New, possible cat-mommy?

Hi everyone! (: Nope, not a cat owner (or, not owned by a cat yet) but I've been considering it for a while! I've always been a dog person (for my short 17 years), but with school and a new job coming up soon (fingers crossed) I've really been more interested in independent animals. I do love goofy dogs, but I live in an apartment with my grandmother and it's really just not an option. I do own a ferret and totally fell in love with her personality..sleeps a lot, independent, cuddly when sleepy, and littertrained, a lot like a cat! With a job and school, it's way nicer to come home and only have to clean out a litterbox and play for a few hours, than to have to take her outside all the time, etc. I'm turning into a cat person and I never thought I would lol! 

I've only had a cat once in my life, but I barely remember her. I do a TON of research on anything I'm interested in, so I thought I should join this site to get a feel for cats, as I'm pretty new to them. I've been lurking on here for at least over 6 months but finally decided to join now that we're seriously considering a cat. I did want a kitten but quickly changed my mind after thinking of how often I'm not home. Wanting an older boy, preferably from this shelter I'm hoping* to volunteer at soon. I really want a cuddly boy to keep me company at my apartment but first I want to know as much as I can (behaviors, foods, etc.) before I bring him home. 6 months of "researching" (looking at numerous cat pictures online cough cough) hasn't gotten me anywhere! lol!!! Might end up deciding that a cat maybe isn't right for me but I do miss having the company of a cageless friend ever since moving into an apartment.

 Don't have any specific questions yet, but I'm sure I will think of some in the next few days! Any tips or experiences with bringing your cat home, and stories about your cat would be great! Would love to hear some stories explaining why you picked your kitty (or how he picked you) out of the bunch etc. (: 

Thanks a bunch!!!  And sorry in advance if there are any typos, it's late here!

Hi and welcome to TCS! I think it's great that you're doing research first. I didn't, and I regret it. I have learned a lot about cat nutrition in the last 3 months that I wish I had known 6 years ago when I first got Aria.

I think it is a splendid idea to adopt an adult cat, and preferably from a shelter.  A nice non kill shelter feels best, but the sad fact is, the most efficient is to take it from a high kill shelter...

They know to have gratitude to their savior.

Another tip may be one a little shy, say, fostered rescued ex semi-ferale. it will be shy to strangers and most of your guests, but will surely be YOURS best friend.

As newbe you shall not try to adopt a freshy rescued shy semiferale, and doing all the fostering yourself, unless you do burn for it.

But perhaps next cat!  Having a waiting companion for it makes it easier.

It prepares you well to look at pics, but adopting / buying from a shelter, the trick is probably to just go in there, without hurry, go along there - and someone of them will probably "adopt" you.  This one you shall take.  Or two if good pals.

Essentially the same recommendation as when you shall choose a puppy from a litter.  You take the puppy whom comes forwards to you and wants to be with you.   This trick works for all save perhaps these who do Shows, and want to handpick a coming show winner.  Best friend coming as second priority.

The most healthy of the bunch?  If you are tight on money and want owing the animal to be carefree, yes, you of course pick one which is healthy.

But if you do also want to do a good deed, and help the animals - you dont necessarily pick the most healthy one, as long as you feel you accept the "faults".

Last but not least.  If it is a good shelter, they know whom they have. So if you do have any wishing, you can discuss with them.  They have almost always different ones...  You can of course revisite them say once a month, or phone them every week to know the news...

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!

Thank you for your advice!!! I'm very excited. The shelter I plan on going to posts their all of their adoptable pets on facebook with a nice lengthy description, so it's nice to be able to see what they have at the moment. Plus you know that they spend a lot of time with these animals to really know their personalities. A lot of shelters around here don't do that. But again, thank you for your advice, I will keep everyone updated

Thank you!!