Where to Get a Cat
When you have decided what kind of cat you want, take your time and shop around for the right cat for your situation.
BREEDERS
Many pet breeders advertise in local newspapers. More often, however, pedigree breeders advertise their stock in Fur and Feather, regarded as the official organ of the Cat Fancy. But for those who really want a fancy cat, a visit to one of the many Championship Shows held up and down the country provides a splendid choice. Thebes’s show of the year is the Kensington Kitten and Neuter Cat Club Show held in London in July. Here, the leading breeders have their choicest kittens on exhibition. Many are for sale, and orders are taken for later litters.
Most breeders are) concerned for the future of their kittens that prospective buyers will have to give proof that a kind and loving home awaits the new “baby”. It is wise, whenever possible, to select breeder as near home as possible so that contact can easily be main-tainted. Should you have to return the cat or need further information, there will be less travel and expense involved.
PET SHOPS
Many pet shops sell purebred cats as well as ordinary house cats. In general, pedigree cats bought in a pet shop cost less than those purr-chased from a breeder. But let the buyer beware. Many of these bargain purebreds are the runts of a litter, poor show prospects or are deformed or sickly. It stands to reason that a breeder will not sell his best purebred cats to a pet shop, as this would be poor business. It is wise, therefore, to proceed with caution when considering the purchase of a purebred cat in a pet shop, particularly if you want to breed or show cats. No reputable dealer would sell cats in this way.
HUMANE SOCIETIES
Occasionally, pedigree cats can be found in R.S.P.C.A. shelters, but most of them are older cats. The humane society shelter, however, is the best source for procuring an ordinary house cat. Most shelters have both kittens and mature cats for adoption.
Other sources of house cats are friends, neighbors and, as already stated, pet shops. A word of caution- exercise the same care in select-in your house cat as you would in choosing a more expensive pure-bred, especially at a pet shop.