HOW DO I DECIDE?

Deciding between getting a purebred kitten or a moggie is a question of personal taste and needs.While a purebred's appearance, temperament and character is much easier to predict, each feline is very much an individual. Domestic cats tend to be hardier than their pedigreed cousins, although committed cat breeders are constantly breeding to improve the health of their cats.

Some cats are well suited to indoor living. This is often true of particular breeds, especially longhaired breeds that enjoy the comforts of being pampered inside.However, a moggie can be just as happy living an indoor life, especially if kept inside since kittenhood. Either way, an indoor cat will need a stimulating environment to keep it occupied.

If you're after a purebred kitten it's important to purchase one from a reputable breeder. Do some research into the breeds that appeal to you, making special note of any potential genetic problems particular to those breeds. To get more of an idea of the type of cat you might like to own, try out Select-A-Cat, our program that matches particular cat breeds to your lifestyle and tastes.

If you are thinking about getting a long-haired kitten, you will also need to consider the time you have available to look after their coat. Long-haired cats such as Persian, Birman and Chinchillas require considerable grooming to keep them looking at their best.