[NautiNurse]

Have quite a bit of experience with this:

First of all--are you prepared for the antics of a kitten? If yes, choose a kitten that is playful in its cage. I choose the one that claws its way up to my shoulder, and snuggles.

If you are looking for something a bit more mature, spend time with the cat out of the cage. A cat who purrs promptly when stroked under the chin will bring as much happiness to you as you will to it.

Finally, make sure the animal is healthy--no crud around the nose or eyes, no visible whites of the eyes. Take the kitty immediately to a veterinarian for an exam before taking it home.

Enjoy!

[Brainhose]

Thanks much for the sage advice!
Our family had lots of cats when I was a kid, and they seem to have an affinity for me for some odd reason, friends' cats who won't go near other people jump up on my lap. I suppose I should spend a few afternoons at the shelter getting aquainted with them to find the best one. I think I would prefer an older female. Again, Many Thanks!

[supercat]

A cat who purrs promptly when stroked under the chin will bring as much happiness to you as you will to it.

Even a fraidy cat can turn out to be a sweetie, though. Convince a cat that he can get lots of affection when he wants it, but he can always leave if he likes, and you may find that about five seconds after the cat wants to be let down he'll be nosing you again for some more affection.