If you've been thinking about adopting a feline companion, there are a few things to consider before you go to the local animal shelter.

First, you should consider whether or not you want to adopt a kitten or an older cat.

Many people prefer to pick cute, fluffy, and playful kittens for many reasons. First, most kittens have not developed bad habits or attitudes. Kittens can integrate easier with families with children as well.

But make no mistake, older cats are a great choice too. If you live alone or want a less energetic pet adopting an older cat might be the way to go.

In any case, many animal shelters will fix and immunize cats before they are adopted out, so that is one less expense you have to worry about. However, you do need to consider whether or not you are going to declaw your cat.

I am not a real fan of declawing (even for inside cats) a cat since a cat's claws are her only source of defense. Removing her claws means removing her only way to fight if she's in a jam. Instead of declawing my cats, I trim them every now and then. To keep the cats from destroying my furniture, I have many scratching posts throughout the house. That seems to keep them happy.

It can take a new cat several days to settle into a new house. Don't be surprised if she hides from you or hisses at you. Give her a few days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.

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Cat Fish - Cydney Conger

"A dog will flatter you but you have to flatter the cat."- George Mikes

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Stretch Kelley - Lowell Herro

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." - Hippolyte Taine

Rare, beautiful, wonderful, and exotic, and all words used to describe the ocicat. It is a cat that is well muscled and intelligent cat, resembling the spotted ocelot of the jungle. Despite it's exotic look, the ocicat displays the the gentle temperament of a domestic cat.

Cat owners have the best of both: the feral look of a wild jungle cat, without the wild cat blood and thus, none of the problems associated with raising an animal that has wild blood.

The Ocicat is a medium sized cat, weighing in at six to fourteen pounds. Its powerful, graceful body is set on muscular legs. This breed's head has a distinct wedge shape, which is topped by large, Siamese like ears. These cats have eyes with a slightly Oriental shape that are surrounded by dark color. Many cat enthusiasts say this rim of color makes these cats look as though they are wearing glasses. A long, gracefully tapered tail completes the wild appearance of this breed.

While the original Ocicat was ivory colored with golden spots, there are now many additional recognized colors. You can find these spotted cats in Tawny, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blue, Lavender, and Fawn colors. In addition, these cats come in spotted tabby, spotted silver tabby, and spotted smoke patterns of all of the above colors.

The Ocicat's short hair does not actually need to be groomed frequently. However, since this breed enjoys the attention, you may want to groom your cat several times a week.

For many pet owners, one cat is enough. But for others, cats are like potato chips....they can't just have one, or two.

Are you thinking about adopting a second cat?

A second cat can provide great companionship to your current feline friend. For example, if you happen to be gone for an extended period of time, a second cat can keep your current cat company while you are gone. Not only that but your current cat will most likely develop a new lease on life if you introduce a new buddy into his life.

Keep in mind, however, some cats enjoy their solitude and can be very territorial towards their homes and families. At first, they may not appreciate sharing their lives with another cat.

Introducing a new cat to the family can be a very tricky process. It is best to keep the two separated for the first couple days. When I bring a new cat into the family, I usually keep her in a spare bedroom with food and a litter box for few days.

After a few days, when each cat has gotten accustom to each other's scent, I allow the cats to interact with each other for a few minutes at a time.

Although some people feel that their cats will be more at home with a cat from the same breed, many cats are quite happy to hang out with other cat breeds. Of course, you may want to reconsider pairing a boisterous, clownish Rex cat with a standoffish Russian Blue. Cat breeds with similar traits do better together than cats that are completely different. Of course, the Himilayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds are so laid back and friendly that they adapt well to life with the most demanding or rambunctious cats. Ocicats and Abyssinians make great buddies as well.

Kittenwar.com, is a popular Web site that pits two photographs of cuddly kittens side by side and asks the viewer to vote for a winner.

Now, there's a book based off the popular site. Kitten war is hilarious and is a must for any cat lover. Each page is filled with great photos, great cat names, and some interesting cat trivia that you may not be familiar with. You won't be able to put the book down, it has something for every kitten lover.

The quality of the photos and the "AWWW" factor are both high.

Bookends by Steve Hanks

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Black Cat

A cat as black
As blackest coal
Is out upon
His midnight stroll,
His steps are soft,
His walk is slow,
His eyes are gold,
They flash and glow.
And so I run
And so I duck,
I do not need
His black-cat luck.

Author Unknown

Is the Playful Abyssinian the Right Breed for You?

If you've always thought cats were too snooty, cold, and unaffectionate, you haven't met an Abyssinian. These cats are very smart, personable ,and affectionate animals. They love to interact with their families.

The Cat Fancier's Association classifies the Abyssinian as a part of the Championship Class, along with thirty six other cat breeds. This breed is often smaller than many other cat breeds, weighing in at only nine to sixteen pounds. They have a slim athletic build are not to demanding.

This breed is much older than many other cat breeds. Images in ancient Egypt show cats with a very similar appearance, right down to the ticked appearance of their coats. The first Abyssinians to arrive in England came from Ethiopia in the eighteen hundreds.