notes from living with two cats ↓
Most cat advice online is junk.
So I’m writing the book I wish I’d had with my first cat - no folklore, no “cats are just mysterious,” no affiliate-bait shopping lists. Just what actually works, why, and how I know.
Everything here is tested daily by two extremely opinionated quality inspectors (Cola & Chili).
the cat manual
Your First Cat
the actual point of this site ↓
A whole book for your first year with a cat.
Your First Cat is the opinionated field guide I needed and couldn’t find. It’s not a listicle and it doesn’t hedge everything into mush.
- Everything for year one - choosing, settling in, feeding, litter, the vet, and behaviour that actually makes sense.
- Every claim is sourced. Nothing in here is “a friend told me.”
- No affiliate links, no padding, no 200 ways to say “it depends.”
Join the waitlist
Get first copies, plus a free sample chapter the day it launches. No spam - leave whenever.
who’s actually writing this?
Hi - I’m the person behind the cat manual. I’ve lived with cats for most of my adult life, made basically every mistake at least once, and got tired of watching new owners get fed the same recycled nonsense by sites that have clearly never met a cat.
So I started writing things down - what worked, what didn’t, and what the research actually says once you dig past the blog-spam. This site is that notebook, cleaned up a little. No sponsors deciding what I recommend.
- Bart
the longer story (and the cats)from the notebook
Things I’ve figured out so far
Adopting a Rescue Cat: The Ultimate Guide
Comprehensive guide on adopting a rescue cat, from preparation to integration.
Understanding Cat Territorial Behavior
Learn about cat territorial behavior and how to manage it effectively.
Safe Houseplants for Cat Owners
Discover which houseplants are safe for cats and how to create a pet-friendly home.
Holistic Cat Nutrition: A Complete Guide
Explore holistic cat nutrition and ensure your feline receives a balanced diet.
Cat Anxiety: Recognizing and Reducing Stress
Learn how to identify signs of cat anxiety and reduce stress for a happier pet.
Choosing the Right Cat Breed for Your Lifestyle
Find the perfect cat breed for your lifestyle with our guide on breed characteristics and suitability.
Senior Cat Care: Adapting to Changing Needs
Adapt to your senior cat's changing needs with tips on health, nutrition, and maintaining a comfortable environment.
How to Handle Cat Aggression: Tips and Techniques
Learn tips and techniques to handle cat aggression effectively, ensuring a safer and calmer environment.
Cat Enrichment: Creative Ideas for a Happy Cat
Discover creative cat enrichment ideas to keep your feline happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated at home.
Common Cat Allergies: Symptoms and Solutions
Identify common cat allergies, their symptoms, and effective solutions to keep your feline healthy and comfortable.
Traveling with Cats: A Stress-Free Guide
Learn how to travel with your cat stress-free with our guide on preparation, travel tips, and maintaining feline comfort.
Understanding Feline Play: Benefits and Tips
Explore the benefits of feline play and tips for engaging your cat in healthy, stimulating activities.
Cat Nutrition for Kittens: A Complete Guide
Discover a complete guide to kitten nutrition, ensuring your young feline gets the best start with balanced meals.
Litter Box Training: Essential Tips for Success
Master litter box training with essential tips and tricks for new cat owners to ensure a clean and stress-free experience.
Introducing Cats: Successful First Meetings
Learn how to successfully introduce a new cat to your home with tips on first meetings and building peaceful relationships.
Does Your Cat Love You? Final Thoughts and Tips
Conclude with final thoughts on feline affection and tips to strengthen your bond with your cat.
Understanding Cat Grooming: Is It a Love Language?
Learn if cat grooming behaviors are a love language and what they indicate about your bond.
Cat Behavior: Do Headbutts and Kneading Mean Love?
Explore whether cat headbutts and kneading are expressions of love and what they convey.
Health Checkups: Keeping Your Cat in Top Condition
Ensure your cat's health with regular checkups and tips for maintaining their well-being and longevity.
Decoding Cat Purring: Is It a Sign of Love?
Discover if your cat's purring is a sign of love and what this behavior truly means.
The Role of Scent: How Cats Use Smell to Communicate
Understand how cats use scent marking and smell as a communication tool.
Signs Your Cat Loves You: Understanding Feline Affection
Learn how to recognize if your cat loves you with these clear signs of feline affection.
Understanding Feline Behavior: A Guide for Owners
Unlock the mysteries of feline behavior with this guide to better understand your cat's actions and needs.
Facial Expressions: Recognizing Your Cat's Moods
Learn to recognize your cat's moods through their facial expressions.
Tail Talk: Interpreting Your Cat's Tail Movements
Interpret the meaning behind your cat's tail movements for better interaction.
Creating a Cat-Friendly Home Environment
Learn how to create a cat-friendly home environment that promotes safety and enriches your feline's life.
Vocalizations: What Your Cat's Sounds Mean
Discover the meanings behind your cat's vocalizations and improve communication.
Feeding Your Cat: Nutrition Guidelines & Tips
Discover essential feeding guidelines and tips to ensure a balanced diet for your cat's optimal health.
Cat Care Essentials: Daily Routines for New Owners
Learn cat care essentials with daily routines for new cat owners to ensure your feline's health and happiness.
Cat Body Language: Decoding Feline Signals
Learn to decode your cat's body language and understand their needs better.
Why Cats Knock Things Off Tables: Behavior Explained
Discover why cats knock things off tables and how to manage this behavior for a harmonious home.
ps - there’s also a weekly note
One idea, one study, one thing to try with your cat - every Sunday. It’s short, it’s opinionated, and you can leave whenever you like.