Choosing a cat

Before choosing a cat you should consider what type, breed or age suits you best.

Do you desire a pedigree cat, and if so, where should you purchase it?

A moggie may suit your needs admirably, but you should be careful where you acquire it.

Either way, there are benefits to purchasing a mature cat, but you may opt for the many rewards of raising a kitten, in which case you need to select your kitten carefully.

Pedigrees

If you are interested in showing and breeding - or if you've always wanted a particular sort of cat, you may decide to plump for a Pedigree. Remember to allow for the cost of purchase, which can be very expensive.

Some breeds have particular characteristics:

Oriental or Foreign Cats

Tend to be more highly-strung and demanding. Some are particularly noisy, like the Siamese. This type of cat can be great fun, as they are intelligent, inquisitive and playful.

Long-haired Cats

Tend to be more laid back and easy going, like the Persian. They should adapt well to a new home. Don't forget their coats will need a lot of attention, and need daily grooming.

Short Haired Cats

European, American and British short-haired cats all have dense warm coats that, although they need regular grooming, do not require as much attention as the long-hairs. Short hairs are usually bright, affectionate and even-tempered without loud "voices".

Coat Colour

Coat colour is not linked in any way to temperament, but it is worth considering that pure white cats need attention to keep their coats clean and unstained. Cats with white on their faces may need sun protection cream on their noses and ear tips in sunny weather.

Do your homework first - cat magazines are an excellent source of advice on different breeds and often feature lists of breeders and contacts for breed clubs and societies. Check the characteristics of your preferred breed and the amount of attention and grooming required. Breed related inherited illnesses are less common in cats than in Pedigree dogs, but do find out whether the breed you fancy is prone to any medical conditions (such as respiratory problems in snub-faced cats like Persians).

Non-Pedigrees

Any owner of a moggie will tell you they are just as beautiful and delightful as their Pedigree counterparts. The main difference is that you will be unable to predict the adult size and appearance so accurately when taking on a non-pedigree kitten. The main consideration in choosing a non-pedigree cat would be selecting one with an appearance and personality that appeals to you. The above notes about caring for different pedigreed coat types apply equally to moggies.

Adult cats

	Cats are long lived and older cats may be more suitable for older owners.
	May be set in their ways, but cats are usually adaptable with time and patience.
	May have already been neutered.
	Usually toilet trained.
	Calmer, and more placid than kittens.
	Safer to leave unattended without being destructive in the home or having accidents.
	Many older cats are more affectionate and loving.
	Rescuing an adult or even elderly cat and giving them a loving home is very rewarding.

Kittens

	Need plenty of time and attention.
	Will need toilet training.
	Cannot be left home alone all day, as they need small regular meals and supervision.
	Super-inquisitive and can be destructive if left alone to get bored.
	Raising a healthy, happy cat from kittenhood is highly rewarding.
	Taking on a pair of siblings from the same litter as company for each other can be a good idea.
	Choose a reputable breeder, and ensure you see the kittens with their mother.
	Never buy through a middleman.
	Pet shops are not an ideal source.
	A breeder, who specialises in one, or a few breeds, may be preferable to a large cattery supplying many different breeds.
	The owner/breeder who breeds a few litters at home can be a good source, as your kitten will have been raised in a family environment.
	Rescue centres - an excellent and rewarding way to obtain a cat. Cats will usually be neutered and have had a health check. Also staff will know something of each cat's character and be able to match you to a suitable companion. Be prepared for a home visit from rescue centre staff, who may visit to check all is well and your cat is settling in. Rescue centres can arrange for the cat to be re-homed if they do not settle in for some reason.
	Friends and neighbours can be a good source, as you will know the cat's background.
	Local Vets may know of cats or kittens needing homes.
	Advertisements in local papers are fine so long as you visit first and check the cat's health and temperament.
	Pet shops are not an ideal source.

When you are faced with a litter of adorable kittens, how do you choose?

You must see the kitten with its mother and the rest of the litter, so you can check the surroundings are clean and hygienic and note the temperament of the mother.

All the kittens should:

	Have clear, bright eyes without discharge.
	Have no membrane (the nictitating membrane) up across the inner corner of the eye which can indicate illness.
	Have clean ears (specks of mucky matter in the ears could indicate mites).
	Be clean under their tails, without any signs of diarrhoea.
	Not have "pot bellies" which can indicate worms. Worms can easily be eradicated and it is usual for kittens to be treated for worms before sale, so ask if this has been done.
	Have shiny, unmatted fur.
	No signs of flea dirt (black specks) in their fur or sores on their skin.
	Have clean white teeth, and be pink and healthy inside their mouths.
	Show no signs of lameness or standing awkwardly.
	If there are signs of ill health in any of the litter, it is wisest to walk away as illness or infection could easily affect the whole litter. If you are happy they are healthy cats, it's time to choose:
	The quietest and smallest kitten of the litter is the most likely to be weak or unhealthy.
	Equally, the most lively, cheeky kitten is not ideal, being likely to grow into a bossy, dominating adult.
	The kitten you choose should seem lively and inquisitive, friendly and reasonably relaxed when handled.
	Unless you wish to breed from your cat, you should have your pet neutered in due course so the choice between male and female does not make a great deal of difference.

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Cats Protection, Central Aberdeen