Instructions
Learn about the different cat breeds before choosing a kitten. If you choose a pedigree kitten, most of his traits will follow those of his breed. Decide which breeds of cats have the best personality mixes for you and your family.
Use a "breed selector" to help match your personality to various cat breed personalities. There are several of these available on the Internet for your use (see Resources below).
Consider the amount of time that you have and are willing to spend grooming your kitten. Both short- and long-haired cats shed, but the more hair that a cat has, the more frequently she needs to be groomed. Long-haired cats should be brushed daily, whereas short-haired cats can be brushed every few days.
Decide if gender matters to you. As long as they are neutered, there are very few personality differences between male and female cats. Males who are not neutered can present problems such as wandering and urine spraying. Females who are not spayed can be overly vocal when in season. Spaying a female is typically more expensive than neutering a male.
Observe the kitten before deciding if she is the right one for your home. Watch how she interacts with the other kittens in the litter, as well as with people. Introduce the kitten to all family members and other pets, if possible, before bringing her home.
How to Choose the Right Kitten for Your Home
If you are lucky, your kitten may be part of your family for 20 years or more. Choosing the right kitten for your home and family is important so that everyone living in the home, including the cat, is happy. There are several different breeds of cats as well as many combinations of breeds. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 40 cat breeds.