Absolute Newbies

My O/H and I have recently moved into a new apartment and are considering getting a kitten. My O/H had a cat as a child, but neither of us have owned one since. I have experience with other animals - I had a guinea pig as a child, and have ridden horses for 10+ years (still own first horse, and have had him 6 years).

What is your best advice for a new owner? We have purchased several kitten guides, so things that are learned through practical experience are appreciated.

We want a mellow, quiet cat that won't grow too large and can live indoors. Are there any breeds we should look for in particular? We don't have children.

Welcome to TCS!

I highly recommend adopting two kittens, especially if someone is not home all the time... they will be able to keep each other company and always have someone to play with. I could not imagine only having one kitten at a time!

As for breeds, I don't know much about purebred cats, I have always rescued my cats. But there are others on the board that may be able to help you out with breeds.

Good luck with your search for a new family member!

Welcome to the TCS!

I can relate to you, I have never had a cat but my spouse did as a child. I find that the TCS can provide almost live assistance and almost everything you encounter has been discussed here! It's a great support.

As for breeds, I would consult the CFA : http://www.cfa.org/breeds.html

You can also find a few fun breed selectors if you google that... On the top of my mind I would suggest you read about: Birman, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Russian Blue just to name a few. The kids section of the CFA has a breed summary that allows simple comparisons. Depending on the looks and temper you are looking for you will find something suitable. It's quite fun homework!! Personnaly, I went for ragdolls. They are amazingly sweet and easy to care for. But, they are playful (but obedient and don't jump) and quite large (fem. 10-15 lbs and males going up to 20lbs). But it seems to be like dogs: the bigger the more placid. Small oriental breeds are very active but larger breeds are a bit more relaxed.

Well, good luck and keep us posted with your choice!

Cats are the most beautiful creatures ever. They are so caring and loving. You would be missing out if you were to decide not to get a cat. I don't have any advice as far as breeds, but if you were to go to a shelter and pick out an older cat, they will have their personnality already and should be fully grown.

I too would suggest a second cat for you. Ziggy did well on her own, but Links didn't, and so when Ziggy passed we got another one for Links to play with.

Good Luck, And Welcome to TCS!!!

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!

Welcome to TCS! I recommend going to a shelter and looking around...That way you get to meet a bunch of kitties and find the right one for you...plus you will be saving a life and giving a homeless kitty a good home. The ones that have been rescued IMO are more thankful to be in a good home because they know what it is like not to have one.
The strays I take in are more cuddley than the ones I have had since they were born.

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

So you're looking for a gentle, mellow kitty - perhaps Singapuras won't be the thing for you then

. Just like those gorgeous Bengals, they are wonderfully loving but into everything!

Hello & welcome to tcs. The only pure bred cat I've ever had was a persian 16 yrs ago. Most the other cats I've had over the years are semi-long haired or x-persians. They are reasonably quiet although they do need a lot of grooming. If you want a quiet cat don't get a Siamese. A shelter is a good idea bc you can see what you're getting.

Welcome!! Hope you enjoy the site!!

Valerie

Welcome to TCS! This web site is a fountian of knowledge.

Please keep in mind when looking for your new family member, there are hundreds of thousands of shelter cats that need homes!!!! Please concider giving one (or two ) a home before looking into a specific breed, or getting them from a breeder. They too make wonderful fur babies, but in my opinion, giving one a forever home fills a special place in your heart! Try going to a shelter and having a look around! You may be suprised that you come home with more that what you left! And as always keep us updated!

Hi and welcome to TCS! We are so glad you have joined us!

If I can help you with any questions you have about the site, please click on my username and send me a message.