I considered those as well. But the nearest shelters are in Martinez or Oakland, while the no-kill shelter was here in Walnut Creek. Given that the cats didn’t seem to enjoy even the short ride home (they meowed from pretty much the minute they were put in those cardboard carriers to when we let them out of the carriers at home), I think I made the right decision.
Oh, and now they’re napping on the couch next to my computer desk, purring, and just generally being very cute.
One thing I’ve discovered is that if you want a friendly cat, you should try to get one that’s been weened properly. I’ve had two cats in my life that I know were seperated from their mothers at 4 weeks. Both were unfriendly. My cat now Brat, didn’t let anyone touch her for a long time. And now, only me, my wife and stepson are allowed to touch her.