by Koren Wetmore

Your eyes meet, your heart flutters, and you're certain that it's love at first sight. You rush home with your petite princess or dashing rogue, anticipating joy-filled years ahead. Days later, your carpet and your fantasy in ruins, you wonder where your love went wrong.

You can avoid such heartbreak by following these steps toward the best match--for you and your potential cat companion.

Matchmaking

Are you enamored by the beauty of  a purebred Persian, or would you equally honor a mixed-breed tabby? Decide first which cat type interests you and research information about its personality, health and care needs. "If you absolutely must have a pedigreed cat, please go to a reputable breeder who will stand behind the cats she breeds," says Gina Spadafori, co-author of Cats for Dummies. "I find that most cat people aren't that interested in pedigrees, though, and for these people a non-pedigreed cat is a wonderful choice."

You can make an excellent match at reputable breeders, breed rescue groups and shelters, Spadafori says.

The First Date

Like dating, the setting and questions you ask at your first meeting will help determine your compatibility. "Try and see the cat when it's not in a cage," says animal behaviorist John C. Wright, Phd...

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