Choosing a Cat
Choosing a cat requires careful consideration of factors such as lifestyle, living space, and personal preferences to ensure a suitable match.
Advantages of Cats as Pet Animal
Cats are independent and self-sufficient and make excellent companions for old people and it require less care than dog.
Cats fit well into apartment living and the less active lifestyle of the elderly person.
The initial purchase price and the cost of feeding and keeping a cat is usually less than that for a dog.
Cats are clean, generally requiring very little or no house-training. Depending on the circumstances, cats can be used to control mice and other rodents.
Young or Adult Cat to be Purchased
For the busy family or elderly person, it may be best to purchase an adult cat. It will not require as much time to care for as a young kitten.
Adult cats should be checked or examined soon after obtaining them, because they may have parasites. This is especially true if the cat is a stray.
Older cats may not live as long, which could be emotionally upsetting. Young kittens adapt quickly to a new family; they can be fun to watch as they grow.
The more attention a kitten receives, the closer it becomes attached to the family.
Male or Female Cat
If one does not intend to breed the cat, it is best to have the animal spayed or neutered. It makes very little difference if the pet cat is male or female; both are equally intelligent, affectionate, and playful.
A male kitten reaches sexual maturity at about six or eight months of age; even if the owner lets it outside, it will start spraying areas to mark its territory.
The smell is very strong and unpleasant; if one decides to keep a male cat, special housing may need to be provided.
A female kitten becomes sexually mature as early as five months of age. She usually comes in heat about every three weeks; unwanted litters may be expected by keeping an unspayed female cat.
Breed of Choice
Breed characteristics play a significant role, as some breeds, like the Siamese, are vocal and energetic, while others, such as the Persian, are more laid-back and require extensive grooming.

If owner is just looking for a pet, the common domestic, mixed –breed house cat will probably make a suitable selection.
These animals have traits from several breeds and make affectionate, friendly pets.
Pedigree animals usually have both good and bad characteristics; one needs to be aware of these traits before purchasing a particular breed.
Some breeds are basically inactive, solitary animals, whereas others are more active, playful, and demanding.
Long haired cats require more time for grooming. Also, the climate of the area is important; unless they have air conditioning, long haired cats may become uncomfortable in high temperatures.
Mixed-breed animals can usually be obtained free from neighbors or friends or by checking advertisements in newspapers.
To obtain some of the specialty breeds, one may have to contact local or state cat fancier clubs.
Cat Purchase
Pet stores also offer cats, but it is important to make sure the animal has received vaccinations, because diseases may be a problem in some pet stores.
Cats may also be obtained from animal shelters.
A healthy Cat
When selecting individual animals, one should be alert to signs of illness. Gums should be pale pink and the teeth white; older cats may show some yellowing of the teeth because of tartar buildup.
The eyes should be bright and clear. Animals that have discharges emanating from the eyes or nose should be avoided.
An extended, red third eyelid is usually a sign of illness. The nose should be cool and slightly damp.
One should check the ears for a buildup of wax, which may indicate ear mites.
The coat should be clean, glossy, and free of mats; one should check for traces of fleas and other parasites.
A potbellied condition may indicate an animal with worms. One should feel the animal to check for lumps, abscesses, or other abnormalities.
The rear area of the animal should be checked for signs of diarrhoea or worms. The area and surrounding fur should be clean and free of mats.
Healthy Kittens
Kittens are best purchased at eight to twelve weeks of age. One should select a kitten that is playful, alert and lively and that does not shy away.
When selecting animals for breeding and show, one also needs to check for correct marking, eye color, coat colour, and conformation. Be aware that adult colourings may not develop for several months.