I guess I do agree with both Jon and Sid Morrison in certain things. Shelter cats are as awesome as a breed cat. But like Jon said, you won't find certain cats in a shelter. I own 4 cats. My first 2 are sweet, peaceful persians that hardly jump to any of my bookshelves. Then I have my beautiful shelter cat that is a ball of never-ending energy and makes sure that the others excercise enough and heh, I do have a cute Scottish Fold that is so quiet sometimes I have to make sure he's alive! XD But neither of my cats were adults when they joined my house. They were all kittens when I picked them, including my shelter loveheart. I sort of agree with Sid Morrison about the "personality" thing, but the thing with kittens is that it was easier for them to know me and get used to my world.

I also agree with isbjorn, but at least where I live, the government FORBIDS that "regular" people volunteer for shelters. They only allow people with veterinarian education to do this. Obviously all vet students are volunteer in our shelters.