If you're set on getting a cat and are sure you can take care of it properly, you will need to carefully think about where you're going to get your future companion. Once of the biggest decisions to start with is whether you want to buy a cat from a reputable cat breeder or pet shop, or if you'd like to give a home to a sheltered cat from a rescue home. Giving a loving home to a rescue animal is very kind thing to do. If you decide that's what you want then you should arrange to visit to a few rescue centres to find your feline friend. Most rescue centres will require you to register first before viewing the animals. They will assess you to see if they believe you will be a good owner and also what cats they believe would make a good match. Once you have found a suitable cat, you may want to arrange a meeting between the cat and any other cats, dogs or other pets that you may already have. It is important that all animals in the household get on with one another. Before you take your new friend home, the animal rescue centre will probably first want you to pay for the cat to be spayed or neutered; unless you have a valid reason for breeding cats. If you are looking to buy, make sure you do your homework. There are many reputable breeders to choose from but unfortunately there are as many, if not more, irresponsible breeders as well. Some take on the job for financial gain as the principle reason, instead of producing healthy, pedigree kittens. The other option you have for buying a cat is through a pet shop. If it's a cat you are after, ask the pet shop about the history of the cat and make sure you check vaccination papers. If you're after a kitten be cautious - most kittens in pet shops are unlikely to have come from a reputable breeder, instead they are normally in the pet shop because they are the result of an unplanned pregnancy, therefore it is difficult to assess the health of the animal.