British Shorthair
            Cattery
            Agilis Cattus*Pl

Owning a cat is a great responsibility, and the decision should not be made up without thorough consideration. It is true that cats are not as demanding as for example, dogs, but they still need great care and company. Even perfectly fed and equipedd cat, if neglected emotionally, will cause behavioral problems. You have to remember that your life will change - holiday planning will no longer be as easy as it used to be. Last but not least, it's sometimes a costly hobby, maybe not so much in terms of equipement, but more regular bills including food and cat-litter, or veterinary costs (vaccinating, worming, neutering, michrochipping, or unexpected fees for illnesse or accidents.) I'm not trying to discourage anybody, just want toe make the possible owners aware of the things they should consider before cat purchasing.

Pedigree or non pedigree?
The majority of cats in our homes are mixed-breed. They are usually taken from shelters or from friends or neighbours whose cat had an 'accidental litter'. They are free or cheap, which makes them very attractive to possible owners. This is undoubtedly the best choice if you are not so much focused on the cat's appearance. (It doesn't mean theay are not beautiful, simply you never know the ancestors of your cat, which means you can't be sure what it will look like when it grows up. Kittens are so much alike!).
If you like the look of certain breed, the only way to get it in your cat is to buy a pedegree one. If you want to see the different breeds 'in the flesh', you should visit a cat show and talk to the exhibitors and breeders there. They will give you an idea of their particular breed, and you can see the size, shape and coat make-up of each for yourself. It's a great opportunity to learn how to care about the particular coat type, and to find the breeder you will be pleased with. The only disadvantage of buying a pedigree cat is the price - they are sually quite expensive, as are most of 'brand goods' in this world.

Cat or Kitten?
Kittens are gorgeous, with their energy and joy of life they make us smile any time we see them in action. However, this smile comes at a price. Kittens don't have the sense of an adult cat, so if there's anything to destroy around, it will be destryed. Teaching small cats the house-rules, not forgetting their socialization, for many people is too much to bother. If you don't want any revolutions at home, you should consider taking an adult cat, who will have all the crazy days of adolescence behind. However, if you want to observe how your little kitty changes into a serious cat, taking a kitten is a must. However, you must pay a lot of attention to keep your little one safe, and protect him from his own energy excess.

Female or Male?
Provided they are neutered, it doesn't make any difference, as both males and females make wonderful and superb pets. The key difference is size - male cats are almost always larger than females. As far as the character and temper are concerned, all cats are individual, and it is difficult to make any generalizations. However, males seem to be more lazy and relaxed, certainly I'm talking all the time about the castrated ones. Your choice of sex may also be determined by the cats you already have at home. For example, if the cat you have is a nervous and not self-confident one, he or she could feel intimidated by a huge male coming into his or her territory, so you'd better bring in a kitten.

Choosing a cat.
Mixed kittens are often homed around the age of eight weeks, but pure bred kittens do not leave the breeder until 12 weeks, and in the USA between 14 and 16 weeks. This extra time means the breeder can ensure all the kittens have received their primary vaccinations, can be litter trained, and be properly socialized. The importance of socialization cannot be underestimated. Socialization involves introducing the kitten to everyday life - its smells and sounds, and prepares the kitten for the future. Therefore it is very important to find a breeder that has a lifestyle very similar to your own. If you have children, find a breeder that has kids of the same age group. If you have a dog, choose a breeder that has one, too.
With shelter cats, the kittens' past is often not known. However, as these kittens are rehomed earlier than breeders' cats, you will have the opportunity to be responsible for your kitten's early socialization, while she is still young and receptive to new experiences.

Check if the cat you have chosen is healthy:

Asses the kitten's size. A larger kitten is likely to be heathier and stronger.

Watch the kitten move, to to check if there isn't any limp in any of the limbs.

Look into the kitten's eyes - they should be clean, without any reddenings. The presence of a third     eyelid accross the eye usually indicates illness.

The kitten's ears should be clean. Any redness, dark wax or odour can indicate mites or an     infection.

The nose should be slightly moist with no discharge.

The kitten's gums should be a healthy pink, and the teeth should be white and clean.

The breeder should also give you the pedigree, vaccination certificate, details of worming treatments, a receipt for the amount you paid, and a diet outline.

You should also assess whether it is safe for you to have a cat. If you live near a busy road, you can only consider having a house-cat. This will limit your choice to a kitten, to a breed or mixed-breed that was born and is accustomed to indoor life, or to a shelter cat that previously lived as a house-cat.


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