Thanks for the all the advice so far everyone it is GREAT!

I am full time student so I'm usually home to study and for a good chunk of time during the day. I'm thinking about getting maybe a kitten or a younger cat. I just have some weird questions....

Do you have to train cats to use a litter box? If so, how?

I know this sounds dumb but I've always grown up with puppies, and I'm not sure if cats just automatically know where to go or if you have to teach them?

Also I worry about things like electrical cords or things cats can get into. I have a friend who's cat can find his way into cupboards on top of the fridge everything!

What do you do to make your home a safe place for a cat?

One more question..

I am new to this area and I don't know really anyone with pets, how do I go about locating a good vet?

I know thats a lot of questions!! I'm probably over paranoid, but I guess thats a good thing. Thank you all so much for being so helpful already!