Hello from the Sunshine State!

Hi All!

I discovered this forum not too long ago (i.e a few hours ago). I think it's a great source of information and support, so I decided to sign up and say hello!

Oh! I forgot to add, I had a cat a long time ago who was Bobcat mixed...talk about a cat with a crazy high jump. He passed away several years ago, his name was Chance. I have not had any kitties since then, since I was attending high school and living with my parents...and my mother hates cats. I'm a big animal lover, but I would call myself a "dog person" because I love to be loved on all the time.

My boyfriend loves dogs (and animals in general too) but has an affinity for cats ever since he owned one a long, long time ago named Buddy who loved belly scratches and pets. Who both currently only own a baby girl ferret named Weasel and have recently moved into a new apartment.

We decided over the weekend that we both would like to adopt a cat, which I am (was?) leery about since cats are known for their aloof nature. Well...that must be a myth! Because I visited my local shelter today just to see what they had (and also because I can't resist visiting and loving on animals, and I just discovered that it's just up the road from our apartment!) and all the cats there were just so lovey. A large two year old tabby male stole the show. He was so talkative and affectionate. When I went to go pet another cat in the cage next door, he reached out his paw and batted my head until I came back to see him. Another DMH black male was a cutie when he latched his claws into my jacket and pulled me to his cage so he could nuzzle my hand and groom me. I was really pleasantly surprised at the attention and affection I was getting. I was previously under the assumption that cats were only sometimes affectionate, and it was really just luck of the draw on who is and who isn't a lapcat.

As much as I would love to drive down the road and pick up one (or two! They have a 2 for 1 special going on....) tomorrow, I really feel it's important for me to read up on all the information I can about cats, about owning cats, and become a small-time feline authority. Then go out and purchase the items I will need, to have ready when I finally bring my bundle of lovins' home.

So currently I am catless, and will probably be a lurker since I have no pictures or insights to post along with anyone else. But I am really excited to join this community of helpful experts and SUPER excited to get a kitty soon! It sounds weird, but I've never wanted kids EVER, so animals are like my surrogate children. So this is kinda like the excited pregnancy stage equivalent for me

Welcome to our site!

You sound like a very responsible pet owner to be! I wish more people in the world felt the same way you did.

It really is the luck of the draw with any animal. I've had cats that won't stay off my lap and others that like you said as very aloof.

I'm sure that even though at the moment you are catless, you will find lots of good friends here at TCS!.

If you have any questions, feel free to click on my username and send me a private message

Hi there welcome along to tcs

Thank you guys for the warm welcomes!

Hi there and welcome, wow I am excited for you, it is like having kids, so exciting getting a new kitty (or two I hope you find all you need to know on here, just ask, ask, ask.xx

Thank you!

I see your kitties in your sig! What cuties

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.

Aw thanks for the welcome I hope I'll get to know everyone really well! What kind of cats are the ones in your sig? They have very pretty colors

Hi there and welcome to TCS! I'm sure when the time is right you'll find the right furbaby to steal your heart. Hope you enjoy your time here!

Welcome

You will love it here big welcome!! Cats are so loving and affectionate and it sounds like you will be a great meowmy Happy shopping for your new fur babies to come.

Welcome, Snazzi!

I just joined here a week or two ago myself. There is a plethora of information here. I learn something new every day! Plus, the people here are very friendly and patient with you.

I don't have any kitties either, and my "excited pregnancy stage" has lasted for the better half of 2 decades lol. I'm about to move into an apartment that allows cats next month. I'm VERY excited!

When I started thinking about getting kitties I didn't know where to start, and quickly realized how very little I knew about cats. So here's some really good questions for you to ask yourself and topics you should read about.
Cat food: Wet vs Dry vs Raw?
Litter & Litter box: Clumping vs non-clumping? Clay vs "natural" (corn, wheat)? You'll be surprised at how many styles of litter boxes there are, too!
Diseases: Make sure to do your research about cat vaccines, and if your state requires your pets to be up-to-date on rabies. Also, there are a couple of shots that have a rare side effect of sarcoma, which could result in a leg amputation or death.

Anyways, welcome! Be sure to post pictures the day you get your kitty/kitties!

Thank you for the tips I can't wait for you to get your babies either 2 decades?! You are so patient. I would die waiting

Hi there ! Welcome to TCS! =)

By Sunshine State I assume you're a fellow Floridian

Why yes I am

Welcome Snazzi33!

It's great that you're doing your research before adopting a cat.

My family and I adopted our first cat 2 weeks ago.
He's not just a pet but definitely a member of the family.
(He prefers the couch over the cat bed... and even if we put the cat bed on the couch, he prefers the leather.)


His name is Simba Yim and you can check out more photos of him here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2023871...7625746006809/

Welcome again!