Adopting new bidding definitely represents a commitment in time and effort, but it's nothing like the commitment we make in adopting a kitty (and it's National Adopt a Cat Month!). A well-cared for house cat can live 17-20 years. Here's some interesting info for potential cat owners.

31 percent of new cats come from shelters, 3 percent from breeders. The rest? They "appear" in people's lives, either by wandering in on their own or from friends and relatives. The main reason a cat is in a shelter is not because they were running loose or surrendered for bad behavior, but because their former owners had a change in housing and can't have pets any longer. Interestingly, the color cat least likely to be adopted is the Tuxedo Cat, black and white.

If you're thinking of adding a new cat, think in twos. Cats form bonded pairs and get into much less trouble and are less likely to destroy your house. Oh, and you better be nice to your bridge partner, since you'll be required to have more references than are needed to buy a house.

Before dashing off to the local shelter though, let's work on our bidding.