Advice for a first timer?

Hi,

My fiancee and I are planning to adopt a kitten next month. I have never had a pet in my life, and she has only had dogs.

Any advice on a book or a website or something that will walk us through all the basic necessities (i.e. food, feeding, training, health, etc.)?

Also, any advice for what *kind* of kitten to get? Any particular breed that is good for beginners, or especially friendly, or not too needy, or doesn't shed much?

Any other stuff we'll want to know in advance?

Thanks,
chris.

Welcome to TCS! You certainly have found the website! Except for the shedding (easily controlled by daily grooming) I think that the Maine-Coon types are just about as dog-like as cats come! There's a great book called "Cat Confidential" that I think does a wonderful job of letting people know the minds of cats. Some of my other thoughts about cats: They are very communicative & socialize much more than is commonly thought - even with horses and chickens! They do understand what people think and say. And they give their affections willingly not out of necessity, like a pack animal! Mistreat a cat & it will look elsewhere for it's love; mistreat a dog & it will beg for forgiveness.
And be sure to check out the threads on using chicken feed for cat litter! My cats love it & so does my household budget!

I have to say you came to the right place. Roam around the board it is excellent information and we are all addicting here Ask any ? you might have...

Hello Chris My name is John, welcome to the site and the wonderful world of cats. You have come to the right place. You will find the answers to any questions that you have. My first advice; when you do get a kitten, please make sure she/he is spayed/neutered. Also, don't let your cat roam freely outside. There are many dangers; including cars, wild animals and mean cruel people. Your cat can be purrrfectly happy living indoors. Everyone here will be more than happy to give you tips on keeping your cat healthy and happy

Hi Chris,

Bengals are extremely dog-like, if that's what you're looking for. Ours was trainable, he could do some great tricks. But rescue cats are a great way to go, too!

Originally Posted by AmberThe Bobcat

Hello Chris

My name is John, welcome to the site and the wonderful world of cats. You have come to the right place. You will find the answers to any questions that you have. My first advice; when you do get a kitten, please make sure she/he is spayed/neutered. Also, don't let your cat roam freely outside. There are many dangers; including cars, wild animals and mean cruel people. Your cat can be purrrfectly happy living indoors. Everyone here will be more than happy to give you tips on keeping your cat healthy and happy

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Couldn't have said it better John! Welcome Chris!!

Welcome to the site !

Wellcome, wellcome and once more wellcome!!!

Hello and welcome! Everyone here is fantastic and have great advice. I would say that brushing kitties every day helps with the sheading. feel free to ask questions, I know that everyone has been through one thing or another. You found a great place

Hi and welcome to TCS!!!

See you on the forums!!!

Hi there! Welcome to TCS
I have to echo everyone else in saying you have certainly come to the right place if you are looking for info on getting a new kitten!
You've been given great advice but I have to say, along with the John, please spay or neuter your cat and don't let him/her roam outside. You can harness train your cat so that he can still be taken outside.
Good luck in your search