Help for potential new cat owner

[MilesHuntsWig]

Hello, we're thinking of getting a couple of kittens but we've never owned cats before.

Can anyone recommend some good intro books or other info sources? TIA

I've just noticed that your post wasn't answered Miles. Did you manage to get the info from reading the threads on the board?

Thanks for replying, nope still quite confused tbh. Have spoken to some friends with cats and DH is investigating books, but any advice greatly appreciated!

I don't know of any books but you'll get plenty advice in the Litter Tray section of pets. I've had eight cats, want do you want to know?

Great thanks! Got advice re food, jabs, insurance etc. I think the main variation in advice I'm getting is whether you have house cats you let out occasionally or whether you let them come/go as they please or whether this depends on the cats themselves or your environment.

FWIW we're semi rural with a road at the front of the house but a half acre garden at the back.

What sort of household do you have, Miles and have you already bought anything?

Ah - partial X post.

Nothing bought yet, kittens aren't ready to leave their mum for another month apparently.

Mine come and go as they please via the cat flap. Is it a busy road at the front? If so, you may want to consider taking them out on harnesses only at the back. Roads are always a worry. We have a long straight road about 75ft away in a 30mph zone but I do fret when I hear the car dicks zoom along.

I kept mine in until 6mths old. They're too little to defend themselves before that. One thing I always say I keep the loo seat down!! I nearly lost a kitten when she fell in and panicked and crawled the wrong way.

Kittens are fast, I nearly sat on mine, turned my back for a second and they've climbed in the fridge and tumble drier (I saw thank goodness) I actually chilled out more once they were adults haha.