Yeah I don’t think an increase in fertility would do much to help dwindling populations. I think most are dwindling because as women become more educated and able to be financially independent they choose to have less children or none at all. Also, with inflation today it’s becoming less of an option for the middle class as both parents have to work full time while child care is a whole mortgage payment or more monthly. I don’t care if I have viable eggs until I’m 50 I’m still not able to support a kid financially. and I’m not directing this at you just adding to the conversation.

Oooo what size tank and what do you plan on putting in it?

Hey I’m just letting you know the real cost. And you’re the one who brought up concerns over finances in your post lol. My kitten cost me $2,000 in a couple days having eaten an ibuprofen tablet that was on the coffee table for two seconds while I reached for my water! Using the experience I have, if you’re already concerned about the adoption cost (which is literally and I cannot stress this enough THE CHEAPEST part) tells me you’re not ready for the expenses down the line.

I really don’t think it’s a great idea to get a cat if you’re already worried about adoption pricing. That’s literally the cheapest part. I work as a vet tech and the initial exam fees are $68, plus distemper vaccines which are around $35-40 a pop and depending on how old the cat is, it will require 2-3 of those vaccines (first at 8 weeks then 12 weeks then 16). The rabies vaccine which will be required by state law runs around the same price but it’s only one. Then blood work to Make sure the cat is negative for feline leukemia/FIV. Then pre anesthetic blood work prior to spay/neuter. Then the actual surgery itself. Not to mention the cost of food (wet food ONLY is gold standard but also pretty much a requirement for male cats urinary health). Seriously I’m not trying to be mean but just because your family friend is a vet doesn’t mean you’ll be able to afford all this even at a discount.