Australian adoption fees run $150 to $400 at shelters and $150 to $600 for cattery adult placements. The fee should include desexing, vaccination, microchip and a vet check.

Thirty checks across your household, housing, budget, equipment, veterinary arrangements and breeder verification – plus the first-week preparation that prevents most problems.

Retired breeding cats are pedigree adults with complete health histories and exceptional socialisation, usually placed at reduced fees. They are the best-kept secret in cat adoption.

Adult Russian Blues are usually overlooked in favour of kittens, which makes them excellent value: known temperament, past the destructive phase, fully vet-worked.

Start with the breeder, who is usually contractually obliged to take the cat back. If that is not possible, screen carefully, charge a fee, and transfer the records.

Pedigree Russian Blues rarely appear in general shelters. The realistic routes are cattery placements of retired adults, breed-specific rescue, and private rehomes.

Neither route is morally superior. Adoption costs less and saves a shelter space; buying from a breeder gives predictability of temperament and documented health.