The first free kitten that I got ended up costing me over $300. It had
ear mites that it gave to my other cats and I had it spayed, etc. That
was 10 years ago so it would probably be more like $500 now. We had a
very economical vet then.

The next one was free, but was a little older. She went directly to
the vet's office. I had learned a lesson on the first one. She was in
perfect health, so it was just the spaying, shots, etc. All of that
cost around $150 by the time it was all done. That was 9 years ago, so
it would probably be more like $300 now. Same economical vet.

The last kitten that I got was at a shelter and it cost $85. I had
already been spayed and had other things, like some shots. It also had
a microchip and that is worth $25-60. That was two years ago and I
know for a fact that it would be $95 now. Still the best bargain.

There are humanitarian reasons to get one from a shelter, but from a
purely economic standpoint, the shelter is many times better than a
"free" one.

The oldest cat that I currently have is 11 years old and was
purchased, as a kitten, from a family that breeds purebreed cats in
their home. Their kittens are raised by the family as pets and they
get excellent care and socialization. He was $50 and I do not regret
the purchase. Of course, he had to be neutered and given shots, etc.,
but he was in perfect health. The purchase price today would be around
$200, and the vet bill today would be around $200. Back then, I had
the same economical vet.

Prior to that, I had obtained adult cats, rather than kittens.
Actually, if it was my choice, I would get an adult, rather than a
kitten. If for no other reason than the amount of damage that kittens
always seem to do. Also, an adult is more likely to have the
spay/neuter and the shots, etc. done already.