Rescues like us have adoption fees to help cover costs of the furkids in our care. It also helps ensure more of a commitment with adoption. Our fee is $85 for a cat up to senior age.
What does it cost to have a kitten?
$30-$50 for a wellness exam
$45 for a low-cost spay/neuter clinic (most vets are more expensive if you do it on your own)
$30 FELV / FIV test
$10 for the Rabies Vaccine
$15 for the Distemper / Parvo Vaccine
$15 Revolution application
$5 Deworming (x2)
Some of our prices are slightly less because we are a rescue and we buy our shots, revolution and dewormers in bulk, but it still adds up and we lose money for every kitten we adopt out.
REMEMBER that not all cats remain healthy. Most kittens end up with a cold at some point before they build up immunity. They still have an $85 adoption fee.
There are times when a cat needs even more care. For example, we had a kitten who had a hernia and required a $500 surgery for removal. This kitten’s fee was still only $85. We had a kitten who needed an eye removed, which cost more than $500. This kitten was still only $85. We’ve had cats who had $1000+ vet bills, cats with bites and cats with broken bones, cats who were malnourished and near death. The list goes on. Still $85.
Also keep in mind that kitten food costs more than regular cat food. Don’t forget to add that.
Next time you would prefer to have a free cat. Think about this.