Pet store suppliers and breeders may engage in cruel and unhealthy behavior. The breeding of pets requires meticulous care and organization. Too often unscrupulous "pet mills" force animals to breed at a rate, which is too fast and consequently hard on the mother. Kittens are taken from their mothers too early, leading to emotional and behavioral problems. And conditions are unsanitary and don't provide for fresh air and exercise. Of course most breeders love animals and do a great job. However it can be difficult to determine the source of many of the pets available at pet stores.

Even potential owners who want purebred cats can adopt. There are many organizations, which specialize in placing purebred cats in loving homes. Because different breeds have different temperaments and care requirements, these organizations work with their clients to be sure that the home and the cat are a good match. Even your local shelter may be a good place to find the breed you are looking for. Pedigreed cats end up in shelters, too, and need good homes.

Most of the cats available for adoption are adults. One of the advantages of getting a grown up pet is that its personality is already formed and apparent. Most shelters provide adoption counseling to help new put owners together with the appropriate cat. Adult cats are also more likely to be trained and past that rambunctious phase which can make kittens so exhausting! Because kittens are so universally appealing, the adult cats at a shelter may languish and ultimately be put down.

Another advantage to adopting a cat is that you will likely be able to find a pet, which has been fostered. These animals have been kept in temporary loving homes while they wait for adoption. Not only have they been socialized in their foster homes, any behavioral problems will have been addressed. Fostered homes provide millions of animals shelter and love while they wait for their "real" families to find and adopt them!

Finally, cats adopted from shelters have been screened for illness, inoculated against common feline diseases, and usually spayed or neutered. Only healthy pets are offered for adoption from a reputable shelter. There are so many reasons to adopt your next cat, and so many cats hoping to be adopted.