Purebred or Mixed Breed? Breeder, Shelter or Stray

Where your cat comes from affects their health, their personality, how much you'll pay and how much support you'll get. There's no single "right" answer — but there are definitely wrong ones, like buying a kitten from a stranger online with no vet records.

Purebred vs mixed breed

Purebred (pedigree) cats have predictable looks and, to some extent, predictable temperament and care needs. If you want a very specific type of cat — a talkative Siamese, a placid Ragdoll — a breed makes that more likely.

The trade-offs: higher cost, and a higher risk of certain inherited conditions in some breeds. Flat-faced breeds (Persian, Exotic Shorthair) can have breathing and eye problems, and several breeds carry inherited heart or kidney disease. Good breeders test for these; poor ones don't. Browse our breed profiles for details.

Mixed-breed cats — often called domestic shorthairs or domestic longhairs, or "moggies" — make up the large majority of pet cats. They come in every size, color and personality, are widely available and generally benefit from greater genetic diversity. Adopting an adult mixed-breed lets you choose a known personality. Read more in mixed-breed cats.

Where to get a cat

Shelters and rescues — often the best choice for beginners

• Cats are usually vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed, neutered and microchipped.
• Staff and foster carers can tell you about each cat's personality.
• Adoption fees are low relative to what's included.
• Many shelters offer support after adoption, and will take the cat back if it doesn't work out.
• Some rescues specialize in particular breeds.

Expect an application, perhaps a home check, and questions about your lifestyle. These are signs of a responsible organization, not a hurdle.

Responsible breeders

If you've chosen a particular breed, a responsible breeder is the right route. See how to choose a breeder for the green and red flags. In short: health testing, kittens raised in the home, kittens not leaving before 12–13 weeks, and a written contract.

Friends, neighbors and "free to good home" ads

This can work well — especially if you know the mother cat and the kittens have been raised indoors with people. But usually nothing is included: you'll pay for vaccinations, parasite treatment and neutering yourself. Ask to see the mother, and make sure kittens are at least 8 weeks old (ideally 12).

Pet shops and online marketplaces

Be very cautious. Kittens sold through pet stores or anonymous online ads often come from high-volume breeding operations with poor welfare, may be too young, and may be unvaccinated or sick. Never pay a deposit to someone who won't let you visit, and never agree to meet in a parking lot.

Taking in a stray

If a cat turns up at your door:

1. Check it isn't someone's pet. Take it to a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip, post on local lost-pet groups and check with neighbors. Many "strays" are owned cats who roam.
2. Get a vet check before it meets any resident pets — strays can carry parasites, ringworm or infectious diseases such as FeLV and FIV.
3. Consider temperament. A friendly stray may make a lovely pet. A truly feral (unsocialized) adult cat is usually happier in a trap-neuter-return program than indoors.

Quick comparison