If you are considering adopting a cat or kitten, please be mindful of the serious commitment of pet ownership.

Cat Ownership is a Lifetime Commitment

Commitment!! You can say that again! All of my kitties over the years have either been rescue kitties for the humane society or ones from people who no longer want their little sweeties! Sometimes I wish I was cat-less because they do "tie me down" from taking long vacations and other things but they are my "babies" and who would give away their child? I have two kitties right now (Cleopatra a Maine Coon and Serenity a DSH). I've had up to 4 kitties at once. They are indoor only cats because it's safer for them (no fleas & ticks, no dogs or other predators, no traffic, traps, no rodents/birds to eat and get a disease, etc). I even have a plan for their care if I should die before them.

Well said - thanks for the article. My mother-in-law wants to buy this expensive cat and I do not think she is ready for the commitment, nor do I agree with purchasing a cat when there are so many that need rescuing at animal shelters! That is where I have gotten all my cats from, with great success - they are all awesome animals.

Carolyn My Cleopatra is a full blood, registered (papers and all), Maine Coon. She came from a breeder. However, she was not show quality or breeding quality so the breeders had her "fixed" and gave her to me for free. This was about 8 years ago. I personally think the breeders could not see putting her down just because she was not show quality. As I recall, they had quite a few cats that were not their show cats. I think they loved all their cats and the reason I got Cleo for free was because they wanted to find her a good home! I hope you can talk some sense into your mother-in-law. Sometimes you can find full blooded cats at the humane societies because people find out the level of care that is needed and just give up. Long-haired cats need to be groomed almost every day (that's my Cleo)! They should get annual check ups just like humans. They need shots. I'd better get off my soapbox! You know what needs they have...good luck with convincing your MIL.