Once you decide to add a pet to your family, it’s important to consider your options before you actually adopt!  In addition to thinking about how old and active of a four-legged friend will best fit into your lifestyle, you must decide whether to get the cat from a breeder or a shelter. In recent years there has been a huge debate surrounding this, and truthfully, there are advantages and disadvantages to both; it really comes down to you and your family. 

The Health of the Cat

Regardless where you get your new cat from, you want her to be healthy. Whether you get a kitten from a responsible breeder or a rescue or shelter, the likelihood is that your new feline friend will already have her initial vaccinations but there may be more to come. You might be able to glean more about the health of the kitten by looking at the status of its parents through a breeder, but this is unlikely unless a cat has given birth to its kittens while in the rescue. If you go for an older cat from a rescue, she may have been already checked by a veterinarian, but…it is your responsibility as a caring pet owner to get her checked out by a vet of your own once you adopt.  If she or her has not  been spayed or neutered you will want your veterinary professional to do that as well.

Kitten or Cat

One of the biggest influencing factors on whether you should get your cat from a breeder or a rescue is the age of the cat that you want. It may be easier to get a kitten from a responsible breeder, however, may shelters and rescues take in momma cats and their kittens and may have them in foster homes for you to visit and meet.   

The Expense

Purchasing a cat from a rescue may be less costly than buying a kitten from a responsible breeder. This is because some breeds simply cost more because they are more in demand or are seen as rarer. The cats in the shelters tend to be mixed breeds, or what are collectively referred to as domestic short hairs, however the shelter or rescue has to feed and care for the animals so they must still charge an adoption fee.  Don’t overlook breed rescues if you are seeking a particular breed of cat for your new four-legged friend.  

Purchasing a kitten from a responsible breeder can run into the thousands depending on the breed you want, some are considered rare and others greatly in demand.  Often, mixed breed animals tend to have fewer health issues, whereas pure breeds, because of the generations of selective breeding for looks, may be prone to certain problems.  Regardless, annual check-ups by your vet is a must for any cat, vaccinations, spay or neuter previously mentioned, food, bowls, bed and supplies all need to be added to your budget, not to mention…unexpected expenses.  When you bring a cat into your home, make sure you are prepared to care for her for her entire lifetime!

Before You Bring Your New Cat Home

Once you have chosen between a breeder and a shelter, you need to think about how you can prep your home for the new addition. You want your new cat to feel safe and comfortable in your house. However, a lot of people do tend to overbuy. Really, you simply need a bed, a few toys and some food. Reveal makes some of the best cat food on the market using sustainable fishing practices and high-quality ingredients. These are all things you should already have at home before you bring your new cat home. 

Conclusion

It comes down to your personal preferences and the factors you deem important. There is nothing wrong with purchasing an animal from a reputable breeder that treats their animals well, but if saving a life is what your heart desires, you can adopt from your local breed or cat rescue and animal shelter.  Either way, it’s a win-win for you and the cat if you care for her for her lifetime!