Don't have a cat yet but have questions.

Hello everyone!
As the title indicates I don't have a cat yet. I just recently got my B.S. from U of I and I am currently at home figuring out where I will be working. I clearly have a lot to figure out which is why I'm taking time to look into getting a cat well before its a possibility. I currently have two long haired guinea pigs, and I thought that once I have an apartment I might do for some more company and adopt a cat. Let me tell you that I am looking for an animal that I can lavish attention on like I do with my piggies and brush, pet and play with, but not have to feel bad about going to work during the day. I do want my pet to feel attached to me though, and people have been saying if I get a cat it won't be attached to me and won't want to seek me out or sit with me and be pet. Now I know people can often be wrong and there are stereotypes so I thought I should seek out people with more information like yourselves. I would most likely be adopting considering I want someone with an established personality. I am also wondering how much to expect in costs, what kind of food is best, what kind of litter etc. Thank you very much in advance I know this was a large post.

Welcome to TCS! And congratulations on receiving your degree. I think that it is great that you are doing research about adopting a cat before you do anything! You obviously have been giving alot of thought to the needs of your cat as well as what you can afford and what your expectations are. You will find many of your questions answered if you just browse through the different forums, such as behavior, food, costs, etc. I will tell you that how affectionate a cat is sometimes depends on its personality and how it was raised IMO. If you watch an adoption link such as Petfinders.com (which lists shelters by state) you will probably find shelters near you. I would suggest visiting some shelters and talking to the volunteers. I get the impression that you don't have friends who have cats - or you would never have people telling you that cats aren't affectionate, loving, etc. It is true that some are not "lapcats" and just want to be around you and not held, but many really are love bugs - such as my Sophie who is busy washing my hand while she tries to sleep on my laptop!
So, my suggestion is to spend time on the different forums and read and ask questions on the different threads. You will find alot of great people - many who foster cats and many breeders who can give you advice on finding the perfect cat. Also, remember that adopting a cat is a lifetime commitment - cats live to be 18-20 years old and we believe that when we take on the responsibility of bringing a cat (or any creature) home, that it is like adopting a child - you do make a lifetime commitment to love, feed, provide medical care and ceature comforts - in return, you will have an animal that will return friendnship, love, laughter and laughter.
Hello from New Hampshire and welcome!

Welcome to TCS!

Welcome to the site - some great advice already given

its great that you are doing some research before jumping in and getting a kitty

Firstly, as you know theres tons of advice here at TCS, so just have a mooch about in the Cat Care, Cat Health and other forums, you'll certainly pick up some very helpful information

Regarding costs - well the main things are spaying/neutering costs, annual vaccinations, treatments for fleas & ticks, these are all things that must be done, but of course your kitty may have other medical conditions that need attending to.
It best to ring around some vets to get ideas of prices, but of course, cheap doesn't always mean the best. So maybe you could get some recommendations or visit the vets yourself

Well keep us posted on how things go for you and enjoy the forums

Hello & welcome to TCS. You might find your future kitty from a shelter of cat adoption center. My kitten Blossom was found dumped by my son at 3 weeks. I was going to surrender her to the local vets office as they have a cat adoption program. Unfortunately they couldn't take her in until 8 weeks as they didn't have the time to bottle feed her, so I did the job. Of course after that time I couldn't part with her. It would have been cheaper to adopt a cat/kitten from their adoption program as they come desexed, vaccinated, wormed & microchipped. As I said it was cheaper than it was for me doing it as an already owner.
Blosssom is affectionate to a point. She always follows me into the bathroom, as thats where she's fed & where her litter box is, & purrs & smooches around my legs. She sleeps on my bed at night & if I sleep in on weekends. Up until recently she used to wake me up by rubbling herself all over my face & head. She doesn't like being nursed when I'm watching TV although she will sleep on the lounge next to me. She's a torty & I've heard that they're not particularly friendly.

Hola y bienvenido a TCS, ...Catulina

y Milky

te saludan!!........

(Translate: Hi and Welcome to TCS, Catulina and Milky say hello to you!!!... )

See you on the forums!

Hi there

we're so happy to get the chance to welcome you to TCS. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us - we're one great big family and you'll find loads of friends here. If I can help at all while you're finding your way around TCS just click on my username and send me a Personal Message - I'll do what I can to answer your questions

It's great that you're doing your research before getting your kitty

welcome to the site. I just don't think there is one question you could ask about a cat that someone on here couldn't help with. It's a very informative group.

One thing I totally recommend is scoopable litter. I wish I had invented it, it's awesome stuff.

If you want a cat that is real lovey, maybe you could adopt an adult cat, whose personality is already known. Adult cats get passed by a lot because the kittens are so cute. But really, you've only got a year before the little kitten is all grown looking.

You can save money by giving the shots yourself, buy them from the vet and they will show you how to give them.

You can get your Frontline (for flea prevention) online and save big there too.

Foods, which ones, that is a big challenge lately with all the recall scares.

Catzilla food and water bowls are awesome. Ceramic and very colorful.

Just really enjoy every step of the process, from choosing your new friend to learning about it's needs, to watching it sleep. enjoy it all.

Hi

Hi! Welcome 2 TCS!!! Well if u want a pet with personality a catz the pet 4 u!!! My kitties r very attached 2 me as I am 2 them! Cats also aren't as much work as dogs, example- cats bathe themselves, they poop in boxes and u can even train them 2 go in the toilet, they don't stink and slobber all over u, and they don't chew up ur shoes !!!

Hi & welcome to TCS! It's great that you've joined us!

If you have any questions, or need any help as you navigate around the site, please feel free to click on my username and send me a private message. I'll be happy to help.

See you around the forums!