So you've decided to embark on the great adventure of cat ownership! Or maybe the cat or cats who already share your home are ready for a companion. Should you adopt your new pet from a shelter or rescue group, rather than buying one from a breeder or pet store? And if you decide on adoption, what and where should you go? Here are some tips.

Adopting a cat is equivalent to saving a life. Every year millions of cats are put to death because they can't be placed in loving homes. Many cats end up in shelters because their owners have had dramatic life changes which make it impossible to keep their pets. And many had wonderful homes but became lost and couldn't be reunited with their families. Irresponsible humans, of course, abandon some.