First you have to do some research on the breed of cat that interests you, or that would fit your son or your family's personality. Most people will give a cat one look and they have already decided. Of course, a nice-looking cat would be a welcome treat but the choice of cat should not only be based on its looks but also on its temperament.

Consider if there are children in the household and research what breed of cats are friendly and are easy to groom and to take care of? And then decide whether you would like to get a kitten or an older cat.

Once you have decided on the breed of cat, then look for legitimate cat breeders who can supply you with the cat you require. Try to attend cat shows and ask for a recommendation. It also helps to read the newspapers or surf the internet since most breeders have their own sites.

Buying a cat from a responsible cat breeder will not ensure you have a purebred cat but will guarantee that you are getting a healthy cat. You can also ask about retired breeders as they can sell at lower prices. Cats purchased from retired breeders are often better than kittens as they are probably already nurtured, of high quality and they can easily adjust to their new home.

Responsible breeders will not sell very young kittens that are not yet weaned. Also choose a breeder who will provide a health guarantee for the kitten as well as complete papers and registration.

Tips on finding cat breeders:

1. To get good cat breeders, make sure to talk to people who may have purchased animals from the same breeders as they can give you insights as to how responsible the breeder is.

2. Ask the breeder for references and go check on these references.

3.Check a cat breeders cattery list because if the breeder has lots of available kittens, then it may mean that the breeder is having a hard time finding homes for these kittens and the reason may be significant to you.

4. Make sure the breeder can give you the cat registration, health records and pedigree records.