In preparation for my new role as Special Events co-ordinator, I was browsing through the various sections of “pets” when I chanced upon a category that has not been reviewed in any depth. Tucked away under pet carriers is “Where to get your cat from”.
Now I have kept cats all my life, from the tender age of five when I kept bringing strays home, to very first flat when I was looking for a cat that would adapt to life in a flat, so I consider myself something of an expert on the subject.

Cats are the best kind of pets to adapt to almost any homes and with their independent nature can be left at home for the day while the owner goes out to work. This, however, doesn’t apply to young kittens so before you set about looking for that fluffy little kitten to pamper and play with you must think of the animals needs.
A kitten requires a lot of attention to start with and unless you are home at least part of the day, you should consider an older kitten or a cat. Kittens grow very quickly and although they are adorable at eight weeks, they soon reach the stage when they become cats, usually around six months.

The next thing to consider is whether you want a pedigree or a normal cat. Pedigree kittens and cats need a lot more attention and any decent breeder would not allow a prized pedigree to go to a new owner without some guarantees that they will be properly looked after.
So where do you begin your search for your ideal cat?

1). Pet shops and markets.
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I have put both of these together as apart from a few exceptions I find them despicable places where pets are crammed into tiny cages and diseases are allowed to spread. Cats need room to move around and can become very stressed when confined to small places. Once a kitten is removed from it’s mother it needs time to adjust to new surrounding. Any trauma can stop them eating properly and you can easily spot such a kitten, their coat is dull, their eyes are listless and even with proper care and attention they may cost you a fortune in Vet’s fees.

2). Advertisements in shop windows, newspapers etc.
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In some ways this can be a good place to look, you can see the cat in its normal surroundings and can tell whether the mother cat is looked after well. One thing to avoid is the age of the kittens; if their eyes are still blue then they are far too young to leave the mother. In some cases the owner may have not bothered to neuter the cat and are just trying to get rid of the offspring as soon as possible. Ask questions, “ What is the cat’s diet like?” “ Has the owner just allowed the mother to breed one litter before she is neutered.”

Look around well; this is a necessity when buying a pedigree. There should be an enclosed run where the mother and kittens can get some fresh air. This is one of the requirements laid down by the Kennel Club. It applies to both male and female cats, you must register your animal for breeding purposes and to avoid any contamination in the breed the animal is not allowed outside the run. Beware of “crossbreed” cats, they may look the genuine article but if they have been allowed to breed outside a run then the breed will not run true.
This is a very general idea, as the review is not meant as the ultimate guide to choosing a pedigree cat. Mistakes can happen, in which case you should expect a much lower price to pay for the kittens. A genuine breeder will actually “vet” you in most cases.

3). Your Local Vet.
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This is always my first choice to find a new cat. Whether it’s a “rescue” cat or one chosen from the vet’s advertisement boards, the vet will know the owner advertising and will also know about the cat that has been brought in either abandoned or because the owner has died or has to give up their pet.
My one cat Sophie was a rescue cat; she had been someone’s cat as she was found hanging by her collar on a fence. She needed over twenty stitches around her neck and her shoulder where she had struggled to free herself. After two weeks she had not been claimed so I took her home with me. She bravely accepted being completely sprayed against fleas and de-wormed before the vet allowed her to go with me. She is now a plump matron of roughly nine years old but still gets her “ kittenish” days where she will play for a half hour.

Sometimes you may be lucky enough to get a pedigree that has to be re-homed, as the owner can no longer look after the cat for any number of reasons.
The advertisement boards show a mixture of all kinds of cats and any good vet will be able to advise you on these. If your heart is set on a kitten and you have the room I would advise you to get two if possible as if you are out at work all day the kitten can get very lonely.

If you are able to give an older cat a good home then think about taking in a rescue cat, I once had to watch an elderly gentleman take his beloved dog to be put down as he was himself going into a nursing home and his dog was getting old as well. I often wonder how long that poor man lived after losing his dog.
An older cat can bring as much joy as a kitten and if you have children then the cat is much more likely to suffer a bit of pulling around without scratching a child. My two still have times when they will romp together and although they are not used to children they both put up with visits from my grand-niece who is only four and takes great delight in trying to get them both to play.

4). The RSPCA.
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My local branch has an excellent reputation and will do anything possible to keep a cat for as long as possible. Sadly there are far too many animals in need of a home and eventually some must be put down.
They do try not to overcrowd the cats, but with so many people looking for kittens, then they have to keep litters of kittens together.
The animals are well cared for and despite the lack of staff most animals get some small amount of affection from the dedicated staff and volunteers. Do please look here as well, these cats need a home and every effort is made to keep them healthy and happy.
If you cannot afford the essentials, neutering and cat flu injections then they may be able to help you with these. The PDSA also will help out with the costs if you are on a low income.

Expect the normal paperwork and the questions you may be asked. This is to protect the animal and to make sure they will not be returned when they grow from kittens into cats.
When I bought my first pedigree Burmese cat he became very lonely and would howl when left alone. I could not afford another pedigree so visited the RSPCA who helped me to choose an older kitten, a ginger tom who was about twelve weeks old. Isca, my Burmese cat, was only allowed to be brought home at twelve weeks and Pepper was about four weeks younger when I got him. A younger kitten would not have settled in with an older and playful kitten, a cat would have tried to dominate my Burmese.

I had to sign to say I would care for Pepper and would make sure he had his flu injections. This may sound unnecessary but with a pedigree as well, the two would be healthy and not pass any infections between them.
The RSPCA does not charge for a cat, but donations are always welcome, so I left a donation and the two cats become inseparable vying to greet me when I got in from work.

5). Word of Mouth
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Most of my neighbours knew I loved cats so when a family were having problems with their rag doll kitten I was asked if I would consider buying her. I could not afford another cat but eventually she came to me for free. They had paid over £300 for her but she was far too adventurous to live in a flat and so Kira came to live with me.

This is the least likely way to get a cat, but asking around you may find a cat that will suit your own lifestyle. In the past few years I have been asking to take in several cats but have had to settle for my own two.

6). Websites
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I have had no personal experience of using websites but doing a random check on the availability of such sites I came across quite a few. One was very interesting as it has a wealth of information on what to look for in a cat, how to consider the various options I have used myself and information on cats for sale by various breeds. This is www.petwebsite.com.
There are many more but this one site summed up a great deal of common sense and if I was looking for another cat I would consider using it.

I hope I have given you some pause for thought (excuse the bad pun), cats have played a very important role in my life, they are loving, playful, loyal and I wouldn’t have been without any one of them. Over a thirty-year span my cats have soothed and comforted me, cheered me up when I was down and although I have had to see many of them die I would not hesitate to get another one when I have mourned their loss.

Footnote.
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I am not entering this into the competition as although I do not officially start my new role until February I felt it was inappropriate to submit an entry. I have written this as a guide to anyone considering getting a cat, my favourite domestic animal and a wonderful addition to your family.

As Always, thanks for reading.
Lisa.