FINDING YOUR DREAM CAT

Animal Shelters and Rescues

You can find both purebreds and mixed breeds at animal shelters and local rescues. Some purebred cats are put up for adoption because they are not show-quality or do not meet a specific breed standard, but this will certainly not keep them from being wonderful pets.

Many owners bring their mixed breed cats and kittens to local shelters, too. This is often because they can no longer afford the pet or are moving and can't bring their pet with them. You may find quite a variety of cats to choose from at an animal shelter or local rescue. Some local pet stores may have agreements with local shelters to display their pets at the stores, and they'll typically have a prominent sign near the cats letting you know if that's the case.

If you fall in love with a kitty at a shelter, ask an employee or volunteer a few questions. You should know if a vet has examined the cat and if the cat is neutered or spayed. You may also want to ask if the organization has any information about the cat's background, like why the cat was brought to the shelter, vaccination records, or what type of food the cat currently eats. While this sort of information is probably not vital to the cat's well-being, it could be very helpful when attempting to transition your kitty to life at his new home.

Purebred Breeders

If you want a purebred cat, one of the best ways to locate a reputable breeder is to ask friends, relatives, or acquaintances with purebred cats. If that doesn't get you the information you're looking for, ask local veterinarians or animal shelters to recommend a breeder. Once you've narrowed your search to one or two breeders, set up a meeting with each. Be sure to ask for references and visit with some of their cats. A meeting like that should give you a great idea of both the breeder and the cats' personalities.