The Economics of. . . Cats?

It seems to me that pet owners don't have much economic incentive to maintain the health of their cats. Consider:

To have a cat neutered, immunized, etc., can cost up to $300* (and this figure doesn't even begin to include any health problems that your cat might have, such as mites, heart conditions, allergies, etc.).

Meanwhile, the Humane Society in Winnipeg charges roughly $45.50 to adopt an adult cat that is already healthy (this price includes immunization shots, neutering, checkup, disease testing, etc.).

Financially speaking, then, you'd be better off to ditch your sick cat and adopt a new healthy one than to get veterinary care for your sick one.

Doesn't sound very humane to me.


*(This figure is based on a quote we got from the Selkirk Animal Hospital)