Previously, cats under six-months-old cost $120 and cats more than six-months-old were $95.

The new rates are $210 and $188 respectively.

The change was adopted as part of the 2014/2015 Fees and Charges which was passed by council at the Ordinary Meeting on May 28.

A council spokesman said the fee change was not about making money.

“We don’t make any money from this, we’re lucky to break even.” the spokesman said.

Figures supplied by council show the cost of readying a cat for adoption totals more than $266.

The council spokesman provided the following expense breakdown in addition of daily operational costs:

“Keep in mind examples like Rex, who was recently re-homed after seven months,” he said.

“The reality is the prices had not increased for many years.

“Keep in mind these costs are still below most of our neighbouring councils including Wollondilly, Campbelltown and the Renbury Animal Farm Shelter in Bringelly.”

The price of adopting a dog has also increased with female dogs now priced at $310 and males $282, a $15 and $8 increase respectively. 

Cat cost comparison:

Wingecarribee Animal Shelter: $210 for six-months and under, $188 for six-months and older.

Renbury Farm Animal Shelter: $210 for a kitten, $250 for an adult.

Wollondilly Animal Shelter: All cats start at $110 and price increases if the cat requires microchipping, registration or desexing. Maximum price is $280.

Campbelltown Animal Shelter: $211 for both cats and kittens.

RSPCA: $191 for kittens and $151 for adult cats.