Kitten adoption- breeder or shelter?

Two months ago I had to put my beloved 19-year-old cat Abby to sleep. I'm thinking that in a few months my family and I are going to be ready for a new kitten and I'm trying to decide if I should adopt from a shelter or go to a breeder for a Burmese. Here's the story: I adopted Abby from a shelter as a kitten and while I loved her to pieces she could be VERY difficult. For many years she would hiss and growl and threaten anyone who came to visit. We had a cat behaviorist work with her/us, she was on kitty Prozac- It was crazy. 

So first and foremost what I'd be looking for in a new cat is a friendly and affectionate personality. I am considering a Burmese as they are bred to have those traits. But on the other hand I know there are so many good shelter cats out there...maybe mine just had issues and wasn't representative.

Anyone want to weigh in here with an opinion?

Thanks so much,

Andrea

Are you looking for a Burmese, or are you simply looking for an affectionate, calm cat?  If you don't need a Burmese and want to help a worthy cat, consider adopting an adult. It is not uncommon for someone to adopt a sweet, affectionate kitten who turns into a grumpy adult. A better bet is to adopt an adult whose personality fits with your needs. Adults usually stay true to form. 

Morganna has a local rescue with a pretty, affectionate, delightful, healthy young cat in foster. She was recently spayed and has had her shots. She's healthy, happy and has perfect litter manners. All she needs is a lap to sit in and someone on whom to lavish her attention. If you're looking for a great companion, please consider meeting Sophie.

And no, that eyeliner isn't photoshopped!

Thank you for the reply. We're not ready to adopt at the moment, and though we don't necessarily need a Burmese, We will eventually want a kitten (though Sophie is beautiful).

Last year we adopted sibling kittens from Mt. Pleasant shelter on route 10.  Most of the staff were very friendly and helpful, one woman identified the friendliest kittens for us.  They have a few rooms where you can interact with individual animals.  It helped us learn how friendly and playful our cats are.  At this time of year they often have multiple rooms of kittens.  When you are ready to adopt you might want to check it out.

My sympathies on the loss of your beloved Abby.

We have 2 1/2 cats. The two rescues were born inside from a pregnant mother taken off the street. They are both very gentle  But so is the 1/2 who is a feral who showed up at our door and we tnr'd and is now allowed to come and go as she pleases. There are plenty of well tempered cats in shelters. You can also foster to see how it goes. 

Couldn't resist jumping in here. In rescue I have had at different times purebred cats and mixed ones. Cats and kittens. Males and females and while coming to rescue with my own assumptions, they were usually proven unreliable.

I started as a Persian & Himalayan rescue and loved them. I thought males were more affectionate than females. And like everyone else I thought kittens would be more bonded than adults. None of it turned out to be true.

I'm fostering Sophia, (not trying to talk you into her or any other kitty until you are ready) and she surprised me when she persisted in hopping up onto my lap after living outside and only staying with me for a few weeks while she finished nursing her kittens. Her trust was incredible.

For anyone who is interested she was recently spayed, UTD on shots and tested negative for FIV FELV and is 6 lbs of cuddles and kisses.

I can give a thumbs up to adopting adult cats.  I adopted two adult cats (at different times) and haven't regretted it an instant.

I knew their personalities and had no surprises.

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies. You've given me a lot to think about.

I know people who have gotten pets from breeders who never meet the pet before hand. I think that is crazy. It is like a Chassidic wedding. 

if you want a specific breed you can use petfinder or adoptapet sites and search by breed.  Many will be mixes but it is a start.

I worked with this wonderful rescue last year to place a feral cat and her 3 kittens.  The adorable kittens were given lots of human contact before they were adopted out.  I would definitely try to adopt through a rescue.  

http://www.c4prescue.org/adopt...

my boss is interested in Sophie 

Glover said:

my boss is interested in Sophie 

Sounds great. I'll PM you my email and number!

We have always adopted, mostly from shelters, but also from rescue service once or twice (in order to get a Siamese).  If you are keen on a Burmese, you can likely find one on Petfinder, as long as you use the photos to weed out the obvious misidentified kitties.

I get that kittens are cute, but they grow up fast.  Since we have several felines (4), whenever one passes the group dynamics change, so we need to bring in a new 4th.  We have found that it is much easier to integrate a young cat (5-10 months), who is not quite as rambunctious, and at least partially recognizes the older cats as superiors.

Finally, be aware that you can't judge a cat's temperament & how contact seeking it will be, till it is mature.  Most of our cats have not reached that final cuddly stage till they are about 6 years old (but with 4 at varying ages, there is always at least one who wants lap time).

bigben_again said:

Are you looking for a Burmese, or are you simply looking for an affectionate, calm cat?  If you don't need a Burmese and want to help a worthy cat, consider adopting an adult. It is not uncommon for someone to adopt a sweet, affectionate kitten who turns into a grumpy adult. A better bet is to adopt an adult whose personality fits with your needs. Adults usually stay true to form. 

Morganna has a local rescue with a pretty, affectionate, delightful, healthy young cat in foster. She was recently spayed and has had her shots. She's healthy, happy and has perfect litter manners. All she needs is a lap to sit in and someone on whom to lavish her attention. If you're looking for a great companion, please consider meeting Sophie.

And no, that eyeliner isn't photoshopped!

Happy to report that Sophia went to a wonderful home today!

That's great!! 

that is wonderful news!

Now to find a home for these two!

Thank you all again for the input. We adopted a wonderful little kitten today from the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter! She's adorable- 3 1/2 months old,  jet black. We named her Luna.

Congratulations!   I hope you will all be very happy together for many years.  Best wishes to you all.

Yay for getting a shelter cat!  That is a great thing to do.