You have decided that you are ready to have a feline share your home. You are ready to commit to being totally responsible for providing what your new cat will need to live a long, healthy and happy life. So now you need to decide which cat will be your companion.

DO YOU WANT A PEDIGREED OR MIXED BREED CAT?
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (a worldwide cat breed registry) recognizes 39 breeds of pedigreed cats. There are far fewer breeds of cats than there are of dogs. The process of domestication of animals began with the animal fulfilling some type of need for humans. In the cat’s case, domestication resulted from the cat’s ability to hunt vermin and safeguard the food supply. Because this was the cat’s only job, there was no need for different sizes and anatomical features among breeds. The varied looks among cat breeds are the result of breeding to create appearances and personality types that would appeal to different people. With a pedigreed cat, the color and haircoat and body type and, to some extent, the personality of the cat as it matures is known.

Most pet cats are mixed breed cats. These cats come in an array of colors and haircoats even within the same litter. The random combination of genes can create some stunning and unique appearing cats.

Whether a pedigreed or mixed breed cat is chosen, the choice is usually a matter of liking the appearance of a particular cat and its personality.

HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH BREED?
This choice is based almost solely on the cat’s look. The most basic way to narrow down the choice is to decide whether long-haired or short-haired is right for you. Then, look at the breeds contained within that group. For any breed you are considering, read as much information as you can about the breed and its general personality. You will find that some are very laid-back and independent while others are very active and vocal. Visit cat shows to talk with breeders and to see examples of the breed you like. If you know people with the breed, talk with them about it.

WHERE DO I PURCHASE A KITTEN OR CAT?
If you decide you want a pedigreed kitten or cat, check out different breeders. If possible, you should see the mother cat. Check out the conditions where the kitten has been raised – is it clean? Have the kittens been handled from a young age so they are sociable? Be prepared for the breeder to check you out, too. Besides kittens, many breeders will have adult cats that need homes, too. Many pedigreed cats have rescue groups that have kittens and cats that need homes.

There are many places to purchase a mixed breed kitten or cat. Unfortunately, there are many people who let unspayed and unneutered cats roam freely or who dump unwanted animals to fend for themselves. Animal shelters and rescue groups always have more animals than they can easily place. Friends and neighbors may have kittens from unplanned matings. When possible, find out how the kittens were raised. Kittens that have not been handled and become accustomed to being around people from an early age can have a difficult time accepting human contact.