Just got our first cat. :)

View media item 267831
Hey all!  My husband and I just adopted our very first cat this past weekend from a local animal rescue.  I grew up with dogs, but my husband never had any real pets growing up (other than hermit crabs and turtles) and was really only open to owning (or as I am quickly learning - being owned by) a cat.  So...we adopted Buckley  - a black 6 year old DSH.  He is super sweet and very social.  The rescue suggested we keep him in one room for sometime to let him adapt, but he wasn't having any of that - not when there is so much to be explored!  He kept meowing and pawing at the door and as soon as we opened it was off and checking things out.  He follows my husband and I everywhere - he just doesn't want to miss anything.  I always thought cats were pretty lazy, but so far Buckley is far from it.  I'm really hoping that this is just part of him adapting and that he calms down in the near future as I was hoping for a cat that will be a couch potato with me.  

I won't lie - I'm a bit overwhelmed.  I'm used to reading dogs, but, obviously, cats are a whole different animal. I'm really hoping I am cut out to be a cat mom.

I've been checking out all the forums and articles, but if anyone has some advice for a first time cat owner it would be most appreciated. 

Welcome to TCS

Sounds like you going to have a great relationahip with him

Welcome! Buckley looks gorgeous, especially in that lighting!

My kitty was similar and was eager to explore the home right away! He still follows me around but when I'm watching tv or on my laptop, I bring his favourite box and he just sits in it. Otherwise, he would be walking around and bringing me toys (which I'm fine with ... MOST of the time :lol3.

Giving him high places to sit is never a bad idea! I'm sure once he feels safe and realizes this is his forever home, he'll mellow right down. You might even miss his constant fight for your attention!

he will calm down. he's going through a huge adjustment period right now. all cats are different but it may take a couple of weeks or longer.

Congratulations on your new cat. He's beautiful, I hope you all settle in well with each other soon.

Hi @Gewel198...I have to agree, your Buckley looks gorgeous.  And Welcome to TCS.  I like the way you mention 'being owned by a cat'...because, yes...sometimes it does feel that my animals get me to do things, that I would not normally jump up and do, but honestly, I would not give it up for the world. Cats just make our lives richer, and they adapt far quicker than we humans do.

Since you already mentioned that you grew up with dogs, then you'll be ahead of the game, because I tell people I know, that cats are 10 times easier to take care of than dogs.  Dogs are very demanding, and need constant attention, but once your Buckley settles in, he'll just find his own groove, pace, routine, and then the adjustment period will be over.  I think you're still in the "getting to know each other phase"...and so that is why Buckley is following you everywhere.  Plus, perhaps, where he lived before, at the animal rescue, he had a different routine.

Yes, people always think that some cats are lazy, because of the long amounts of time they spend sleeping, but really some cats are more active, some less, but all need playtime, social time and proper care, regarding vet visits, health, food, warmth.  (My cat Spotty(15yrs), slowed down around age 9, but still is active in bursts of short time, and always loves to be wherever there is action happening in the home. 

I wouldn't really call him a couch potato, but he did seem to mellow, every year as he got older.)

I honestly feel a little overwhelmed whenever I start something new. I think it's part excitement, part worry, and then having to adjust myself.

I think both you and your husband will make great cat carers, owners, pet people, ..whatever the titles are these days.

My advice would be to just try and enjoy yourselves, allow Buckley more time to settle in, throw out any expectations, but if problems do arise...then ask about them on these boards, too, because more than likely there are members with similar experiences who will be able to offer suggestions.  You'll be an excellent cat mom....because all it takes is patience, a little work, and love.   

Welcome to the wonderful world of cat servitude!! You'll be a great cat mom! Buckley is a very handsome boy but then again, I'm partial to black cats. I must be. I have 3. He'll get settled in and pretty soon, you'll try to remember what life was like before he got there. Buckley and my Henry look at lot alike with the exception of a small patch of white on Henry's chest . This was his photo from the shelter. It shows off his white patch pretty well. Please feel free to post a pic of Buckley in the For Black Cats Only thread! We're always happy to add a new member to the club! 

hi there!  congrats on the new family member.

black cats are a little different from others.  they tend to be less fearful.  statistically, timidity is linked to coloring.  black cats are the least timid, so you have a bold kitty-cat! 

after he has explored everything, you may find he settles down a bit more.

the differences between dogs and cats.......   cats do not seek approval as much as dogs do.  (unless you have a lot of cats, and they have to get your attention away from the other cats.)  they do not respond to discipline the same way.  if you spank a cat or yell, they will just be afraid and run for cover.  they don't make the same connections a dog does.  (for one, a dog will look where you point.  a cat will look at your finger.)  staring, yelling, hitting are all aggressive, and the cat will simply treat you as if you have lost your mind.  they hide and then peek out periodically to see if you are still crazy.

to get a cat to stay off of something, put sticky paper or tape on it.  cats hate anything stuck to their paws.  you can also try putting orange peel in the area - cats do not like citrus.   the basic strategy is to get the cat to come to the conclusion himself that he does not like being in that place. 

cats are individuals, so you need to find out what your buckley likes and doesn't like.  he may like to play fetch (using wads of paper instead of sticks).  he may learn to give you high fives.  he may decide he likes to ride around on your shoulder.  he may find a spot of sun he prefers. 

congratulations again on your new pet!!