Prospective cat owners are always filled with giddy excitement regarding the new addition they hope to invite into their lives; however, they also have many queries regarding how to buy a cat properly. In this article, we will explore all the most important things to know before getting a cat and what you need to arrange before owning a cat, from the costs involved to finding the best breed for you. We will also concisely cover everything you need to know about finding reputable breeders and answer your questions regarding how to adopt.

Have you considered adopting a cat ?

“Should I get a cat from a rescue centre” is a question we hear a lot. Adopting a cat is a great option for many reasons, but most importantly, it gives cats in shelters a second chance at a loving, comfortable home. Adopting a cat also reduces the number of cats in rescue centres, allowing new cats to be housed and ultimately rehomed. Furthermore, it can also prove to be a more cost-effective option, as getting a cat from a breeder can be quite expensive. Not everyone is best suited to looking after a kitten, especially those with busy lives who are out of the house for long periods of time. Adoption allows you to own a cat that has reached adulthood, which may be a much better fit for you. 

How do you buy a cat from a rehoming centre? The best way to find a rehoming centre is to search for cats available to adopt in your area online, there may be different charities operating in your area. For example, Cats Protection, Blue Cross, and the RSPCA are great places to start. They will usually require that you fill out an adoption form for your chosen cat, and there may then be a home visit. You will also visit the centre to meet your chosen kitty in person and soon after, you will take your new pet home! Some centres also match you with cats on their system after filling out an application form.

How much does a cat cost ?

The cost of getting a cat can vary massively, as mentioned previously, adopting can be a cost-effective option as rescue centres usually charge between £25 and £180 to adopt a cat. This charge is to cover adoption fees and will be reinvested back into the charity, allowing other cats to be rehomed. In 2025, the cost of getting a cat from a reputable breeder can vary massively depending on the breed you are interested in, you can expect to pay anywhere between £200 and £2000 for your desired breed. Some of the most expensive cat breeds available include the Sphynx and the Maine Coon.

What breed of cat is best for me ?

Owning a cat can be a lot of responsibility, once you have established if you should get a cat, the next big decision to make is which breed suits your lifestyle and personality best. There are many different types of breeds available, and they are all unique in their own ways, certain breeds are more suitable for specific people. 

The most common cat in the UK is the domestic short/long haired cat, more commonly (and affectionately) known as a 'moggy'. They are a combination of different breeds so are unique in their coat colour, length and personality. 

  • Firstly, think about your lifestyle. Do you lead a busy lifestyle? Are you away from home for long periods of time If the answer is yes, a relatively self-sufficient breed is best, British Shorthairs, Russian Blues and Norwegian Forest Cats are known to require less attention than other breeds.
  • You should also consider your environment. Do you live in an apartment or a large home? Is there garden access? Will you need an indoor breed? Bigger, more boisterous breeds like Bengals are not recommended for small spaces. In comparison, Ragdolls are calm and well-suited to living in apartments.
  • You should also consider grooming needs. Do you have time to groom a longhaired breed? A short-haired breed (Siamese) or hairless breed (Sphynx) may be a better choice.

Should I get more than one cat ?

Many cat owners ask themselves: should I get another cat? There are pros and cons to looking after more than one cat, but ultimately, it is your decision. Having two cats means they can provide each other with company and mental stimulation; however if they are not litter mates (or already bonded) they are likely to not readily accept one another, even when introduced together. You also need to consider the financial burden and if you have the time to look after another feline!

Where to find a reputable breeder ?

Finding a reputable breeder can require research but it’s one the the most important things you should research before getting a cat. If you're looking to buy a pedigree breed in the UK, the GCCF is the gold standard for breeders. Check out their website for more information on how to buy a cat from an ethical, GCCF registered pedigree breeder. You can also look for Breed Club registration and licensed cat breeders

Signs of good cat breeder

Need more advice about how to buy a cat responsibly? Make sure to look for these signs of a reputable and ethical breeder. 

  • Knowledge, passion and honesty: a good breeder will be happy to answer questions and have a clear interest in finding the right home for their animals. They should also be knowledgeable. Look for licensed cat breeders
  • Health and welfare: kittens should be dewormed and deflead, they should be able to provide documents about this. They should be kept in clean, safe, spacious and healthy environments with no sign of illness.
  • Kittens should leave their litter at 12 weeks old.
  • Well socialised animals: when viewing the mother, kittens and relatives they should all be well socialised and healthy.
  • Documentation: the breeder should provide all the necessary documents, health certificates, a receipt, pedigree information and aftercare support.
  • One litter per queen: reputable breeders should only seek to have one litter per queen every year. This information proves that the breeder is not churning out kittens solely for profit.
  • For pedigree breeds, registration at a breed club or the GCCF is key.

Signs of bad breeder

  • Be wary of breeders that push for an immediate sale and show little interest, knowledge or care for the animals welfare. Be wary of breeders selling kittens that are too young to leave their mother. Kittens should not leave their mum before 12 weeks of age.
  • Observe the environment the animals are being kept in, if it seems dirty, overcrowded, loud or you observe multiple litters in one space, this is a sign of cruelty.
  • If the breeder refuses to provide health documents, an invoice or record of sale, pedigree information or aftercare support. More info on this below.
  • If the cats or kittens seem to be suffering from illnesses or are poorly socialised, this is also a very bad sign.
  • If a breeder refuses to let you meet the kitten beforehand or view the environment it is being raised in or refuses to answer your questions about the animals.
  • Ultimately, trust your gut. If something feels off about a breeder, it usually is.

Documents to ask for

Whatever choice you make it’s important to gather some important documentation about your cat from their previous owner, such as: 

  • An invoice or record of the change of ownership, this may be required for registering your pet’s identichip
  • Their original microchip or electronic identification card A veterinary certificate or pet passport prior to transfer
  • Their birth certificate if it is a pedigree kitten
  • Some basic information on your cat and any of their specific needs or preferences.
  • Also, ask for some of the food they have been eating. Feeding them familiar food in the early stages can help ease them through the transition into a new home.

Other things to know before getting a cat

We have covered many of the questions prospective cat owners ask. However, there are still some other things to know before getting a cat, namely, final considerations and the preparations required to welcome a new cat/kitten into your home! For example, you will want to prepare a cat arrival checklist, this will include essentials like litter trays, toys, complete and well-balanced cat food catered to their life stage, treats, grooming supplies, bedding and more. You will also have to make decisions about the most appropriate food for your new arrival, and what litter to use (clay or wood), and register them with a local vet.

Responsible Owner Program

Once you have chosen your new cat and brought them home, there are a few simple steps to take to help with their transition and to ensure they have a long happy life with you. 

There is also excellent specific information on other parts of cat ownership on our site, such as our articles on the many benefits of having a cat, information on feeding your kitten, ways to teach your cat basic indoor behaviours, and much more. 

The more you learn about cat ownership and the greater your understanding of their needs, the more you will be able to create a rich life for your cat, and the more rewarding your connection will be.