What's new pussycat?

Kittens can be the perfect pet - cute, cuddly and fun.

What's more, they're very domesticated, burying their own waste and not needing to be walked, according to Pets.ca.

The website adds they are fairly non-aggressive, require little exercise and demand minimal training too.

So if you're considering bringing one of your very own home to join the family, I can't say I blame you!

There are things you need to consider before getting a kitten

However, there are, of course, a number of things you need to think about before you take the plunge and adopt a little kitty.

After all, it's a big commitment agreeing to look after a cat for the rest of its life - which could be up to the ripe old age of 20 - and involves attending to it, grooming it, feeding it, taking it to the vets and generally caring for it from day to day.

The website states you need to consider a number of things before choosing what type of kitten you would like to have as your new pet, like whether you have enough room in your home, can afford the cost of a cat - including medical costs, food, equipment and so on - and are willing to deal with potential toilet accidents, cat hairs, or clawed furniture.

Decide which breed of cat you would like

Now, what about the breed?

Catsinfo.com explains: "The first thing to consider when choosing your kitten is if you are looking for a family companion or a cat that you intend to show or breed in future."

If it's the former, do your research and find out what traits certain breeds exhibit and try to decide whether or not that type of cat would fit into your home environment.

Breeder List UK has a few helpful words on this: "The advantage of a pure-bred cat is that they have fairly fixed characteristics and temperaments and so it is more easy to find one that is almost certainly right for a particular environment and lifestyle. Buying a cross breed means that the characteristics and temperament are more uncertain."

Do your research!

Spend time perusing websites or reading books to try and find as much information as you can and - importantly - ask loads of questions if you meet up with a breeder or head to a rescue home.

If it's a show cat you want though, it "should meet the breed standard showing no obvious faults", Catsinfo.com explains.

And what's really important is making sure you get a fit and healthy little kitten.

According to Breeder List UK, your cat should be bright-eyed, curious and alert, with a clean coat.

In addition, it states: "It should be inquisitive, not too nervous and not show any aggression. Beware of any kitten that has runny or sticky eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wet or dirty bottom, matted fur, seems lethargic or does not have a firm body. All of these things can indicate a sick kitten."

So now you should be just about ready to get going on the search for your brand new pet and prepared for that special moment when you fall in love with that cute little kitten that you want to make a part of your family.