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

[Freedom]

A cat will take time to settle and warm up to you. So you can't make a decision within the first day home and say "oh, this one isn't snuggly!" That may take 3 days to a week depending on the cat.

Unlike a dog who, show her a treat and give a tummy rub and wham, she is mush in your hands, lol.

Would you conside volunteering with a cat rescue group and doing some fostering? Then you can get to know the personality over time. Find one you like, adopt it, and then suggest that they take you off the foster list. They may need a week or so to place any foster cat you had at that time.

Some shelters also use foster homes, that would be easier to return the cat if it is too stand offish after a week.

Just some thoughts.

Basic Needs:
Here is what I think a new cat owner MUST have:
food and water bowls
litter box, scoop and litter
a few toys == a toy mouse, a ball with a bell in it
A SCRATCHING POST

All cats scratch, it is natural for them, it cleans and sharpens their claws, sheds off the older parts of the nail. And they have glands which leave their "mark" on what they scratch.

It IS possible to have a cat only scratch on the cat things (scratching post, perch, tree, etc.) and NOT on your furniture. It may take a week of training, but it can be done.

When you see "kitty starter kits" in stores, they almost NEVER have a scratching post! This gives many new cat owners a bad start.

[columbine]

One good way to choose a cat by disposition is to look at petfinder.com. There are often behavioral descriptions (e.g. cuddly, shy, playful, calm, etc.) along with age, any special needs, whether they get along with dogs or other cats, etc.

Love, Columbine

[KittyCrazy]

If the personality of a cat is important to you and you'd like one who likes to be on your lap or flop on the couch with you to watch a movie, you're best bet is to pick out a cat who is already 2 or older. When I have volunteered at Humane Associations, you quickly learn which ones are the cuddle bugs and which ones are more stand offish.

I got my cat when she was 8 weeks old and she was the cuddliest one of the bunch and very affectionate. Now she's as stuck up as a cat can be! LOL She won't ever hop into anyone's lap and she'll only sleep with my husband & I if she stays down by our feet and even then it's only for a short time. She also won't come within 20 feet of a stranger.

Tonight I went to a meeting at someone's house and their cat gree
ted everyone at the door like he was the welcoming committee! So, sometimes you can get a better idea of how personable a cat will be if you skip the baby/toddler stage.

One thing I do know about the different breeds is that Ragdolls are known for being quite affectionate and just going limp in your arms when you pick them up. That said, however, MY snooty, "don't touch me!" cat is half Ragdoll so she apparently didn't get that trait.

[CountryWolf07]

Thank you for the suggestions & tips!! I will definitely pick up a Cat Fancy magazine just to look it over and it'll be something handy to have. =)

I have a silly question, how do you housebreak a cat? How do you train with a litter box?

I would like to keep my cat indoors, so would it be easy to train it to remain where I want it to be, not outdoors?

I am actually planning on adopting an adult cat, about a year or two years old. I do know that many people get rid of it because of its personality change, which is sad to me, same thing with dogs, also. (for example: My husky)

[jazzcat]

I have a silly question, how do you housebreak a cat? How do you train with a litter box?

I would like to keep my cat indoors, so would it be easy to train it to remain where I want it to be, not outdoors?

I am actually planning on adopting an adult cat, about a year or two years old. I do know that many people get rid of it because of its personality change, which is sad to me, same thing with dogs, also. (for example: My husky)

Not a silly question. I doubt you will have to do anything more than show your cat where the litterbox is. Make sure you put it in an easy to get to quiet place and you should have no trouble. If you adopt an older cat from a rescue or shelter they should be able to tell you if the cat uses the box well - most always do because it is their nature to want to hide and cover up their potty.

About being indoor, if you adopt a cat who used to be indoor only you probably won't have a problem but sometimes a cat who was indoor/outdoor or outdoor only before may want to go out. You just have to be diligent about being careful he/she doesn't run out when you open doors. I have a couple of cats who try to dart out the door to the garage and if it gets too bad I use a water spray bottle to scare them away.

Make sure you get plenty of toys, scratching posts and a good view from a window for your kitty to stay entertained and you probably won't have any problems.

[buttercup132]

I have a silly question, how do you housebreak a cat? How do you train with a litter box?

Most come already trained, espcially if your getting a older cat. My first cat was 8 weeks old I think maybe 12 when we got him and he was already litter trained. I have 5 cats now and never had to train any of them. I don't even know how to train one to use a box

[jazzcat]

Most come already trained, espcially if your getting a older cat. My first cat was 8 weeks old I think maybe 12 when we got him and he was already litter trained. I have 5 cats now and never had to train any of them. I don't even know how to train one to use a box

We rescued Moxie and Decker and their siblings from our back yard at 4-5 weeks old and they learned to used the box quickly. I'd just put them in it right after they would eat and they'd dig a little and then drop and go. It's just natural instinct for them. Don't get me wrong, we did have a couple of accidents outside the box but only the first couple of days.