If you’ve set your heart on a new kitten then before you look anywhere else take a trip to your local cat shelter.  It’s a sad fact that cat shelters these days are full up with cats and kittens desperate for a new loving home.  Unless you have a burning desire for a particular breed of cat, make this your first port of call.

There are many reasons to go to a cat shelter but perhaps the most powerful is the feel-good factor.  As the number of abandoned pets rises you can feel warm in the knowledge that you have helped to give a cat a promising future and the type of life it deserves.  You’re also helping to keep the ever increasing cat population under control as buying from a cat shelter comes with conditions.  You must commit to getting your cat spayed or neutered but often the cat shelter will do this for you at a reduced price.

When looking for a kitten, remember that there is often a huge demand for younger cats.  Try to go with an open mind.  There are thousands of adult cats abandoned and brought to cat shelters every year.  The benefit is that you will be able to get an idea from the shelter volunteers as to what type of personality the cat has.  A kitten to some extent is an unknown entity.

Before you’ve even entered the cat shelter make sure you have considered what you are committing to.  Although it is true that cats are much more independent than dogs and do not need you to walk them they still require love, care and attention.  A healthy cat can live to the ripe old age of 20 years.  There will be vet bills to pay so good cat insurance is a must.

If you’re sure you want to commit then enjoy searching out your new feline companion and welcoming them to their new home.