Cats.. I want to learn about them - Possibly will adopt in September..

[jazzcat]

All I can suggest is spend time at a shelter or adoption center and get a feel for the personality. If you get a cat (as oppposed to kitten) you will be more likely to find one that fits your situation the best. I've noticed there are always lots of 1-2 year old cats at our shelter. They say that is when they grow out of their "kitten cuteness" and bad owners get rid of them. To me that's when they are best because they are settling down and really showing their personality. Of course don't forget the older kitties. If you are looking for a good lap cat they can be some of the best.

Glad to hear you are thinking about getting a kitty.

[Laura's Babies]

I agree, to get a little experience and knolage, volunteer where you will be in contact with them, get to handle them, play with them and see how they are. Personalities are as varied in cats as they are in people. You have some that want only to be petted when THEY want it and only on their terms. You have some that want to be lap cats and some that don't. Some that want to sleep close to you and some that don't, some that play, play, play and some that don't... You getting the picture? Some can be very demanding of your time and attention and others that would rather be left to themselves.

I think if you start reading posts here in the cat section, you can and will, learn a whole lot! There is a vast amount of knolage here, experienced knolage. (I would do that first!) You can find out what a lot of the common problems with them can be and what to do for them. You can enjoy the "pleasures" of having one in your life through us.. I will warn you, they are addicting! Just always remember, getting a pet is a lifetime committment and they DO have feelings!

[catmandu]

CAT FANCY IS AN EXCELLENT MAGAZINE TO READ AND AT YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY THERE WILL BE MANY EXCELLENT BOOKS ON CATS SO YOU CAN FIND OUT ALL ABOUT THEM.
I WOULD ADOPT AN OLDER CATS, SAY 2 OR 3 AS YOU ALREADY HAVE A CAT WHOS PURRSONALITY IS ALREADY FORMED , AND YOU WILL HAVE A GRATEFUL CUDDLE BUG FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!!!

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW FRIEND!!!

[Moesha]

I highly recommend a cat. I've been reading your thread in the dog thread. I used to think I was a "dog person" and didn't like cats. Then I had one! Now I have 8. But the first one is still my big baby. I really think that a cat would fit your lifestyle better than a dog. Not that there's anything wrong with dogs, but they do require alot more work and attention than a cat. And there are cats that have personalities that are similiar to a dog. Ones that love to be with people and to be held. Get to know the kitty. One observation I have made, and it is not in any way to be viewed as a rule, but from what I have noticed, male kitties tend to be very affectionate with their person. Hope you find what you're looking for. And it is good that you are thinking ahead and not making any rash decisions.

PS I named my kitty, Morgan, because of Garth Brooks' song 2 Pina Coladas.

[buttercup132]

There are lots of cats that have dog personalities.
My two Sphynx are very loving and dog like, I wouldn't reccomned such a high maintinence cat for you first though.
Go to the shelter meet some cats I'm sure you'll find the right one.
Not every breed is going to be the same, it's all about how they were raised.

[Tora Oni]

I highly recommend a cat. I've been reading your thread in the dog thread. I used to think I was a "dog person" and didn't like cats. Then I had one! Now I have 8. But the first one is still my big baby. I really think that a cat would fit your lifestyle better than a dog. Not that there's anything wrong with dogs, but they do require alot more work and attention than a cat. And there are cats that have personalities that are similiar to a dog. Ones that love to be with people and to be held. Get to know the kitty. One observation I have made, and it is not in any way to be viewed as a rule, but from what I have noticed, male kitties tend to be very affectionate with their person. Hope you find what you're looking for. And it is good that you are thinking ahead and not making any rash decisions.

PS I named my kitty, Morgan, because of Garth Brooks' song 2 Pina Coladas.

I totally agree, The same thing happened to me up till I was 13 I thought I was a dog person, me and my dog competed in obedience training so its not that I feel out of love with my dog it just I found a new love and as much as I love my dog I still connect with my cat better than my dog. Which I had since I was 8, but now all I want are cats but I'm waiting till I get a good job and such. If I were you I wouldn't get a kitten the first time because if your a new cat owner because the take alot of care and if your not familiar to the things a grown cat does then you probably won't think to proof your house in some ways a kitten would need, not that its impossible. It more so the fact that if you get 1 or 2 year cat then you know it is going to be a cuddler or not when a kitten don't always stay the same. Some people think that getting an older cat it has all these habits that you can't deter or their going to be less trusting or something which is absolutly untrue. Most cats if trained or taught not to do something correctly their not going to and your probably only going to have one cat so behavior problems won't occur; such as spraying. My advice is above all make sure your cat is spayed or neutred and it will be more friendler and less likly to be focused on mating and more on just being a carefree cat. Oh btw Stormy was found in a park.

[KitCat]

Cats can be very attentive and loving, despite what many people think. They are also trainable despite the rumor they aren't. My cat knows the rules of the house and follows them and knows some tricks.

He is a great companion, and I would certainly advise a cat as a good pet. They are much more quiet than a dog, and easy to take care of. My cat loves attention, to be brushed and combed, and likes to play with toys even though he is about 10 years old. He has really enriched my life!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I also read your thread in dog general and I'm glad that you're also considering adopting a cat. I now have 4 males and 2 females and from my experinece the males are more of the lovebug type than my females. I also agree that adopting a slightly older cat is a great idea because then you really know what their personality will be like. My cat Sky is my kitty dog and he was about 1 when I adopted him but I already knew that he was a very outgoing cat and that he loved people before I even brought him home. He's a Norwegian Forest Cat/Siamese Mix.

All of my cats are rescues but if for some reason you'd like a purebred cat then the Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are often considered very dog like if this is what you're looking for. Most Siamese cats are also very friendly and will form strong bonds with their owners. I would recommend that you look at petfinder or a local rescue group or humane society. They can usually help you find exactly what you're looking for. Good luck.