| Once you've decided to welcome a cat into your | | | | Association) have information available about the |
| home, the question remains: what kind? Should you | | | | various registered breeds. You can look at longhaired |
| get an adult or a kitten? Longhaired or shorthaired? | | | | versus shorthaired, and get a brief description of |
| Do you want a purebred or whatever mix is available | | | | each breed's general traits. |
| at the local shelter? And if you decide you'd like | | | | If you aren't planning on showing or breeding, and |
| purebred, which one? Here are some things to | | | | you haven't fallen in love with a particular breed, you |
| consider as you choose what type of cat is best for | | | | may just want an old-fashioned housecat. One |
| you. | | | | benefit to getting a "moggie" as they're called in |
| Kittens versus adults. There's nothing cuter than a | | | | Great Britain, is their availability. Your local animal |
| kitten. They're not only adorable but are lots of fun. | | | | shelter probably has dozens of cats looking for a |
| They also have a lot of energy, and can keep their | | | | home. You may even be the happy recipient of a |
| owners up at night, break things and generally make | | | | free kitten. There are literally millions of homeless |
| life pretty hectic. Of course, this stage does not last | | | | cats in America, any of whom would love to become |
| forever, but if you want a kitten, make sure you're | | | | part of your family! |
| prepared for it to be rambunctious. Older cats are | | | | Do you want a longhaired or shorthaired cat? This is |
| usually already housebroken and are calmer, often | | | | a major decision when trying to determine what kind |
| adapting to a new home more quickly than kittens. | | | | of cat to get. Be prepared to keep a longhaired cat |
| Once you've decided whether you want a kitten or | | | | bushed; although cats are good self-groomers, some |
| an adult, you have to determine whether you want a | | | | breeds may need a little extra help keeping all that |
| purebred or not. There are over 40 registered | | | | fur in order! And you may find that you've got the |
| breeds, all of them with different characteristics. If | | | | vacuum running more often with a longhaired cat |
| you are interested in showing or breeding your cat, | | | | than a shorthaired one. Shorthaired cats shed as |
| you'll probably want to pursue this option. Purebred | | | | mush as longhaired, in general. They can trigger |
| cats can be quite expensive, and you'll need to make | | | | allergies to the same extent, as it is the dander and |
| sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. | | | | not the hair that gets to allergy sufferers. |
| National and international cat breeder's associations | | | | Choosing what kind of cat you want can take |
| maintain lists of recognized cat breeds and their | | | | research. On the other hand, you may find that you |
| characteristics. Both the CFA (Cat Fancier's | | | | fall in love with a cat in a moment, making that one |
| Association) and TICA (The International Cat | | | | the perfect pet for you. |