Starting genealogy can feel overwhelming.

Many people worry they’ve waited too long, don’t know enough, or might make mistakes they can’t undo. Others fear uncovering truths they’re not prepared to handle—or getting lost before they ever really begin.

This book exists to remove that pressure.

The Cat Without a Hat: A Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy is a calm, judgment-free introduction designed to help you orient yourself before diving into records, family trees, or software.

Rather than trying to teach everything, this guide focuses on what matters most at the beginning:

• Where genealogy truly starts
• Why confusion is normal—and necessary
• How to approach family history with care and context
• What “doing it right” actually means
• How modern tools, including AI, can assist without replacing human judgment

Guided by The Cat’s quiet wisdom and supported by clear structure, this book helps you begin thoughtfully, without fear or urgency.

You don’t need perfect records.
You don’t need special knowledge.
You don’t need permission.

You only need a place to start.

This guide is that place.