Cats are very easy to train to do many things. One of the easiest things to train a cat, is potty training. Much easier than any other animal I know of. Show him a litter box once, keep it clean, and he will use it. No other training neccisary. I have had cats that were trained to go to the door when they had to go potty. This is an easy process, that just takes a little bit of time and patience. Email me for details on how I did this.
Some cats can be very finicky about what they eat, and some cats will eat anything in sight! Neither one of these habbits are good. Some cats can have urinary and intestinal problems due to a diet that is lacking or has to much of one thing. Ask your vet what food is right for your cat.
Cats can get along just fine with many other types of pets. They are very capable of understanding the difference between a bird we keep inside in a cage, and a bird they see out in the yard. Although I would never let my birds loose in the house with the cats, I can have great confidence that while they are in their cages, the cats will not bother them. I have never had a cage knocked down, or a bird eaten by one of my cats. They simply have an understanding with me that the caged birds are off limits.
There are some diseases that cats are prone to. With proper vaccinations, these diseases can be avoided. Among them are Feline Leukemia, Parvo, Distemper, and FIV. These are very difficult diseases to watch a cat suffer through, and I highly recomend getting your cats vaccinated against them so you never have to face these tragic illnesses.
One more thing, which I'm sure you are all aware of is the population problem with cats and kittens. It is very important that we, as responsible pet owners have our cats spayed and neutered and leave the breeding up to the breeders. The more stray cats we have roaming our neighborhoods, the more likely your cat is to become ill, or get into fights.
