Having the pleasure of owning just one cat is for the most part, a reasonable amount for many cat fanciers. However, as addictive as a good flavored potato chip can be, so can owning a wide variety of cat breeds.

How can you go about determining if additional cats are right for you? One of the first things to consider is your lifestyle. If your career demands that you spend long hours away from home, and you notice that your single cat is acting lonely, adding another cat to your home may be the perfect answer.

Another consideration for you to ponder is if you own an older cat. It has been documented, that adding a kitten to a household with an older cat can bring out the youthful spark of the older cat. One important note to consider before purchasing another cat to add to your home is that some breeds are very territorial and protective of their homes and family. Adding another cat to this situation or one where the original cat prefers his solitude could lead to a variable array of problems.

If you are contemplating adding a kitten to your home, it is important to remember what responsibilities come along with that choice. Kittens require litter box training as well as the added expenditure of a physical examination by a veterinarian, vaccinations and the possibility of neutering and de-clawing. When adding an older cat to your home, it may take a while for it to become accustomed to the new surroundings which could lead to possible behavior and health issues as well.

While most people believe it is essential to add cats of the same breed to their home, there are many cats who would appreciate the company of any breed. The most important issue you must consider however is making sure cats with the same temperament are together. Adding a snobbish, unassuming Russian Blue with an energetic, silly and playful Rex breed is probably not going to bring the best results for compatibility. However, other breeds like the Himalayan Persian and the Maine Coon have such a relaxed, laid-back attitude that they welcome any addition to the family.

Bringing a new cat into the home requires a certain amount of preparation in order to allow time for each cat to adjust. The best way to do this is to set up a special place for the new addition. A crate may be an option to consider as the new cats litter box abilities are not yet known.

It is important to gradually introduce the cats so the transition of each realizing the other exists will be an easier one. More importantly, never allow your cats to share a litter box or food dishes. This can not only upset the original cat of the household and cause behavioral issues; it can also spread feline diseases. Separate litter boxes and food dishes and maybe even separate areas will ensure a docile transition and a healthy, safe home.

For many, the prospect of owning multiple cats is a glorious and wonderful experience. Just remember, now that it is known what a cat lover you are, you may start receiving requests from people with stray or unwanted kittens and cats to just be a pal and add one more.

Making the decision to add a cat to your family was the easy part. Now, you must decide which breed is the best fit for you and your family and with so many varieties to choose from, it will take a little time and research.

The first thing you must consider is where you live. Apartment buildings, condos and town homes tend to have paper thin walls, so you must decide if you want a quiet cat or if you wouldn’t mind a chatterbox to keep you company. There are a few cat breeds that are known for being quite boisterous vocally. These breeds include the Siamese, Korat and the Burmese. If a quiet cat is more to your liking, you may want to consider the Scottish Fold, Somali, and the American Curl

The second important issue to consider is whether you want a warm, friendly cuddle cat or a more unassuming, reserved personality. Anyone having a lot of free time is sure to enjoy the affection and companionship of a warm hearted smuggler. Friendly cats also work well with homes that have children, where a reserved cat will tend to be temperamental. Breeds that are known for being quite friendly include the Snowshoe, Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Tonkinese, and the Himalayan Persian. Breeds that fall into the category of less sociable include the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Nebelung, and the Russian Shorthair.

If your preference is for a cat breed that can spend time amusing himself without getting into trouble, there are several breeds known for being extremely curious and active which would definitely not be the right choice. The most mischievous breeds of cat are the Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora. While these particular breeds are constantly on the move looking for new exciting adventures, they would make a great pet for someone who is home on a constant basis. The Rex, in fact is well known for its need to entertain its owner with its comical antics.

It is very important to remember that when shopping for a cat breed, that you don’t concentrate only on the temperament, but also whether you want a longhair or a shorthair. For people who don’t have much time to spend grooming, the shorthair is the perfect choice. These breeds require a brushing maybe once or twice a week to keep their coats smooth and shiny.

Longhaired breeds on the other hand, require a dedicated owner that can devote quite a lot of time to grooming. If not groomed properly, the hair of a longhaired breed can become gnarled and matted. Sometimes, it can even reach as far as the skin. The only answer when the hair has become this bad is to have your cat completely shaved. The problem with this solution is that your cat can be traumatized by the experience as well as the fact that anesthesia must be used and this can create certain severe health risks.

After considering all the options and traits each breed offers, you must then decide if you wish to have a kitten or an older cat. The best place to look for a kitten of a particular breed is to attend cat shows. Breeders most often will bring along a few kittens for sale. If you can not find the breed or specifics you are looking for, often time’s breeders will be able to offer further information or add you to their waiting list. If you wish to add an older cat to your family, your local humane society or animal rescue is a great place to search.

Whether you want a pure breed or are just looking for a furry companion, a little time and research will help you get the pet of your dreams.