When the time comes to welcome a cat into the family, the question of whether to purchase a cat from a breeder or pet store or to instead adopt a cat from another family or an animal shelter can come up.

If your quest is to get a cat that you can show, a pedigree may be the best option, however, most organizations have a "household cat" category where you can show off your precious one.

Purchasing a cat from a breeder or pet store comes with some benefits. Many of these places offer guarantees and documentation which allows you to not submit your cat to shows and to use your cat for breeding purposes, but for some people it's a matter of status.

Some cat owners swear by certain breeds with regards to a good temperament or healthy constitution, and the only way these folks can be guaranteed that they are getting exactly the breed of cat they want is by purchasing one that has accompanying documentation. For some people, this is the only way they would consider bringing a cat into their home.

Choosing to adopt a cat means that your options are wide open. An added advantage is also that cats waiting for a home will already have lived in one and information about their behavior will most likely be available.

Many of the cats at the shelter come witha full history. Important information as to how they deal with children or other pets, such as your dog. Adopting a cat in the shelter also mean you have given a precious feline another lease at a great life. With all the cats at shelters, millions of them are euthanized each year. Saving a cats life can be very gratifying.

You can also find a cat that is looking for a new family by scouting the ads in the local papers. Or post a notice in your local grocery store. Many cats have to be relinquished due to a divorce, allergies, death of the owner, changed living conditions, etc.

The advantage of adopting a cat from another family is that there usually isn't any charge involved unless the cat is a purebred with documentation. The disadvantage is that unless you take the cat to a veterinarian beforehand, you can't ever be quite sure if the cat has some underlying health issues that may wind up costing you quite a bit of money.

Some struggle with the decision of whether to rescue a cat at the shelter, or to purchase one from a breeder. Rest assured that once you do decide to get a cat, one will find you. Cats are just like that. You can start your search, investigating your options, and before you know it "your" cat will appear.


Cat lover Virginia Sutherland writes about all aspects of cat care. Check her articles about Highly Palatable Cat Food and Irresistible Cat Food Visit her site at www.luvmycritters.com