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.

[–] python@lemmy.world 8 points 1 month 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.

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