When the time comes to welcome a cat into the family, the question of whether to purchase a cat from a breeder or pet store or to instead adopt a cat from another family or an animal shelter can come up.

If your quest is to get a cat that you can show, a pedigree may be the best option, however, most organizations have a "household cat" category where you can show off your precious one.

Acquiring your cat from a reputable breeder, (again, a caution about buying a cat from a pet store, in the US at least, many of these cats come from kitten mills where the cats are raised in deplorable conditions) can have some benefits. Many breeders offer a guarantee, and you can research past generations for health issues as well.

Some people are really attracted to certain breeds which have the looks they like and are more likely to display a breed characteristic temperament. For some, this is the only way they would consider getting a cat. Bringing a cat into your family is a long term affair. Getting a nice match with the cats personality is important.

Choosing to adopt a cat means that your options are wide open. An added advantage is also that cats waiting for a home will already have lived in one and information about their behavior will most likely be available.

Some cats at shelters come with a full history, such as if they deal well with young children orwith other pets. There is also a great feeling that can come with adopting a cat since some cats that are never adopted wind up euthanized by the shelter. There simply isn't always enough room for all the cats in the shelter, so sometimes there is no other choice. By adopting a cat, you're saving the cat's life.

There are many other ways to adopt a cat than shelters. Your local newspaper will have many ads about cats looking for a loving family. The reason someone has to give their cat away is many. Allergies is a common one, as is change in living conditions, the death of the cats owner, a divorce etc.

The advantage of adopting from a shelter is that you are more assured to know any health issues prior to deciding to adopt. Adopting privately means you do not know if the cat has any health issues that may end up being expensive, both financiall and emotionally.

The choice of whether to purchase a cat or instead adopt one is easy for some people, while other folks may struggle with the decision. If you aren't sure with which route to explore, start at your local animal shelter and take a look at the cats there. Chances are you'll find a great cat that will fit right into your family nicely, and as a bonus you can feel good knowing you've saved a life.

If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There's very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.

Most kittens already know how to use a box. Their mother has taught them. Your jobs are few. Keep the box clean, and let your cat know where it is, lest he find someplace else to do his business. The only problem is figuring out what type of litter is best to use for both your new pet and for your home.

There are an increasing number of options available, so it's good to know a bit about each type before you run out and buy a bag.

One factor you'll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You'll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.

The most popular litter right now is probably clumping cat litter. That's because the litter combines with the moisture in the waste to form, as the name suggests, clumps. These clumps are easy to scoop away, meaning there is no need to change out the entire box. Once you scoop the waste, just replace the missing litter with some new litter. And the scents this litter is available in will do a decent job of hiding the smell, although it won't get rid of the odor all together. The biggest problem with clumping litter is that some cats will actually eat the clumps. Watch your pet carefully.

Silica litters use water, sand, and crystals to control the odor and moisture. You've seen those little packets in new shoes or some medicines. Those packets are there to absorb moisture and contain silica. Because of it's moisture absorbing capabilities, those same crystals are now used in cat litter. You scoop out the solid waste and the liquid is absorbed by the crystals. On the down side there is no clumping. On the plus side, this litter is usually biodegradable, returning to a sandy base when decomposed.

Another biodegradable litter is paper litter, which is becoming very popular with environmental pet owners. This litter is made from pellets or recycled paper. In addition to being biodegradable, it is absorbent and is easy to carry around because it does not weigh very much.

Another litter quickly gaining in popularity is litter made from wood. It too is biodegradable. Pine is the most frequent wood used, primarily because of it's ability to naturally absorb odors. But really, all softwood litters are good at both liquid and odor absorption. The result is a more natural litter because no chemicals are added.

Here's the concern; no matter what you think is best, your cat may wholeheartedly disagree. He may hate what you choose and he'll let you know by not using it. Some won't use silica because the crystals can irritate their paws. Others shy away from pine just because they don't enjoy the smell. One good thing about cats is they will let you know what they don't like and what they do like without being able to speak.

And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision.

Most people who have owned, or been owned by, a highly independent cat, would never even conceive of the idea of putting a harness, or leash (leash!!) on their kitty and taking her for a walk. The mere thought is bound to produce some deep rumbling chuckles within the cat owner. Their cat on a leash, being told where to go? Sounds unbelievable, but read on, your kitty may be about to discover a whole new exciting world!

Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.

Getting your cat to accept the leash or harness may take some doing on your part. Going in baby steps will reward you. Rub the harness with catnip. Let kitty sleep with the harness before you put it on. Patience will pay off.

The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.

For an inside cat the outside world will seem frightening at first, so be patient and gentle. Before long your cat will learn to love the excitement of going outside.

Don't buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.

Before venturing outside you may want to practice with the lead at home first. Don't be overly concerned with your cat's reaction at this. Once outside they do tend to get a selective focus, tending to forget all about their leash as they sniff and explore a myriad of fascinating items.

While persistence and patience pays off in making your cat get used to not only a leash and harness, but also going outside, if it is obvious that your cat is not getting less stressed and is indeed suffering, then maybe you are better off finding some other way for your cat to enjoy the outdoors.

If you have been patiently trying, taking small steps, taking your cat to a quiet place with interesting things to sniff and she you see no improvement in her comfort level, then, maybe walking on a leash is not for your cat.

However, before long you may be surprised at your cat. She may begin to see her safe outside excursions as a highlight of her day. Something fun, interesting and stimulating to break up the monotony of being inside.

Dogs are remarkable animals capable of learning a variety of complex behaviors if owners commit a little time each and train in small steps using patience and understanding. In this article, we have listed 15 dog training tips which will help you to achieve this goal.

1. Don't be cruel to your dog. If you strike your dog out of frustration, it will only learn to fear you. Give it love, nourishment, and a healthy diet and exercise. This will ensure that your dog is at its peak, both mentally and physically.

2. In the beginning stages, be sure you don't use the dog's name to get him to look at you, say his name after he looks at you. After a day or two, you should start to see the dog get whiplash looking at you when you say his name.

3. Spending quality time with your dog, either playing, grooming or exercising, alls you to keep a close eye on their health

4. If the dog does something great, reinforce within a half second. If the dog does something less than desirable, wait for a full five to ten seconds after he stops doing the unwanted behavior, redirect to a better behavior, and then reinforce.

5. There are four magic words to use instead of "No" - "Come", "Sit", "Stay" and "Give" Once your dog has learned what these behaviors mean, use them instead.