Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be.

Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will have to take care of a cat until its death, which could be in 15 to 20 years. In addition, you should be ready to spend a large amount of your time feeding the cat, grooming it, and playing with it on a daily basis.

Keep the following points in mind before deciding to adopt a cat:

1. Prior to bringing a cat home, it is essential to know if any member of your household is allergic to cats. Having to get rid of your new pet would be cruel.

2. Cats are social animals and need regular attention and care. They must not be left alone for extended periods, nor be handled roughly, as this will make them aggressive and nervous.

3. Cat care can take a financial toll. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of your cat's food, toys, medication, and so on.

4. Decide whether you want to adopt a kitten or an adult cat. The only advantage of getting a kitten is that kittens are cute. On the other hand, an adult cat has a well defined personality. Moreover, adult cats are more likely to be litter-box trained and less likely to scratch every bit of furniture in your house.

5. Children and cats can prove to be a bad combination, especially if the child is very young. He or she may mistreat the cat (knowingly or unknowingly) and get a nasty bite in return.

6. A cat requires proper care and medical treatment. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, and prescription medication for any health problems that could occur.

7. It does not really matter whether you get a female cat or male cat; both genders are equally affable. However, always have your cat spayed or neutered. This helps avoid the unhealthy effects of the mating season in female cats and curb aggression in males.

8. Cat adoption is the most humane way to get a cat, due to the large number of homeless felines. However, it helps to remember that sometimes cats from the animal shelter can be prone to stress. Moving a cat to a home environment allows it to relax and show its true personality. Cats are creatures of habit -- they don't like change. It may take them a month or more to adjust to your home.

Keeping these points in mind when choosing to adopt a cat can help you find the feline that is right for you. It's a big decision, don't leave it to chance!