The RSPCA has a selection of kittens to choose from this week. Most are short coat with a few medium length coats and range in age from 10 weeks to 16 weeks.

There are many different temperaments to choose from with various coat colours as well. They are all friendly, affectionate and playful so there is bound to be one to suit your home.

The kittens are all desexed, micro-chipped, vet checked, vaccinated, flea treated, wormed, litter trained and will cost $150 each.

Pets up for adoption are housed at the RSPCA shelter, 10 Karungi Crescent, which is open six days a week, from 10am until 3.30pm, and is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. Telephone 6581 0380. 

All RSPCA animals can be viewed at www.adoptapet.com.au Just click on the shelter search box and drop down to the Port Macquarie site.

RSPCA Australia recommends you do some research on the species or breed/crossbreed you are adopting well before you bring him or her home. The pet you choose should be suitable for your lifestyle and environment, and some preparations will need to be made.

Buying a pet should never be a spur of the moment decision. Before you become a pet owner, the RSPCA recommends you consider the average lifespan of dogs and cats is about 12 years, with some living to the age of 15 or even 20. 

Exercise, socialisation, grooming, feeding, reward-based training, playtime and providing company and attention are important. Puppies and kittens are a particularly large time investment. 

Is there adequate space for your pet? Are pets permitted where you live? Shelter pets have upfront costs covered, but ongoing costs include food, worming, annual health checks, vet bills, training, boarding, toys and bedding. If an emergency or accident occurs, you will also need to ensure you can pay for emergency veterinary treatment.