Devoted to furry friends

Profession: Award-winning breeder of Purrinlot Persians – www.purrinlot.com; owner of Castle Baths of spa products – www.castlebaths.com.

Pastime: Participates in the annual cat show sponsored by Pawprints in the Sand and Chamberlain on the Bay and the Cat Fanciers Association – www.cfa.org.


ADOPT A CAT

Peninsula SPCA at www.PeninsulaSPCA.com or 595-1392.

The Cat Corner at http://thecatcornerinc.rescuegroups.org or 722-0590.

Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg at www.heritagehumanesociety.org or 221-0150.

Virginia Beach SPCA at www.vbspca.org or 427-0070.

SELECTING A CAT 1. Purchase from a reputable breeder or humane society and don't buy based on sex and or color -- research the breed itself.

2. Select a cat that meets the time you have for a pet and matches your personality.

3. Pick a cat by its personality and activity level.

4. Consider your new kitten as if this is a new baby -- take the first few days slow. Cats do not show stress -- instead, they become ill.

5. Find a good vet and develop a relationship with the vet – this helps you and your lifestyle work around the best choice in selecting and keeping a cat healthy and happy.

WHAT CAT TO GET

* Persians/Himalayans are more like puppies.... they like to follow you around, like to be in your lap, are playful and normally are not climbers.

* Longhairs require monthly baths and grooming.

* Short-haired cats are more adventurous, climb any and everywhere, exploring the tops of refrigerators, curtain rods, opening cabinets; they have lots of energy.