I never owned (or even liked ) cats until 10 years ago. Trevor was brought into my home by my son, completely without my knowledge, but he has definitely changed my mind about cats. Then 3 years later along came Andy. Neither or them are purebred but they are sweethearts for sure. I don't think I would ever go to a breeder for a kitty because each time I go to a shelter I fall in love with several of the homeless ones there and want to bring them home. I am becoming a big fan of the abysinian (sp?) breed though, as a result of meeting them through fellow Pet Talkers.