Magic Forums

Now, I know familiars are beings that help one with spells and preparations, but how does one go about obtaining one? Especially if it is a cat, because we all know those aren't the easiest to reason with because they're independent creatures.
Also, there's no point in having to train a familiar is there? Wouldn't that break the spiritual bond between you and your familiar? Or else it'd just be a pet who'd happened to be trained... I'm just not sure how this all works out. I feel a tight bond between me and my cat, but how can I be sure she's the one?