Free is such an enticing word, especially when accompanied by an adorable little kitten face. The truth of the matter is that a responsible pet-owner may be signing up for a very large vet bill.

Any animal that is given away free by a private party is unwanted and will most likely never have seen a veterinarian. These kittens nearly all come with fleas and worms, and often URI, the kitty “cold.” Spay or neuter, a most important thing, will not have been done. The kitten may also have been pulled from its mother too soon to get the nutrients and antibodies needed for proper growth and protection. Vaccinations? Highly unlikely.

One more thing to consider is that with her kittens given away, the queen will go into heat again and become pregnant within a couple of weeks. More free kittens we don’t need! Every cat should be a wanted cat and not discarded with a price tag of $0.

Here is an example of what that free female kitten might cost in the first month alone:

$119     spay with pain inj

$  49     wellness exam

$  52     FIV/FeLV testing

$  30     fecal test

$  25     de-worming

$  18     flea treatment

$  21     FVRCP vaccination

$  49     micro chipping (opt)

$363     first visit cost (males cost about $20 less)

The kitten will need another FVRCP vaccination in a month, and one for Rabies at four months of age. If it is ill with URI, antibiotics and eye ointment may be required. Remember that these “colds” are very contagious between cats, so any other feline at home will be at risk if you bring a sick animal in.

Adopting from a rescue group or shelter is better than free as all the animals come ready-to-go, having had all of the above. With this in mind, how can anyone think an adoption fee of $65-$90 high? Do the math, it actually saves you hundreds of dollars! Sometimes there’s an added discount if you take two. The fact that you may be saving a life makes it an even sweeter deal. Adopt a senior (over six years) cat at the Santa Barbara Humane Society for only $30.

There are lots of free toys you can make for that rescue kitty, ones that your new cat may like even better than those expensive ones at the pet store. Even young children can make the following…

*tape bottomless paper bags together to make a tunnel
*cut treat-size holes in an empty, dry water bottle for a treat dispenser
*wad up a piece of paper and toss on the floor or into a dry bathtub
*offer the plastic ring beneath the milk jug cap
*put a bell or a few beads into an old film container
*tie a strip of cloth or feather to a string and attach to a “fishing rod”
*an empty large box will be good for several days if you…
—add peek-a-boo and door holes
—toss in a favorite toy
—move to different locations
—flip over and “hide” catnip under it

As with all cat toys, be sure small items are securely sealed so as not to cause harm to your new pet should they come loose. And remember that string, if ingested, can require an emergency trip to the vet, so put any wand-type toys away after play.

So you see, a new pet can be very affordable if you adopt wisely and are creative. I just sold myself! I think I might have room for one more cat in my home, how about you?

Special free Kindle Prime book offer: Award-winning author, Amy Shojai, has just offered her book ComPETability: Building A Peaceable Kingdom Between Dogs & Cat in Kindle format. Prime Club Members can “borrow” it free until April 11th. No hidden costs here!