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When it comes to buying a cat, the decision requires some thought.

Firstly, you have to choose a cat that suits your lifestyle? In other words, if the house is empty during the day because everyone is at work or school, is having a cat by itself kind to the cat? Perhaps it might be best to consider getting two cats rather than one, since two cats at least have each other for company during the time when people aren't at home. The total number of cat allowed in most suburban areas is two cats per household. Some people have permits to own more cats, and it is not uncommon to find some people with as many as twenty or thirty cats in their house. The logistics and costs of keeping so many cats is frightening but these people have chosen this lifestyle and unless you are a dedicated breeder, accepting any stray cat that comes to your door is not a good policy.

What breed do you choose? Certainly your average moggie has fewer demands on time than a pedigree Persian for example, which requires a lot of care in terms of grooming, etc. The cat's temperament also comes into consideration. Some breeds are more demanding of time and affection compared with moggies. For example, Siamese can be quite noisy cats and emotionally needy and don't go well in a one-person household. In such situations, many Siamese will decamp to a neighbour where they can receive the attention they need.

Another factor to consider is what age to buy the cat. Most people buy kittens, so the kitten adapts to the household it is reared in, whereas an adult cat in a new household takes a little bit longer to get used to the new domestic arrangements. There is also the risk of adult cats already having ingrained habits or vices which must be compensated for if they are going to be successfully housed in their new home.

In suburban settings, most breeds of cats are suitable, but what if you live on a farm? Is a Chinchilla, which is long haired and requires a lot of grooming, suitable for the outdoor life?