Preparing
Now that you feel you can get along with a cat, what is the next stage? You want to have a pet that will fit in with you and your family. It can be a pure bred kitten from a breeder or it can be a 'moggie' from a friend. You needn't necessarily get a pedigree cat. As long as you know the parents of the cat or kitten you see, you can assess the temperament quite well. The best choice here is where some friend's or acquaintance's cat is having a kitten, and you can get the kitten you want. If you are thinking of getting a pedigree cat, make sure you know the breed. Siamese, for example, look gorgeous but can be noisy. A reputable cat breeder wouldn't mind talking to you but there will probably be a waiting list for the offspring of champion cats.
Before you bring a kitten home, it's important to try and see it in its natural surroundings with its mother. If this isn't possible then ensure the kitten and mother weren't separated too soon, certainly not before the kitten was six weeks old. The kitten shouldn't be too nervous of humans and should be well cared for. It should be curious and not scared or aggressive when approached and there should be no discharge from its eyes, nose or mouth.
It might be worth considering getting two kittens if all the family is going to be out quite a bit. Two females together are probably best, and indoor cats are especially happier in pairs.
Remember, one bit that everyone likes is choosing the kitten's name. It's going to be with the cat for life, so be careful in your choice - it's going to be called out to attract the cat's attention, so make sure it fits you and your cat.
