Adopt Free Kittens With Caution

At first, getting free kittens may seem like a bargain. Yet, down the road they can come with a hefty price tag. Typically, no-cost kittens are adopted as strays and are found wandering along the side of the road. Or they may come from a well-meaning friend or relative looking to give away an extra kitten. No matter how tempting it may be to pick up a stray or other no-cost kitten, try to stay away from adopting such a kitten.

Why Not Get a No-Cost Kitten?

When you get a no-cost kitten, you have no idea of what diseases or health problems it may carry. A kitten picked up off of the road side may carry unknown bacteria or viruses. And if you have additional pets at home, they may exposed to any illnesses your no-cost cat may carry.

Worms, parasites, fleas, and ticks may be just a few of the problems facing stray kittens. Often, no-cost kittens have not received the proper vaccinations. Even kittens adopted from friends or family may not have received the care and attention they need to stay healthy.

Stray kittens may also have not received the necessary dental care to maintain strong and healthy teeth. Poor dental care in kittens is associated with oral infections and other physical problems, such as heart and respiratory conditions.

Why is a Free Kitten So Expensive?

Because of the lack of routine vaccinations and possible infections, stray kittens tend to cost more in the long run. Let’s look at the initial vet visit. A free kitten will most likely come unvaccinated. The first year initial vaccination series can easily cost about $40-80 US dollars per visit, depending on the cat’s medical status.

Deworming and fleas and tick removal may also be an added necessary cost. Dental correction and teeth removal could add another $100-$200 US dollars depending upon the severity of the problem. Spaying and/or neutering will most likely be needed and can be priced around $50-100 US dollars. Add this cost to any other unexpected medical problems that may arise from adopting a cat without prior medical care and you have a rather large medical bill.

Best Places to Adopt a Kitten

The most cost effective method of obtaining a kitten is to go to a reputable breeder, animal rescue center, or a humane society. If you want a specific breed of cat, most breeders will include in the cost of adoption vaccinations, deworming and sometimes spaying/neutering. And you’ll have the added benefit of knowing your kitten’s medical history and any genetic abnormalities associated with that breed.

Animal rescue centers and human societies typically charge adoption fees and require owner qualification prior to adoption. There can be a wide range in the cost of adoption fees. Yet, the fees cover vaccination, deworming, spaying/neutering, and behavioral training. You can be sure that the kitten you are receiving has gotten proper medical care prior to adoption.

If you still want to adopt a stray or no-cost kitten, know what you’re getting yourself into. And look for lost cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics to help defray some of the price.

Remember…A free kitten isn’t truly free. Unexpected costs do arise.

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