| So you have decided to explore bringing a new | | | | thinking about adult cats, unless they have grown |
| cat into your family. Well it is an exciting time, but | | | | up together, I would suggest only introducing one |
| there are some things you need to consider | | | | at a time to your home. |
| before you bring home your new feline friend. | | | | Are you looking for a cat that will stay indoors, |
| There are many differences in the different | | | | outdoors, or a combination of both: It is a good |
| breeds of cats to think about, along with what will | | | | idea to give any pet a clean, and safe place to |
| be the best fit for you and your family, as well as | | | | spend the night. Of course the ideal answer would |
| your new pet. | | | | be to allow them into your home, but this is not |
| I can pretty much guarantee if you are looking at | | | | always possible. |
| a kitten, your decision will be very emotional. | | | | If you happen to live in an apartment, or a very |
| Kittens are so cute, you may just make a spur | | | | busy neighborhood you should plan on having a |
| of the moment decision to take more than one | | | | indoor cat. If you live in a rural setting, your new |
| home. This is why it is important to decide what | | | | pet will probably enjoy the chance to roam |
| the most important things are to you, before you | | | | around during the day. |
| go out searching for any pet. | | | | Should you get a short hair, or long haired breed: |
| Some things to think about might include: | | | | Part of this choice will be based on what looks |
| Male or Female: Many people have a definite | | | | good to you. Something else to consider will be if |
| choice when it comes to the gender of pets. My | | | | you are prepared to do the extra work required |
| experience has been that females seem to be | | | | to keep a long haired cat properly groomed. Most |
| better suited for the indoor lifestyle, while the | | | | shorter haired breeds will require little, or no |
| males tend to like to room a little more. Males are | | | | grooming on your part. If allergies are of concern |
| also known to mark their territory, especially if | | | | to you, you should consider the short haired |
| they are not neutered. | | | | breeds. |
| Neuter and Spaying: Unless you have a purebred | | | | Are you going to buy or adopt: Unless you are |
| cat which you plan to breed, it is best to plan on | | | | looking for a purebred pet, or show cat, you |
| getting them neutered or spayed to prevent | | | | should be able to find someone who is giving |
| unwanted pregnancies. There are health benefits | | | | kittens, or adults away. Another choice would be |
| to getting your cat fixed, as well as the social | | | | your local animal shelter. They usually have a good |
| mellowing it provides. | | | | selection, and the spaying and neutering is already |
| Should you have just one cat: Of course this is | | | | done, and included in the adoption fee. |
| going to be a personal choice, and only you can | | | | If you want a purebred cat, you will need to find |
| decide. The first thing is pretty obvious, it is going | | | | a breeder who specializes in the breed you have |
| to cost you more if you go for more than one | | | | chosen. Be prepared to pay hundreds to |
| cat. Food, litter, vet bills, etc, are all going to be | | | | thousands of dollars, depending upon the breed. |
| multiplied. | | | | You may also have to pay shipping charges if the |
| If you are adopting kittens this might be a good | | | | breeder is not in your local area. |
| time to consider more than one. As kittens are so | | | | Be sure to take your time, and find the cat, or |
| playful, they will offer you loads of entertainment, | | | | kitten, which best fits your lifestyle. |
| and will grow to be great friends. If you are | | | | |