i think its about the same cost.  i took my kitten which was the same
situation as yours, and got it deflead, felv checked, fehiv checked, and
rabies and the three series shots done for under 100.  actually the rabies
shot mightve been on another later date i dont remember..

Vet visit $30 (rough guess, some places charge more, some less).  Feleuk/FIV
test - $20 for Feleuk or $35 for combo test.  $15 distemper vacc.  $12
feleuk vacc.  Surgery to fix cat - at least $40 just for anestetic.  Males
are easy to neuter, surgery costs less than spays on females (where they
have to go into the belly to get to reproductive organs).  High end, without
price of surgery (just anesthetic) $132 - one visit.  For vaccinations, they
require three trips - three distempers, one rabies (if in US) and I think
two feleuk vaccinations.  Office call each trip.  Fecal to check for worms
about $6, and additional for worming meds.

Every shelter offers different services.  I foster for two shelters.  Animal
Friends has animal fixed, wormed, tested (feleuk and FIV) and one-two sets
of shots (distemper and feleuk) for $60 adoption fee (cats, dogs are more).
Plus pet is microchipped as well.  Other shelter I foster for does not have
budget like AF - for $55 cat is wormed, tested for feleuk and vaccinated
against distemper (they cannot afford to vaccinate against feleuk).  Plus
you get spay/neuter certificate that covers a good portion of surgery but
not all.  No microchipping.

Please note that depending on age of kitten, you will need to take to vet
for booster shots.  Maybe one, maybe two - depends on age of kitten.
Vaccinations are given at 6 weeks the boosters 3-4 weeks after (9 weeks and
again at 12 weeks).  When pet is 4 months old they can get rabies shot.
Most vets recommend spaying/neutering at 6 months.  AF does when kittens are
over 2 lbs.

I'd say you are getting a "bargain" by adopting from a shelter (especially
if they fix and chip).  Plus you are saving from possible death all because
it's unwanted.  Call your local shelter(s) and see what is included in the
adoption price.  "free to good home" doesn't mean you get off scott free!

Your local shelter may be able to have a less expensive spay/neuter program
for those that do not adopt thru them.  AF has something called ABC which is
low cost spaying/neutering, based on your income determines how much you
will have to pay.  Again check w/your local shelter to see if they offer
something similiar.

Hope this helps.

JoJo

In the Detroit area you can count on a free kitten costing about $300 for
all of the proper shots, worming and neutering. Still a bargain when you
compare how much you will get compared to how little you have to pay.