While cats make purr-fect pets for some people, they don't for others. Cats are dependent on their owners for all their needs -- food, water, medical attention, exercise, shelter, and, most important, companionship. For many people, the years of unconditional love and devotion they receive from their furry "kids" far outweigh the daily responsibilities.

If you have decided that a feline would fit perfectly into your family, there are still more things to consider...

Do you want a kitten or an adult cat?

This is especially important to decide before you get to the shelter. The attraction of tiny mewing kittens is hard to resist, but kittens need a lot of attention and will have to be house-trained. On the plus side, kittens adapt quickly to their surroundings. For many people, an adult cat is a wise choice, especially if they are at work all day or would not enjoy the boisterous antics of a kitten.

What is your preferred coat length?

Do you want a cat with long, medium, or short hair? Long-haired cats require almost daily brushing to keep their fur from matting, so be prepared to spend regular time grooming these cats.

Do you want a male cat or a female cat?

Both male and female felines can be equally playful and affectionate! Gender is based purely on personal preference!

• Believe caring for a pet for 15 to 18 years does not seem like a lifetime.
• Look forward to having your ankles rubbed by an affectionate, hairy animal.
• Don't mind sharing your house with someone who sheds, tracks kitty litter and throws up hairballs.
• Don't mind sharing your house with someone who will never clean up after him or herself.
• Love a housemate who will randomly and regularly entertain you with outrageous and silly antics (at his whim, not yours).
• Want to take care of someone every day.
• Like your lap warmed whenever you sit down.
• Would like to spend your extra money on pet food, toys, veterinary care, kitty litter and more kitty litter.
• Want to be welcomed with a soft purr of appreciation.
• Believe that spaying and neutering pets will help solve the pet overpopulation problem.
• Can't imagine leaving your devoted pet behind when you move.
• Want to keep an ID tag on your pets, so they can always get back to you no matter what.
• Enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship.
• Believe that keeping your cat indoors is best for your pet's well-being.

Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner:

1. Commit
   • Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
   • Select a pet that's suited to your home and lifestyle.
   • Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.
   • Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).
   • Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
   • Properly socialize and train your pet.
2. Invest
   • Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.
   • Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.), as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
   • Budget for potential emergencies.
3. Obey
   • Clean up after your pet.
   • Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
   • Don't allow your pet to stray or become feral.
4. Identify
   • Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep its registration up-to-date.
5. Limit
   • Don't contribute to our nation's pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment or managed breeding.
6. Prepare
   • Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
   • Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet.
   • Recognize any decline in your pet's quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation with a veterinarian.