Once you have decided to welcome a cat into your home, to be a member of your family, the next questions is where to get the cat from? Should you purchase a cat from a breeder? A pet store? (A reputable breeder is a much better and much safer choice than a pet store) Or maybe you should adopt a cat from a shelter, or from another facility.

If you are interested in showing your cat, buying a purebred cat may seem like the only option, but in fact the major cat organizations such as ACFA also have a household category where you can show off your pretty kitty regardless of origins.

Acquiring your cat from a reputable breeder, (again, a caution about buying a cat from a pet store, in the US at least, many of these cats come from kitten mills where the cats are raised in deplorable conditions) can have some benefits. Many breeders offer a guarantee, and you can research past generations for health issues as well.

Some people are really attracted to certain breeds which have the looks they like and are more likely to display a breed characteristic temperament. For some, this is the only way they would consider getting a cat. Bringing a cat into your family is a long term affair. Getting a nice match with the cats personality is important.

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.

Some cats at shelters come with a full history, such as if they deal well with young children or with other pets. There is also a great feeling that can come with adopting a cat since some cats that are never adopted wind up euthanized by the shelter. There simply isn't always enough room for all the cats in the shelter, so sometimes there is no other choice. By adopting a cat, you're saving the cat's life.

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 the shelter is that the cat will have had it's health evaluated. Adopting a cat from a family mean you have no idea if there are underlying health problems.

The choice of whether to purchase a cat or instead adopt one is easy for some people, while other folks may struggle with the decision. If you aren't sure with which route to explore, start at your local animal shelter and take a look at the cats there. Chances are you'll find a great cat that will fit right into your family nicely, and as a bonus you can feel good knowing you've saved a life.