Maine Coon Cat

My mother had a particular affinity for Maine Coon Cats. Most people who acquire them have no idea that these are essentially home bred wild cats Their owners frequently abandon them along a backwoods road someplace, because they don't know what to do with a wild cat. Mother made friends with them in mere minutes. That was how we usually got ours. Mother would see a flash of high green in the bushes, and go talk them into the car, where we took them home.

We socialized them a bit before taking them to our vet. He was terrified of them, and not without reason. The don't like being handled by strangers, they fight to be free, you have to send their person into the vet with them. They don't like not being top cat.

Yet, once they settle in, they own their families. From the parents and kids to the dogs and other cats. Not ruling with unpleasantness, but with the sweetest, most manipulative behavior you have ever seen. You don't get to decide if your Maine Coon is going outside. He decides that he is. He may allow you to hold a leash, if he approves of you.
We always had one, but never more than one at a time.

There were usually other animals, the only thing that changed was, the canary cages got sturdier, and locked. It was cat TeeVee! they would sit and watch the birds forever, absolutely motionless. Maybe an occasional ear quiver. but nothing more. They were loyal, territorial, protective, and genuinely gentle cats, once they were in charge. They usually made the rounds of the doors and windows at night, to be sure everything was closed, and if they found something open, yeowled like all get out until someone closed the window or locked the door.
I've probably lived with a half dozen Maine Coons in my life, and they are wonderful, if dangerous, pets. Got to love those ears!

Comments:

Its adorable! love the ears, very sharp looking.

that is a gorgeous cat! I bet they are excellant hunters too!

Gorgeous!

unique to say the least!