virgin cat owner

Question
i did not recieve your feed back.  thanks
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Followup To

Question -
I have never owned a cat in my life.  I dont know the first thing about them.  My daughter loves kittens.  we just had to sell a puppy trhat we recently bought for her because it was too hyper.  she wanted to cuddle and it just wouldn't.  went to a friends and she had a kitten .  She fell in love and was very gentle with it.  ANYWAY, (just a little history there) We are considering it but i am so worried because im clueless!  The only experiances ive had is walking into houses that reeked of cat urine.  it was so gross.  I dont know if they just didnt care correctly for it or if cats really do smell that bad.  I heard that they "spray" their urine on walls or where ever.  I am a very clean house keeper.  I am very confused as too waht to do?  do they bite? what about de clawing?  do i have to keep it in doors? I would get to nervous to let it roam around outside of the yard.  I know they roam where evr they want. ugh! i obviously need help here.  PLEASE help.  
clueless. THANK YOU!

Answer -
Hello April,
Just checking in to see if the information I sent previously was helpful for you.

Thanx,
Tomay

Answer
Answer: Hello April,
I am so sorry you didn't recieve my reply.  It was the same day!  Anyway, fortunately I always send a copy of these questions and answers to myself, and I copied and pasted the reply.  The format may be a little off, but the information is sound!  Again, sorry for the crossed wires!

Hello April,
Well, the following is 'Kitty Care 101'!  There is no need to fear cat
ownership!  Cats are independent enough to make their care simple and
convenient.  When you get a kitten, you can expect it to be playful and
energetic.  They are quite entertaining.  I have found throughout the
years of sharing my life with many cats, that male kitties seem to be
more affectionate.  So, let's assume that you have a male cat.  You will
want to check around for a reference for a good veteranarian to complete
the series of kitten immunization shots he will need.  Each vet has
their own preference for the age that the shots are done, but there is a
series of three plus rabies, and then just the yearly visits.  Altho, if
your cat is strictly indoors, and has no interaction with other cats,
then yearly shots can actually be every two years or so.  Suggested
neuter age for him will be anywhere from 4 to 6 months old.  Neutered
(or spayed, in the case of females) cats will rarely, if ever, spray.
This is usually a behaviour seen in those cats left unaltered,
especially males, as they will want to mark their territory.  So, while
he is being neutered, it would be a good time to have him declawed as
well.  Just the front paws is sufficient.  This is not an inhumane
procedure. It is a simple procedure, and will be uncomfortable for just
a day or two, and will save your furniture, carpet and skin.  Cats have
a natural tendency to excercise their claws, and will have no hesitation
to use the furniture or anything else around, to do this.  It is very
common to have declawing done at the same time neutering is done.  It is
recommended that declawed cats be kept mostly indoors.  While they will
not be TOTALLY defenseless out of doors, they will be at a certain
disadvantage.  I have three declawed cats and one is an indoor/outdoor.
I have fortunately, had no problems with him.
Cats are also, by nature, VERY clean animals.  They groom themselves
often.  If you decide to get a long haired or medium haired cat, know
that there will be grooming costs involved for as long as you own the
him.  Short haired cats, on the other hand, can go for extended periods
of time without needing a professional groom, and the price will be
substantially lower than for a full groom on a long haired cat.
Be sure that the kitten you aquire is at least 9 or 10 weeks old.  They
will learn much from their mother, including litter habits.  Be sure to
start out with a little litter box, that he can easily get into to use.
Then, increase to the larger size as he begins to grow.  You may also
consider a covered litter box.  There are many different styles and
sizes.   Scoopable litter is the best to use, as it makes cleaning and
scooping the litter box much easier.  Scooping should be done every day
or two.  Some cats just won't use a box that is too dirty.  Can't really
blame them for that!  So daily scooping is preferable, and will aid in
controlling any 'cat smell' in the house.  As I said, I live with three
cats, my neighbor has five (!) and neither of our homes have any cat
odor, urine or otherwise.  Regular litter maintainence will assure that
your clean home will continue to smell that way.  
A good and healthy diet is also a must in maintaining the health and
well being of your new baby.  Kitten formula foods are a must.  Kittens
(and puppies) need more protein and other nutrients not found in adult
formulas.  Please do not buy grocery store brands or the commercial
foods on the market.  These amount to junk food for your cat.  Some
recommended brands of diet are Precise kitten, Innova growth, Wysong
kitten, Nutra Max kitten, Natural Choice and Natural Balance kitten
diets.  Iams is also good if there is not a better choice available. (By
the way, vet recommended brands are not always the best for your pet.
There are many superior brands) A good diet will not only promote good
health, but also skin and coat, as well as keeping any litter box odors
down.  While the premium foods may cost a little more than the
commercial brands, they will last longer in the long run.  Because they
are higher quality, there will be more of the food nutrients absorbed
into the body, and less waste.  Consequently, your pet will not need to
eat as much.  
And lastly, love and nuture your little feline friend.  Use his chosen
name often, so he will learn to recognize it, and come when he is
called.  I have a couple cats that play fetch with wadded up sheets of
paper!  A little laser light is a really fun toy to play with.  Lots of
toys, play and attention while he is a kitten, will help insure that he
will grow into a social, happy and welcomed member of your family.  Best
of luck with your choice, and thank you for your intrest in this site as
well as your inquiry.  If you have anymore questions or concerns, feel
free to ask me again!
Thank you,