If you’re looking to adopt a big, beautiful cat that is 100 percent love bug, may I suggest the Maine Coon cat? These impressive long-haired cats may look fearsome, but they are gaining in popularity all across the U.S. and they make excellent feline companions whether you’re just a family of one or eight. And these giant floofs are an impressive sight to see!
Imgur/roto
As Katrina Stewardson notes in her blog, Maine Coon Central, you might soon start to think of these kitties as dogs because their personality really is very “dog-like.”
“Maine Coons are an outgoing, good-natured, and sociable cat breed,” she writes. “They love spending their time with their family and are extremely loyal companions to their family. Maine Coon cats often follow their owners around the home since they are curious to know what their owners are up to. These highly-intelligent felines are very affectionate and dog-like.”
Maine Coon Cats Do Well With Kids And Family Pets
These extremely affable cats have very few requirements, but there are a few things you need to consider if you’re considering adopting one. Stewardson writes that all purebred Maine Coons exhibit pretty much the same personality traits. In general, they are extremely friendly with whoever they meet. They are very gentle and docile cats. And despite their size, they are very playful and full of energy. They are well-known for their intelligence. Stewardson also notes they are very tolerant of young children and typically aren’t bothered by loud, boisterous behavior.
But there are a few things to consider, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home. Perhaps one of this breed’s most dog-like characteristics is that they suffer from separation anxiety, Stewardson notes.
Floof cat via Bored Panda
“Owners that spend large amounts of time away from home are not best suited to owning a Maine Coon,” Katrina notes. “This is because the cat will become lonely, and might experience mental health issues due to separation anxiety.”
And since they are big cats, they need big territory.
They are just plain too big for small spaces.
“A Maine Coon will need a large amount of space, to consider their territory,” Katrina says. “Do you have the room for a large cat tower? or other cat paraphernalia?”
Maine Coon cats should never, EVER, roam outdoors, period. If you have a catio fine, but there are several important reasons for this. Their inquisitive, friendly nature and beautiful fur make them susceptible to thieves, and as Reader’s Digest notes, they are among eight cat breeds that are most likely to be stolen. And no matter how large your Maine Coon is, it faces hazards from wildlife, disease, and cars if you allow it to roam. That’s not the least bit fair to your cat.
Adopt, Rescue Your Maine Coon
Daily Paws reports that Maine Coon cats are very popular. In 2019, the Cat Fanciers’ Association listed it as the fifth most popular cat breed. If bought from a breeder, kittens can cost as much as $1500, or even $2500, Katrina notes. How many cats could be adopted or fixed for that price!?
The good news is, there are rescues across the country that are dedicated to helping these magnificent cats and ensuring they wind up in loving homes.
“Most charge anywhere from $100 – $250 as an adoption fee, and this expense often includes vaccinations, a microchip and the cost to get your cat fixed,” Katrina adds.
She notes that Maine Coon cats are fairly uncommon in local shelters or humane societies, but, she adds, “if you keep an eye out it’s possible to find a Maine Coon there.”
Katrina also recommends you check out rescues and adds “with a little bit of research, you may be able to find a Maine Coon rescue near you.” You can also turn to Facebook where there are rescues like Rescue Me! Maine Coon Rescue or Main Coon Rescue. It’s wonderful to see rescues like this since not every cat, including Maine Coons, start out with a fair shot in life.
I have to admit I find it difficult to believe these beautiful, loyal, and intelligent cats need rescue sometimes but they do.
Rescue Can Change Their Lives — And Yours.
Jennifer, a volunteer with Maine Coon Rescue, whose responsibilities include answering questions from nosy writers like me, says cats and kittens are brought to the rescue for a variety of reasons. Some are, of course, surrendered by “people who cannot keep them any longer for a variety of reasons; some are shelter cats needing rescue from high-kill shelters, and cats who show up as strays but someone either takes them in for rescue or brings them to our attention.”
“Occasionally, we get cats from breeders who go out of business or retire the cat from breeding,” Jennifer adds. “As for first-time adopters for Maine Coons/mixes we try to educate them as to the potential large size of many Maine Coons and, especially for purebreds, we warn of propensity of some health conditions such as cardiomyopathy. Of course, we are huge fans of the breed because of their amazing personalities.”
My sister has rescued Maine Coon kitties for decades. They are every bit as loving, cuddly, and just plain adorable as I’ve mentioned before. One of these big bears is more than happy to snuggle under your chin in bed at night or hang with you while you Netflix. A crying baby or barking dog doesn’t stress them. Rescuing one of these remarkable cats will improve your life as well as theirs.
Did I mention they are just delightful?
Featured image: Image by FabCDJR via Pixabay, with image by unknown/BoredPanda
