What should you look for in a cat? Of the thousands available for adoption, how will you select one from among the fabulous feline faces? Before you start looking, think about the characteristics you like in a cat. Consider:



1) Personality. A cat that approaches you and makes eye contact is usually a good bet. A friendly, outgoing personality is desired by most pet owners, but some people prefer a cat that is less demanding.

2) Age. Although kittens are adorable, they can be a handful. Kittens are active and require some training. Many people prefer to adopt mature cats that are trained and relaxed.

3) Breed or Type. If you do not like to groom, do not get a long-haired cat. All cats need grooming, but longhairs require extra brushing.

4) Healthy. Everyone wants a cat that is fit, but do not overlook the cat that has recovered from an illness. Often the care the cat is given to combat the illness makes the cat stronger in

the long run, and the handling during treatment can make the cat easier to handle at home.

Shelter personnel are trained to evaluate animals; consult them for their opinions of the cats they have on ahnd. Sometimes it is best just to wait for the right cat to come along.

The age of technology has arrived to serve the field of animal welfare. Cat adoptions have been completed via the airwaves, facilitated by television. Our cable network in California airs a terrific program, The Pet Place, which features cats and dogs from local animal shelters. This opportunity to display available cats and dogs has enabled our shelters to place hundreds of needy animals in wonderful homes.

Our local ABC affiliate occassionally features adoptable pets. Local talk-shoes are natural ways to showcase the wonderful animals waiting for homes to call their own. In addition to servicing the lucky, featured pets, these shows provide a bigger service-they call attention to the need for responsible pet ownership.

Seeing homeless cats should be an incentive for spaying and neutering the Fuffies and Pumpkins of our neighbourhoods. We depend upon this mainstream media coverage of pet issues to improve the future for all animals. Of course, the best message heard from the broadcasts is that wonderful animals need homes, and the shelter is the place to look for a cute cat.

Your local animal shelter can open the door to future happiness. Your enthusiasm for becoming a pet owner may make you impatient, but before you head for the nearest humane society, carefully examine your decision.