There are always cats available to adopt and way too many end up being put down when they aren't eventually adopted. As a result, most shelters charge as little as they can get away with while remaining solvent and regularly have discounts on adoption fees when they are getting too full.

This is less of an issue for young kittens, but there are still always kittens available, especially in spring/early summer ('kitten season").

Edit: It just occurred to me that you're probably thinking about buying a kitten from a breeder, which can indeed be expensive. Almost no one does that. They adopt a cat or get adopted by them.

[–] MML@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I mean food, litter, vet bills, scratching posts, cat trees, the bills add up.

[–] Drusas@fedia.io 2 points 2 weeks ago

Those are not upfront costs like a wedding ring is.

[–] python@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago

I think they're thinking more about properly caring for the cat. Wherever you get them, you still have costs for spaying, vaccination, food, toys, and you need to be prepared for medical emergencies. Over their whole life, a cat will cost much more than a wedding ring. Not considering that cost because the kitten is "free" is just plainly irresponsible.

[–] Bluescluestoothpaste@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I spend $2,000 a year just on one of my cat's prescription food, they're expensive af even if you find them for free it's hundreds of dollars in vaccines and stuff for the initial vet visit.

[–] Drusas@fedia.io 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Those are not upfront costs like a wedding ring is.

[–] Bluescluestoothpaste@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

[–] OwOarchist@pawb.social 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

There are always cats available to adopt and way too many end up being put down when they aren’t eventually adopted.

Not for cute little young kittens, though.

Kittens are always in higher demand than adult cats. You can often (but not always!) find them available for 'adoption', but those 'adoptions' often come with hefty 'adoption fees' that basically amount to a sale anyway ... especially for young kittens, again because of the higher demand.

Sometimes those 'adoption fees' are justified because it's a way the shelter funds food and medical care for that kitten and other animals in their care. Paying a $50 adoption fee for a kitten means the shelter has $50 to spend on taking care of the next animal in need. Not just food and shelter, but also vaccinations and spay/neuter operations. Other times, though, it's just a more morally acceptable way of selling animals ... especially used on platforms that ban sale of animals but allow adoptions with 'adoption fees' -- tons of that on Craigslist, where you're not allowed to sell pets, but you are allowed to list pets for adoption, including whatever 'adoption fee' you want to ask for.

[–] velma@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 2 weeks ago

It's hilarious that you completely spaced the ongoing costs of having a pet here.