So now you've done your legwork and decided that Breed A is really the cat you must have. Congratulations! You're way ahead of the game! But now what? Well there are several ways to go.

    1). SHELTERS: Purebred cats make up less than 1% of the given cat population in any of several shelters. If you are looking for a Siamese or Persian you may luck out, depending on the area of the country you live in. If you are looking for a Egyptian Mau or Sphynx, forget it. It ain't gonna happen. It's always good to call and ask and leave your name on their waiting list if it is a relatively common breed. Keep in mind that you will probably be getting a "fixer-upper" that may have been through significant neglect (especially if it is a longhair) and possible abuse. If you are an experienced cat owner this can be a wonderful experience and you may get the best little buddy in the world. If you are a first time cat owner it may be more challenging that you expect.

2).BREED RESCUE: Obviously if you are reading this you know there is such a thing. For specific national breed rescue web sites, please click on the "breed rescue information" and you will be able to continue your search. Breed rescues have many advantages in that they individually care for and rehabilitate purebred cats in ways that shelters simply cannot. Also you will get a fair assessment of the cat's temperament, health,  and overall quality in much greater detail. Kittens of any breed are virtually never available through rescue and rare breeds may be difficult to find, but if you are looking to provide a needy cat a great home, this is the way to go.

3). PET STORES: Don't even get us started. If you feel you REALLY NEED a poorly bred (probably inbred) outrageously expensive, unhealthy, poorly socialized, manhandled by the public and misrepresented by utterly ignorant staff of a kitten that has been produced and dumped by a breeder who couldn't care less where it ends up as long as money is involved, then by all means, buy away. 

4). BREEDERS:This process can be very confusing and expensive for many people. There are many horror stories out there regarding unethical breeders, filthy backyard kitten mills and cats who wound up with more physical and mental problems than were ever expected. There are certainly WONDERFUL, ETHICAL breeders out there who have fabulous, healthy cats and are a tremendous credit to their breed. The hard part is, how does the average pet owner find them and what does one look for?

As discussed before, cat shows are a good place to start. There are also listings on the internet and in the back of cat magazines but prepared to do considerable legwork. Breeders sometimes list their cats in the paper, but GOOD breeders, those with truly quality, healthy cats and a great reputation, don't have to.  

       a). An ethical breeder cares more about where their cat is going than how much money he or she can make off of it. Caring breeders will make you feel as though you are trying to adopt a child and will ask you more questions than you ask them. This is a GOOD thing. This is why dogs and cats in pet stores are by default NOT from good breeders because those that care would never leave their youngsters in a store.

      b). An ethical breeder will invite you into their home, which is clean and the cats are well-kept and friendly (and unless this particular breeder has such a reputation they can walk on water we ALWAYS recommend visiting a cattery rather than having a kitten/cat shipped anonymously. You have NO IDEA WHAT CONDITIONS THIS ANIMAL HAS BEEN LIVING IN). Anyone who hands you a cat through a door in exchange for money or always has a reason why you can't see any of the adult cats on the premises should be considered a red flag.

      c). An ethical breeder will not sell kittens under AT LEAST 10 weeks of age. The norm is 12-16 weeks. If you find someone willing to sell you a 6-8 week old kitten, don't walk away, RUN AWAY. (And the same can be said for breeders who sell young puppies as well).

      d). An ethical breeder should provide you with vet records and you should CONTACT THAT VET FOR A REFERENCE. He or she should also provide you with references from people who have purchased cats before and those also should be CHECKED.

      e). An ethical breeder will have you sign a contract indicating that he or she will take the cat back at any time during its life if you are unable or unwilling to keep it. The breeder SHOULD care that much. The contract should also indicate that the cat must NOT be declawed and is either spayed or neutered already (which is preferable) or must be altered at a reasonable time unless it is a show animal specifically purchased for breeding.

These are only a few suggestions for pinpointing a good breeder. Networking, checking references and taking your time are still the best allies in your corner for finding your perfect kitty companion.