Cats. They are one of the most popular pets in the world, and some people used to worship them! So now you want to bring one into your home, but you don't know much about the different breeds, how to care for them, or what they need to have a long and happy life with you. Well, you've come to the right place!

In their households, cats are definately the boss. They choose who they are going to be friendly towards, and do it on their time. If they feel like ignoring you, that's exactly what they'll do.

There are about 40 recognized cat breeds, and about a million unrecognized ones. Actually, it's estimated that only 1 to 3 percent of cats are purebred. They come in many shape, size, and color variations, and have personalities as different as summer and winter.

Cats have an average lifespan of 15 years, so when you decide that you want a cat be sure you're prepared to provide for and love it for years to come. They are independent creatures by nature, but they do require veterinary care, including inoculations and booster shots annually.

When you get a cat, unless you have a very good reason for breeding it, have it spayed or neutered. It has been estimated that one unaltered female cat and her unaltered offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only 7 years, many of which end up being put to sleep in animal shelters, abused, or homeless on the streets.

Here is what you should look for when choosing a cat

1. Clear eyes with no film or discharge, also alert looking
2. Clean ears (white or pink) that are not sensitive to touch
3. Clean nose without discharge
4. Healthy pink gums, no offensive mouth odor
5. Healthy looking coat
6. If it is a kitten, it's fur should be fluffy and glossy
7. Whiskers should be long and unbroken
8. Skin free of lumps, growths, or swelling, above or below the surface
9. Uncracked paw pads
10. Responsive, energetic, and curious personality

Allergies

caused by almost anything. Common symptoms are itching, scratching, sneezing, skin lesions, runny eyes, diarrhea, and vomiting

Chlamydia

bacterial infection that affects the mucus membranes usually around the eyes. Common symptoms are conjunctivitis starting in one eye and spreading to the other. It can be transmitted to humans through contact.

Diabetes

pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin necessary to regulate the cat's blood sugar level. Symptoms include excessive thirst and increased urination.

FeLV

Feline Leukemia Virus. Potentially deadly cat-to-cat virus that causes the animal's immune system to break down.

FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Highly contagious viral disease that multiplies in the cat's white cells and circulates in the blood destroying cells and releasing fatal toxins.

FIV

Feline Immunodeficienty Virus. Deadly disease that breaks down the cat's immune system.

FUS

Feline Urinary Syndrome. Caused by urethral irritation and blockage characterized by frequent strained voiding of small quantities of often bloody urine in locations other than the litterbox. One of the most common, painful, and treatable of all feline ailments.

Hairballs

Characterized by vomiting that doesn't seem to alter the cat's behavior. Caused by ingestion of hair that is swallowed as the cat grooms itself.

Worms

Intestinal parasite. Take the cat and/or a fecal sample to the vet to get correct diagnosis and medicine.

1. Pale gums and tongue
2. Red and puffy gums
3. Skin lesions
4. coughing
5. sneezing
6. fishy odors
7. acting listless
8. refusing food
9. urinating in places other than the litterbox
10. frequent urination
11. strained urination tinged with blood
12. recurrent diarrhea or constipation
13. weight loss
14. increased thirst
15. bald patches in coat
16. increase in scratching
17. oily skin
18. discharge from ears
19. sparse, matted, or dull coat
20. labored breathing
21. sudden or frequent vomiting
22. bumps or swellings on the inner side of thighs
23. stomach looks distended

Cat Scratch Fever

An infection transmitted by the bite and scratch of a cat, even if it isn't ill. Not all bites or scratches cause the disease. Incubation period is 3 to 10 days. There may be flulike symptoms, as well as redness, swelling, and tenderness in the area where the wound seems to have healed.

Rabies

Any cat that goes outside can be infected. The best method of prevention is to have your cat vaccinated and limit outdoor time.

Ringworm

A highly contagious fungus that can be transmitted to humans and other cats by direct contact. The first symptom is a patchy, moth-eaten look about the hair accompanied by itching. Not a real worm.

Toxoplasmosis

Caused by a parasite transmitted through nasal discharge and feces. If you accidentally eat this parasite, which is possible by cleaning the litter box and then eating without first washing your hands, you can develop mononucleosis type symptoms. Not serious for healthy people, but it is extremely dangerous for expectant mothers.