Why We Don’t Give Kittens Away for Free — and What You’re Really Paying For

At Birch & Bramble Cattery, nothing brings us more joy than seeing the spark of excitement in someone’s eyes when they imagine bringing a kitten home. We know what that feels like — the anticipation of meeting your new little companion, of watching them curl up beside you or chase a ribbon across the floor. It’s magical.

So when someone asks, “Can I have a kitten for free?” — it’s not a question we take lightly. In fact, our hearts want to say yes. We understand the longing, and we cherish the idea of our kittens going to loving homes. But behind every fluffy tail and gentle purr is a story of deep commitment, care, and cost.

The Hidden Truth Behind Raising a Kitten

Raising a kitten is far more than cuddles and playtime. It’s a delicate, round-the-clock process that begins long before that kitten is ready for a new home. From the moment our queens are bred, we begin a journey filled with attentive care and considerable expense.

Here’s just a glimpse into what goes into preparing each Birch & Bramble kitten:

• Top-quality nutrition for both mother and kittens — including premium food, supplements, and milk replacers when needed.

• Routine veterinary visits from birth, including wellness checks, vaccines, and health screenings.

• Deworming and parasite prevention to ensure your kitten is protected before stepping into your home.

• Hands-on socialization to raise confident, well-adjusted kittens who are used to people, noise, grooming, and even cat show environments.

• Safe, enriched spaces filled with climbing trees, scratching posts, and toys that help them develop mentally and physically.

These costs add up — not just financially, but emotionally. Each kitten is raised under our roof, in our arms, and within our hearts. We know their personalities, quirks, and preferences long before you do. They’re never "just cats" to us — they’re family.

Why We Charge — And What It Really Means

When you adopt from a responsible breeder, you’re not paying for “just a cat.” You’re investing in the years of love, health, and companionship that follow. Our adoption fees are not about turning a profit. They’re about sustainability, accountability, and ensuring that every kitten finds a home that truly values their life.

As breeders, we must make difficult decisions — including saying no to giving kittens away for free. Not because we’re unkind or rigid, but because we want each family to understand the weight of commitment. The cost helps us continue our work ethically, allows us to raise future litters responsibly, and filters out those who may not be ready for the full responsibility that cat ownership requires.

It’s About Protection — Not Profit

Our priority is, and always will be, the long-term wellbeing of our cats. That’s why we’re selective. That’s why we screen homes. And that’s why we say no, even when it’s hard.

If you’ve ever asked for a free kitten, please know this: we see your excitement, and we truly wish we could say yes. But our answer comes from a place of care — not rejection. We love these cats too much to risk anything less than the best for them.

Thank you for understanding our hearts, our process, and the value we place on each tiny life.

– With love, from Birch & Bramble