Free Kittens or Paid For?

Is a "free" kitten really free?   Free kittens still require vaccinations, deworming, and a veterinarian check up.   Although I guess to be fair, some owners skip around this.  Not a good owner though, a good owner always makes sure these things are done.  Good owners also make sure their pets are fixed, spayed or neutered, and the right age.

Typically when a person adopted a cat or kitten from an Animal Shelter, or SPCA, the vet has already checked it, given it the required vaccinations, and deworming.  It has been checked for fleas and ear mites.  It has had its' heart and lungs listened to. It may be spayed or neutered, but if not, they usually come with some sort of incentive to have this done.

In contrast the free kittens are ones often from homes where mom cat did not receive proper medical attention, she may have passed fleas to her kittens, ear mites too, and very likely worms.  The free kittens were not checked by a veterinarian, so what happens if they have a heart defect that requires costly surgery?  What happens if they have a genetic abnormality that sees the new owner faced with large vet bills?  Most people are not aware that neglecting their pets health is often considered "neglect" and is a crime. 

Sometimes owners think they can guarantee their kitten goes to a good home by selling it for a fee, however it is never a good idea to pay a cent for a pet that has not been seen by a vet, and come with some sort of health guarantee.  This is more a problem in dogs, but happens with cats as well. 

The only time a "Free" cat is worth it, is in the case of some older cats, where the owner has already had them fixed and vaccinated and is offering them free, because they know that few people will take older cats.  Still it is risky of a person to give a pet away like this.

Another thought is that when you take a "free" kitten you sort of let the owner off the hook for not fixing their cat.  You have made it easier for them to continue to allow there cat to breed, all the while thousands of other kittens are being euthanized in shelters because they cannot find homes.

Please consider adopting a new cat or kitten from a shelter.  You will be saving a life, and saving some money too!