Adopting A Cat!!
The decision to bring home a new cat or kitten is very exciting and also a little daunting. Making a lifelong commitment to a new pet has both its advantages and disadvantages, and unless these are considered carefully, you may be caught by surprise more than once.
Consider first whether you would like to live with a purebred cat, or whether a mixed breed would be better suited to your family. Again, there are reasons to go in either direction, most based on personal preferences. The greatest advantage of purchasing a purebred kitten or cat is that his appearance and, to a lesser degree, his personality, is predictable. It is likely to fit the ?mold,? or profile, of that particular breed. You could therefore be prepared for your well-bred Siamese to be vocal, mischievous, and demanding of your attention. Although purebred cats may occasionally be ?re-homed? through breed rescue organizations or newspaper ads, it is probably safest, from a behavioral point of view, to go straight to a reputable breeder who can regale you with information about parents and other relatives.
If there is no particular breed that has won your fancy, and your goal is simply to find a family pet, you might then consider the colorful world of mixed breed kittens and cats. Any of the above listed sources can produce the perfect pet for you -- as long as a few basic criteria are met.
First, be sure the kittens and cats in the facility appear healthy. While this may present less of an issue in a private home, it certainly can be a problem in some group-housed cats. Most private owners and some shelters will allow you to take your new pet to a veterinarian for a physical examination, including tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses, before making a final commitment. Mild problems such as respiratory infections or parasites can easily be treated.
Second, consider the social background of the kitten or cat. You may not ever know the parents? identities, let alone their temperaments, but you can certainly inquire about the amount of social interaction and handling kittens have had. Unfortunately, feral cats and kittens may permanently bear the effects of poor socialization -- if even a tiny kitten acts very fearful, hissing and trying to escape, assume this behavior will not change significantly as he matures. Noisy, active households are probably not the ideal environment for fearful kittens and cats; instead, consider the friendly, outgoing kitten you spotted at the animal shelter.
Obviously mixed breed kittens and cats are generally inexpensive or free, while purebred kittens are sometimes quite costly. Ultimately, and inevitably, we bond with our pets. Who knows -- perhaps in spite of all the careful preparation, reams of pro-and-con lists, the reading and talking, and Internet searches, your cat will simply turn the corner to find you, and capture your heart.
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