How Much Does a RagaMuffin Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
RagaMuffins are the less-famous sibling of the Ragdoll — same extremely docile, floppy, people-oriented personality, rabbit-soft coat in a wider range of colors and patterns, slightly different breed standard. They were created from Ragdoll stock after a disagreement in the Ragdoll breeding community and are recognized separately by CFA. The cost profile closely mirrors Ragdolls: a large breed (males often reach 15–20 lbs) with moderate grooming needs, and the same HCM cardiac concern requiring breeding stock screening. The practical implications: buy from a cattery that performs HCM echocardiographic screening of breeding cats, budget for an annual or biennial echo on your pet cat ($250–$400), and enjoy what is widely described as the best lap-cat personality in the breed world.
Cost Breakdown — RagaMuffin
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $750/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $600/yr | $50/month for quality cat food |
| Grooming | $150/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $0/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $1,500/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$800 – $2,000
Reputable breeders: $800-$2,000. Rescues and shelters often have RagaMuffins available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$3,100 – $4,500
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — RagaMuffin
RagaMuffins are closely related to Ragdolls and share the breed's primary health concern: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). The HCM1 mutation known in Maine Coons and the HCM mutation associated with Ragdolls are both found in RagaMuffins; DNA testing of breeding cats is standard practice at reputable catteries. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has been reported in the breed. Their long, thick coat does not mat as readily as comparable long-haired breeds because the texture is more bunny-like and silky, but regular brushing 2–3 times per week is still necessary during shedding periods.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 14 years of ongoing costs ($1,500/yr × 14) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
RagaMuffin Cost by State
Annual cost estimates adjusted for state cost-of-living. Click any state for a full pet cost breakdown.
Most Affordable States
- Mississippi — $1,230/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $1,260/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $1,260/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $1,290/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $1,305/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $2,550/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $2,220/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $2,070/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $1,950/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $1,890/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $1,230/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $1,260/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $1,260/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $1,290/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $1,305/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $1,305/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $1,320/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $1,320/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $1,320/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $1,320/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $1,335/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $1,335/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $1,350/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $1,350/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $1,350/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $1,365/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $1,365/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $1,380/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $1,380/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $1,395/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $1,395/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $1,395/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $1,395/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $1,425/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $1,425/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $1,440/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $1,440/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $1,455/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $1,455/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $1,455/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,485/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $1,515/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $1,545/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $1,560/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $1,560/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $1,575/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $1,590/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $1,620/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $1,650/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $1,650/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $1,680/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $1,680/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $1,725/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $1,770/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $1,800/yr | +20% |
| New York | $1,875/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $1,890/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $1,950/yr | +30% |
| California | $2,070/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $2,220/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $2,550/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a RagaMuffin cost per year?
A RagaMuffin costs approximately $1,500/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($750/yr), food ($600/yr), and grooming ($150/yr). This estimate covers year-2+ costs and does not include the purchase price or one-time setup supplies.
How much does it cost to buy a RagaMuffin?
Purchase prices for RagaMuffins range from $800 to $2,000 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have RagaMuffins available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a RagaMuffin?
The estimated lifetime cost of a RagaMuffin is $21,000, based on a 12-16 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $1,500. This does not include the purchase price (add $800-$2,000) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a RagaMuffin expensive to own?
At $1,500/year, RagaMuffins are close to average in annual cost compared to similar cats. The key cost consideration: Large breed; shares Ragdoll's HCM concern; remarkably placid temperament.