Do some research to find the right companion cat for you and your family. A little investigation of breeds will help you find the perfect fit. Also, decide if you want to obtain your cat from a shelter or a breeder.

If you choose to obtain your cat through a breeder, familiarize yourself with the breeder's qualifications. Some breeders are much better than others and some are even cruel to their animals.

When considering a breeder, ask these questions:

• At what age will you let your kittens go home with their new owners? The Wisconsin Humane Society recommends that kittens stay with their mother and littermates for at least 8 weeks.
• Are your kittens raised in the home or in cages? Kittens raised around people are friendlier and better adjusted.
• How many breeding adult cats do you have? Dedicated breeders choose breeding stock very carefully and don't care about the number of kittens produced, only their quality.
• Are your cats tested for infectious diseases? You want to deal with a breeder who is doing his best to keep his cats healthy and to produce healthy kittens. The three diseases that you should be concerned about are feline leukemia virus feline immunodeficiency virus and feline infectious peritonitis.
• What type of guarantees do you give on your kittens? A reputable breeder will be prepared to compensate you for some of the financial loss should your new kitten become seriously ill or die.
• Has the kitten been examined by a veterinarian and received initial vaccinations? When are the booster vaccines due? Has the kitten been wormed? Kittens should receive the first of the series of vaccinations by 6-8 weeks of age. Kittens should also be checked for internal parasites, such as worms, at the first veterinary visit.
• What is included in your contract? Many breeders place certain requirements on the adopters such as keeping the cat indoors, spay/neuter and no declawing. They may also require that you return the kitten to them if you find that you can no longer keep your new feline. Don't be offended by these requirements. Rather, consider these conditions signs that the breeder truly cares about the future of his kittens.
• Will you provide me with a veterinary health certificate? A veterinary health certificate confirms that the kitten has been checked by a veterinarian and documents the health care to date.
• Will you provide me with references? Satisfied adopters are the best advertising. Contacting references will help you determine if the breeder you are considering is reputable.
• May I inspect your cat area? It should be clean and sanitary and provide humane conditions for the cats.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has a variety of wonderful cats available for adoption.

Every possible combination of age, personality, coat color and coat length can be found at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Purebred cats are frequently available for adoption as well.

For a low adoption fee all animals are spayed or neutered, given a microchip for identification and provided with other veterinary services. As part of our adoption program, we provide assistance for undiagnosed, pre-existing medical problems within three weeks of adoption. One month of additional free animal health insurance is also provided.

You may want to consider adopting an older cat that is physically and behaviorally mature. Adopting an adult or adolescent cat can have its advantages. An older cat is out of the "kitty" phase and will probably be less destructive around your home. An adult cat's personality is already formed, allowing you to know just what the cat's temperament is like.

Volunteer cat socializers spend a lot of time with the Wisconsin Humane Society's adoptable cats and provide valuable information about each cat's personality, which helps adopters select the perfect companion. An adult cat is exactly the size it is going to be; there are no size or coat length surprises. Currently, the adoption fee is waived for cats over one year old.

Whether you are interested in adopting a kitten or older cat, the Wisconsin Humane Society's knowledgeable Adoption Counselors will assist you in selecting a cat that will be compatible with your lifestyle.

Animal behavior seminars, informational brochures and behavior telephone counseling and tip lines are available at WHS. We have a retail store and help people select appropriate animal care products. Knowing that you are giving a very deserving and wonderful animal a second chance increases the joy of adding a new member to your family.

Sadly, there are far more homeless cats in our community than loving homes available. Please spay or neuter your new cat and encourage your friends to sterilize their companion animals as well. Consider adopting a cat or kitten from the Wisconsin Humane Society and experience the joy of giving a second chance to a wonderful companion animal!

Click here for adoptable cats at the Wisconsin Humane Society.