Give a Cat a Home

For a cat, being adopted from a shelter is like winning the lottery. But to boost the chances that you'll be a winner, too, let your emotions be your guide. (Caution: Don't adopt a kitten if you aren't prepared for high energy and months of midnight leaps onto the draperies.) When you've settled on the cat of your dreams, make sure that his eyes are clear, his ears and gums are a healthy pink, and there's no sign of diarrhea under his tail. Ask if he's been vaccinated, treated for parasites, and tested for feline leukemia. And consider adopting two cats -- they'll keep each other company.