Before buying cat food and toys it is important prospective owners look into the personality types of different breeds, an expert has said.
Cormac Linehan, who runs pet education centre the Pet Experience with his wife, explained that problems can arise if people just buy a cat for its coat colour.
He said: "They need to look at the breeds that they are choosing and check that the personality and temperament of that breed is going to fit their lifestyle and be able to provide them with what they are looking for in a cat."
Mr Linehan added that the cat's activity level should match the expectations of the owner - so if they are looking for a laid back cat, they should find a breed that fits with this.
People should also look at the parents and the breed before getting a cat, he noted, as they should check for any "obvious physical defects" or other issues that could arise through breeding.
