Here Kitty Kitty

Picking a pet -- dog, fish, cat, rabbit, llama -- is a very personal matter. It's almost like picking a mate (and for some, can come pretty darn close to fulfilling that companionship role), and if there's one thing you should know about doing both, it's not to pick purely based on looks.

That's the first tip about choosing a cat, anyway, in this week's Woman's Day given by Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City.

Some other used tidbits before you take the plunge and bring the adorable one home:

Consider allergies. According to the piece, about 10 million Americans area allergic to cat dander. Be sure that your family won't react to that by getting tested ahead of time. Make sure that the pets you already have won't scare Miss Kitty half out of her wits snarling and slobbering to claim their space. Count it into the budget. Pets, like kids, or anything else that needs to be fed, need a reserve fund. Realistically consider that you'll have expenses that weren't there before. Get a kitten that is at least 6 months old to be more than a little sure of their personality.Go to a shelter to adopt a kitten since so many need good homes. Visit petfinder.com to find cats where you live.

And don't forget to visit dailywd.womansday.com/blog/cutest-pet-of-the-day for a big ol' shot of awesomely cute animals on display. Just what your weekend was missing!

Photo: Alexander van der Woud@sxc.hu