Bengal vs Ragdoll Vet Costs
Bengal owners spend $430-$1,100/yr at the vet. Ragdoll: $440-$1,150/yr. That's a $30/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Bengal
$6,800-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$250
Ragdoll costs less
Ragdoll
$6,800-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Bengal | Ragdoll | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $765/yr | $795/yr | Bengal |
| Annual Range | $430-$1,100 | $440-$1,150 | - |
| Preventive Care | $310/yr | $320/yr | Bengal |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $470/yr | $500/yr | Bengal |
| Pet Insurance | $32-$68/mo | $35-$70/mo | Bengal |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$420 | $200-$450 | Bengal |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,800-$16,500 | $6,800-$16,000 | Ragdoll |
Bengal Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 8-15 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) (8-12%) $150-$500
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (10-15%) $500-$5,000
- Tritrichomonas foetus (10-20%) $100-$500
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome (1-5%) $200-$1,000
Ragdoll Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 10-20 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (20-25%) $500-$5,000
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) susceptibility (variable) $1,500-$8,000
- Urinary tract issues (8-12%) $200-$2,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Bengal
- PRA-b DNA test $50-$100
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$500
- Fecal PCR test $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $120-$270
Ragdoll
- HCM DNA test (MyBPC3) $50-$100
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$500
- Urinalysis $40-$80
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Bengal
$32-$68/mo ($384-$816/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Ragdoll
$35-$70/mo ($420-$840/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.