Bringing a cat into your home is a wonderful experience but it is also a serious responsibility. Below are some questions, for you and your family members to ask yourselves about your own needs and your expectations of the cat, that will help you pick out the pet best suited to you. Try to be as realistic and honest as possible in answering these questions.

1. Why do you want a cat?

What do you expect the cat to do? Will she just be a companion for you? Will she be a companion for your children? Do you expect her to hunt mice or rats? Different breeds or individuals within a breed may be better suited to some roles than to others.

2. What's your family like now? What do you expect it to be in 5 to 10 years?

Are you single, married, or married with children, and do you have older relatives in the home? Are you single now but expect to start a family soon? Your choice of pet should take into account not only your present family status but also your expected future status. A cat chosen for a single person may not be suited for a family with children. Remember that owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.

3. What is your home like? Do you want your cat to be an inside cat, outside cat, or both?

Do you live in a small apartment, house with a fenced yard, etc.? Letting your cat outside exposes her to certain risks such as injuries from cars, cat fights, and other animals. Are you prepared to live with those risks?

4. What pets do you already have? Are you planning on having other pets in the near future besides the cat?

Many cats don't get along well with other animals (and vice versa). You should think very carefully before bringing a new cat into a household with other pets that she may not get along with.

5. What is your lifestyle like?

Are you very active and rarely home, fairly inactive and home most of the time, or somewhere in between? Do you have activities that you want your cat to be a part of? Cats are social animals and need some companionship; however, some cats may tolerate more isolation than others. If you are very active and rarely home perhaps you should consider another kind of pet.

6. What temperament do you want in your cat?

Do you want a very active cat or very inactive cat? Do you want one that is shy or very outgoing with strangers? What about a cat that demands a lot of attention? A cat's temperament is very important to how well it will fit into your household. You should consider very carefully what temperament characteristics you want in your cat and then consult with your veterinarian, breeders, and other animal experts about the best cat for you. When picking a cat, never pick one that seems fearful, aggressive, or overly active.

7. What breed of cat do you want? Why?

Do you want a purebred cat or a mixed breed cat? Never pick a cat solely on its looks or its physical characteristics. It may not have the temperament or other characteristics you want. Consult books, breeders, your veterinarian, and friends who own a breed you are considering to help choose a breed. Consider a mixed breed cat from a shelter. They often have fewer physical and behavioral problems than do purebred cats, but may be more of a gamble with an unknown history. If you buy a purebred cat, only buy from an established breeder with a good reputation.

8. What kind of coat characteristics and coat color do you want?

Some coats are more likely to shed and tangle than others and will require more care.

9. What sex cat do you want? Why?

Each sex has its own advantages and disadvantages, special needs and problems. Males are more likely to roam, urine mark, and fight with other cats, for example. All cats should be spayed or neutered unless you are planning to show the cat competitively or breed the cat. Spaying and neutering reduces the chances of certain behavioral and medical problems as well as reducing the pet overpopulation problem.

10. What age cat do you want? Why?

Kittens can be lots of fun, but they can be a lot of work to housebreak, train to a scratching post, and socialize. Are you prepared to put in the work necessary to have a kitten?

11. Have you thought through the potential costs and problems associated with owning a cat?

Owning a cat can be a very rich and rewarding experience. However along with the rewards come problems and costs. There will be a time commitment required; feeding, grooming, and healthcare costs; cleaning up after the cat; and some destruction of your property by the cat. Are you committed to dealing with these problems and costs? Remember that owning a cat is a lifetime commitment.