Pet of the Week: Adopting From a Shelter can be the Best Choice

We have all seen ads in the paper, signs along the road, and postings on online bulletin boards for 'free kittens'. But are these kittens actually ‘free’? Hardly. Most kittens advertised for free have never had any veterinary care. All kittens need and deserve the best care we can give them. A healthy kitten is a happy kitten. 

The average cost of a brief exam at a veterinary office is $40 - $80. Vaccines cost anywhere from $10 - $30 each. (Kittens need a series of 3-4 vaccines, depending on their age.) The cost of deworming a kitten is $20-$50. Testing for Feline Aids (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is about $45 - $55. If the kitten is not already altered, neutering a male $50-$150 and spaying a female is $90-$240. Microchipping runs anywhere from $35 - $50. So a ‘free’ kitten actually ends up costing hundreds of dollars! Kittens and cats from animal shelters have been vaccinated, treated for parasites, tested for FeLV/FIV (feline aids and leukemia) and altered and frequently they are already microchipped. The adoption fee for kittens is usually about $100, which includes a coupon for a free vet exam. 

If you’re considering adopting a cat or kitten from a pet store, be sure to ask what veterinary services have been performed. If it is not already spayed or neutered, the price is most likely very high in comparison to a shelter pet. 

When you’re looking for a new furry best friend or two, please support your local animal shelters. It’s not only the right thing to do, it really is the best deal in town! 

Incidentally, these two beautiful kittens are available for adoption from MEOW. Moosie and Sundance are brothers, best friends and partners in crime.  Neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed and FeLV/FIV tested - they are ready to roll!