you may find yourself surprised to fall in love with a completely loving and cuddly "mutt" instead.

$0.

But then again, I'm sure I spend money on lots of things other people wouldn't!

The most I would spend on a cat would be adoption fees from a shelter and vet/health care.

On the other hand, we spent $600 for our dog. The dog's personality and temperament (and traits of the breed) matter more in a dog than in a cat. If your cat is aloof and unfriendly towards strangers it will hide, usually. If your dog is aloof and unfriendly, people can get hurt.

Not to mention my husband is allergic to cats... so there's that, too.

I have never paid anything for a dog or cat! Animals always manage find me, not the other way around. I guess I'm the pet whisperer... :)

We have a Ragdoll! She's beautiful and has the funniest personality. Actually, we got her from the SPCA as a tiny kitten. The breeder (who must have been a truly awful person) brought in our cat (about 4 weeks old at the time) AND her mother. Why? Because the mother "kept having the wrong color kittens!" Unreal. Why not just spay the cat, keep her as a pet, and then give away the kitten, instead of going to the pound with them? Ugh. Our cat is smoke black, which is technically unacceptable for Ragdolls - they're supposed to have siamese coloring. Anyway, so we got her for the $60 adoption fee at the SPCA. She's hilarious. I'd definitely get another Ragdoll if I were in the market for a cat.

Our other cat, we adopted from a box of kittens someone brought to the ballet studio, so she was free. She's a tuxedo cat, and is a totally neurotic mess.

My friend did that exactly. Cat is mellow though she bit me! It's gotten hugely fat but I guess is good with their kids and all like advertised. I would never though. I won't pay for a dog or cat. Will only adopt and make a donation to that organization.

Not a cat person so no I would not spend that on a cat. On a dog, yes I have and would do it again for another Corgi. =)

Just the adoption fee from my local shelter......$100 or less.

$700 for a purebred ragdoll sounds about right.

They may look cute now because they are kittens, but once they're older, they won't be so cute. A person who spends $700 on one will regret it. I wouldn't spend a penny on a cat.

Pure bred cats are amazing. Bred to be docile house pets. They have the feral instincts bred out and are not as destructive as other cats( spraying , clawing etc). Ours has low Iga so lower allergy response which is better for us. Ours is a Siberian pure bred and she was worth every cent. She fetches, comes to the door to greet us, speaks when her name is called. Honestly, I've had many animals from bunnies to pony and this animal is the best addition to family life I've had. Yes, we've paid that yes would pay it again. We paid more for pure bred dogs in the past. Rag dolls are really amazing pets for kids. They love love kids. :)

Every cat I've had has been a free shelter kitten or cat. With inevitable vet bills, no pet is free but no way I'd start off paying for an animal!

I'm sure they are wonderful but I just couldn't see me spending that kind of money for a pet.
If people want purebreds, that's fine but it's just not something I'm into.
I'm much more likely to check the local classifieds/CraigsList/Freecycle/local pet shelter to look for free kittens.

As much as I love cats, and especially some of the more exotic-looking breeds, there's no way I'd buy a cat. Too many need homes already. We usually have at least a few feral cats in our rural neighborhood, and I've tamed a few of them over the years – great pets. But just the associated vet bills are almost beyond my financial reach, so, no, I'd never pay actual money to acquire a cat.

Also, as Marie C. notes, many breeders do not treat their animals well, or breed them carefully enough to avoid accumulated health problems.

I have had good luck with my generic cats so no. I have been known to spend more than that on puppies.

I wouldn't spend anything for a cat, let alone a dog.. There are way too many out there that need homes and are therefore free for asking... However, in my town.......... first it was all about small dogs (esp French Bulldogs) now......... people seem to want larger ones.. not sure where they plan to run all these larger dogs as they need lots of room.. but judging from the likes of the breeds, I think some of these people have paid a lot of money..... again, something I would NEVER do...

Nothing....I wouldn't even take one if someone paid me!

Good grief.
I could never justify spending $700 to buy a cat. And I love animals and have had cats and all sorts of pets.
In the great scheme of things and with other necessities to pay for, well, a $700 cat is not on my list.

I think it depends on whether or not you want a purebred animal. I just did a quick google search and there are a few purebred rag dolls for sale by legitimate breeders with credentials and championship lines ... They are selling kittens as pets for $950 each. Makes $700 look like a bargain ...

We paid $250 for our beagle / poodle mix, but we knew the lady who bred the mother and the temperament of the parenting animals. We had no guarantees of her health. $250 is likely my limit and most of our animals have come from shelters. For this dog, we were specifically looking for a poodle mix cause of family allergies.

before my faerykitty, i'd have said NO WAY!
i believe in rescues.
but i wanted this particular custom-built cat for years, and was delighted that i could get her for the cost of her initial vet bills. i'd have paid over and above it for her.
for those who want a particular breed for whatever reason, it's far better to pay the hefty cost a respectable breeder will charge rather than an unethical mill, or uneducated backyard breeder.
unfortunately there's a large number of people who want designer pets but don't want to pay what a good breeder will charge for 'em. if those ragdolls have been well-bred, are healthy and socialized and have had a great start in life, then the cost is justified.
khairete
S.

I wouldn't pay anything for any pet, there are a million cute ones that are "free to good home". JMO. Oh and just like babies, kittens grow up to be cats. LOL Good luck.

nothing.

Even if I was a cat person, I would never buy an animal from a newspaper or craiglists/sign post listing. Good breeders have their animals sold before the litter comes.

We do rescue.

I had to look them up. Never heard of them before. But they seem to be a really lovely cat. here is a link about them. I think they have a mixture of persian and angora. I know those are both super expensive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragdoll

Zero. The declawing, neutering, food, litter will cost me for the life if the cat.