From childhood story books and old fashioned post cards, images of a cute cuddly kitten peeking out from a gift basket might make one think that giving a kitten or cat for a present would be a great idea. After all, who hasn't found themselves trying to come up with a fresh and creative gift idea for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentines, Easter or birthdays? Too often impulse gives way to poor judgment and misplaced good intentions lead well meaning people to adopt a cat or kitten to give as "the perfect gift". Sometimes the thought is spurned on by emotions thinking that in addition to a great gift choice, they are doing a favor by adopting a shelter cat. Unfortunately, when kittens or cats are given as gifts, the odds are very high that the pet will ultimately be turned back in to the SPCA or Humane Society, or worse, left outside to fend for itself. Picture the atmosphere during most celebrations and holidays. Not exactly the best scenario to place a new pet into. Or, for that matter, the new pet owner, who may have multiple holiday commitments,  work or travel plans and would not have the time, knowledge or supplies needed to settle in a new kitten or cat.

This article is not to say that adopting a shelter kitten or cat from the SPCA or Humane Society for a gift cannot be successfully achieved.  Just keep in mind that for a pet to make a successful transition into a new home, there must be preparation, planning and full commitment from all who will be involved in the care of the new feline family member. And just as "arranged marriages" don't go over too well these days,  a pet and owner need to be drawn to each other.  You know, chemistry and that "I choose you and you choose me" feeling that comes from fuzzy love at first site.  These things can't be achieved by being "surprised" with a new bundle of fur.  No matter how cute you think that kitty is!

If you want to adopt a kitten or cat to give as a gift, we have three suggestions on how you might present the "idea" of your gift, while allowing the recepient to become involved in the actual selection of the feline:

1. Select some books on indoor cat or kitten care and cat training. Pair these with a home-made gift certificate for a trip to the SPCA or Humane Society for cat or kitten adoption.

2. Along with a home-made gift certificate for a trip to the SPCA for cat or kitten adoption, purchase a gift card or a few cat toys from Smartcat.com,PETCO.com, or PetSmart.com good towards the things that will be needed to prepare for the arrival of the new cat or kitten.

3. If you have Comcast Cable and live in the Houston, Texas region, invite the person you wish to adopt a cat or kitten for over to your house. Tune in to Channel 1 On Demand by Comcast to watch the new local programming of "Pet Adoption On Demand". Here you can watch a series of short videos about cats and kittens that are waiting to be adopted. You will be able to see the feline, learn about their breed, age, temperament, medical background as well as learn why the cat or kitten was surrendered to the Houston SPCA. An ID number is shown for each pet which allows you to be able to ask for a specific cat or kitten for more information. Complete details and information on the adoption services available can be found by visiting the Houston SPCA .

The thoughtfulness of wanting to adopt a cat or kitten to give as a gift is wonderful, and with the proper planning and presentation, can make a life changing difference for you, the cat or kitten and the gift recipient! To give an adopted pet a "forever home" is a gift that is well worth the little bit of extra time it will take as you make the "perfect gift" a reality.