Pros and Cons To Buying Versus Adopting A cat | Cats

By VirginiaSutherland
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When you are ready to include a magnificent feline into your family and life the question arises whether to purchase a cat, or to adopt one who is looking for a safe loving home. You can purchase a kitten or a retired breeder for a reputable breeder, or you can adopt a cat from the shelter or from a family who for whatever reason needs to relinquish their cat.

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.

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.

Adopting a cat does not reduce the possibilities of getting the kind of cat you are wanting. All kinds of cats in just about all breeds are available for adoption. A plus to adopting a cat that has had a previous owner is that they are already litter box trained, and it is easier to get a feel for their personality when they are past the kitten stage.

Some cats at shelters come with a full history, such as if they deal well with young children orwith 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.

Not all adopted cats come from shelters. Some people have to give their cats away for whatever reason - allergies develop, moving to another city, financial problems - so if you peruse the pet ads within a local newspaper you'll probably find an impressive selection of cats looking for new homes.

The advantage of adotping 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.

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.

About the Author

Virginia Sutherland is a cat lover who writes about anything and everything to do with cats. Read her informative articles about Cat Urine Removal and what to do about Cleaning Cat Urine From Furniture

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