The beautiful Maine Coon (kitten, breeders, sleeping, dogs)

[dangermouse]

Hi All

Could someone who has Maine Coons give me a bit of info..

I have read & read over the past months & have made the decision to buy a kitten. From what I have read they are more than happy to be kept indoors & walked on a lead.. is this true ?

Obviously I dont want to keep a cat indoors if it will be unhappy .. If anyone can tell me a bit more about the breed I would be gratful. I have read some horror stories that they can get up to allot of mischief !!! Tell me all, good & bad ! Also post all your piccies so I can decide on what type to get !

Thanks allot

[Marylandkitten]

I would scroll down through the forums, it looks like there are a few, specificly on main coon cats, and their owners with different posts.

But in the meantime... homework!!!!

Maine Coon Cats by Verismo: Maine Coon Cat Pictures
Cat Fanciers' Association: Breed Profile: Maine Coon
Cat Fanciers: Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ

[dangermouse]

Thanks hon I will read through these

[LuvRedSox]

I wouldn' t even consider allowing my cats to roam outside....so many dangers!

I don't think my Maine Coon would like being on a lead. They are both independent and dependent. He follows me from room to room, finding a place to curl up and keep an eye on me. If I close a door behind me with him on the other side, his paw is immediately underneath trying to open it and then he will actually start to push on it with his head sometimes so hard it makes scary thumps.

Please don' t get a cat if you are going to have it as an outside pet. If you any specific questions about the Maine Coon, let me know....happy to answer.

Diana

[Racelady88]

This innocent looking creature is pure EVIL. Her name is Miss Pretty Girl. My mother in law adopted her as a kitten. She enjoys going out about 4 feet into the yard once in a while. The rest of her time is spent looking for places from which to ambush.......

[resa818]

Hi to Map book 4 U, I have 3 maine coon mix cats and all are very dependent / independent with their own personalities.
My bengal / maine coon mix does the same pushing his head in the door.
Also uses his head to push the big water dish, as well. They are the
most curious kids, and so loveable!!! My other cats are pixy-bobcat /
maine coon mix, and my little girl is a norwegian forest / maine coon mix,
looks hugh, with all her fur, until she gets a bath!
Most Vets will tell you, never to let your cats outdoors, and my son let out one, last summer by mistake for half a day. The cat came down with a virus
that took a month to heal. Started with dehydration, and walked
like it was an old cat (cat is only 3 years old). It would not eat or drink,
so had to leave over night with vet, and was given saline liquid to hydrate.
That was enough scare for me. Our house borders city / townline, and has
much wildlife with coyotes packs are now in the cities. We hear them howling
late at night, and then the raccoons are roaming around our woods. Then
you may be unlucky to have a neighbor that does not like cats. Many
stories of friends cats had unhappy endings in their neighborhoods.
Its not Mulberry, with Andy next door as your neighbor any more.
Hopes this helps the need for inside cat refuge club America.

[LuvRedSox]

Evey your babies are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your pics!

resa818 you are so right about all of the dangers outside. We too hear the coyotes, they are brave enough to come right up to the properties with dogs! Many people do not know that cats get worms, viruses, ticks, and fleas simply by being outside for a few moments. Then there is always the worry of the sick neighbor that will poison or trap anything trespassing. I believe cat owners do need to be responsible owners and keep their cats indoors for the best all the way around.

Squirrels, rabbits, gophers, birds, and moles carry all kinds of things that hang around your yard just waiting to attach itself or attack you, your dog, or cat. It gives me the shivers that our neighbors allow their cats inside and out! There are so many chickens and pigeons within our neighborhood and they carry what is called a stick flea which can attach itself to your cat within a couple of moments, infesting your home shortly afterwards.

It is so nice to see so many people appreciating the beautiful Maine Coon breed. They are awesome and I haven' t met one I didn't like!

Diana

[dangermouse]

Thanks for everyones info. What about if im at work for 6 hours in the day ? Some breeders have said they need companions but others have said that they are nocturnal so will be sleeping anyway - each & every single night I will be there to give it all the love & attention I have to give. Im a sucker for any animal & they soon become my 'babies' as I cant have children of my own.

What do you think ? xx

[dangermouse]

Originally Posted by Evey

This innocent looking creature is pure EVIL. Her name is Miss Pretty Girl. My mother in law adopted her as a kitten. She enjoys going out about 4 feet into the yard once in a while. The rest of her time is spent looking for places from which to ambush.......

Evey tell me more.. I think its so funny what they get up to. People have told me its like having Gremlins !!!!

[LuvRedSox]

Originally Posted by dangermouse

Thanks for everyones info. What about if im at work for 6 hours in the day ? Some breeders have said they need companions but others have said that they are nocturnal so will be sleeping anyway - each & every single night I will be there to give it all the love & attention I have to give. Im a sucker for any animal & they soon become my 'babies' as I cant have children of my own.

What do you think ? xx

I believe the Maine Coon does need companionship so you might want to get two kitties. I can tell you my Rocky seeks me out all day long and if I am moving around....he is right there with me. He loves to play with our cats too. He is one of the few that is the most active, (not spastic, just actively awake),...day and night.

I wish I would have gotten his sister.....had I known what a lovely disposition they are bred with.....I would have taken both in a heartbeat!

Diana