Wish had found the board before deciding to get a Maine Coon. The books I researched just don't seem to really reflect the behavior. As I go down the list of questions every other seems to fit this cat eventhrough many answers say its not a character of the breed. When was at the cattery was stressing that was wanting a calm "lap cat", wish the breeder would have informed me that this was not the breed.

This maine coon will not allow you to attempt to hold it, is constantly on the move like cat at the zoo. Has broken several things from jumping and have to keep things cover due to clawing.

Areas of similarity -- litter box usage, spilling water, not affectionate, breathing noises, etc, etc

Just wanted to say enjoy your site, wish had found it sooner

Randy

-- Anonymous, December 16, 1998

Answers

Randy, I don't think you can "cat" agorize MC behavior. Mine is very loving. He is not restless. He did claw like crazy at first. I know a lot of people frown on that, but, I feel pets & their people have to make consessions to each other, that was his.

I am not sure I would keep a pet that I enjoyed as little as you seem to this one. ( How long has he been in your household? Some cats do take a while to adjust) If you really feel you have given him your best effort & an adequate time to adjust, you might start keeping you ears peeled for a new home.( for the cat).

I don't know as much about MC's as a lot of the people on this board, but, from what little I do know, I would say, becarefull not to generalize about MC's, go with the individual cat.

Good luck, Pam

-- Anonymous, December 16, 1998

We acquuired "Put Put" when our neighbor died after the cat led him to our door for help. It took three days to get food in him. He lived in the closet for three months. We have had him for two years last October. He has been out of the closet for about a year. He will approach people if they are quiet and gentle. While he no longer bounces off the sink six feet from the pop of the toaster, he still does not like noise. My husband and I are both hard of hearing. If we raise our voice slightly he will leave the room. When we don't arise at our normal time he will not let us alone until we respond. He is extreamly inteligent, very loving, helpful and a joy in our life. We have to board him when we are gone for more than a day. He knows how to open the door and go into the hall. When someone buzzs us from the lobby, he will stare at the door until he hears the elevator. He then goes to the door to greet our company. From his demeanor and looks I am sure he is MC. We never heard of the breed until the lady who boards him suggested he may have some MC genes. This would explain why a former friend of his last owner came from nowhere and tried to take him from us.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 1999

Dear Randy, I can surely tell you that your cat is not typical of the maine coon breed in general. Really a lot of the personality comes from the parents, and how the breeder treated your kitty after it was born. The breeders I know, spend endless time playing, holding, and loving their babies to start their socialization with people. They aren't typically neurotic. I am sorry you sound dissappointed with your baby, but you may be able to work with your kitty to help it overcome some of these tendencies. Just be very sweet, loving and kind. Respect your kitty if you get a sign while holding him that he wants down, let him down. Always praise with soft kind words, and mine especially love the Whiskas treats that come in the pouch. It's funny how sweet my baby becomes when she see's that pouch of treats. I have to say that there are times when my baby doesn't want to be held, but then at other times she will come to me and want to be held. She will gently tap me on the back of my legs, or climb into my lap while I am sitting. Those times are very dear to me because she is doing it on her own. Please don't give up on your kitty yet. I have also found that as kitties get older they become much more affectionate. Find an activity that your kitty loves to do. My kitty especially loves the bird that flies on the fishing pole. It's available at kitty shows. It's good exercise, too. Play often, the interaction is so important. Believe it or not, and you are going to think I am crazy, I play hide and seek with my maine coon. It is her favorite thing! I start out not going very far, but just around a corner and call her. Sometimes I'll say peek a boo, which drives her crazy. She will run up to me and then stand on her hind legs and make the little trill sound as if to say "I found you!" I believe the more quality time you spend, the more you will get in return. Best of luck. By the way, my little girl is right beside me right now while I am typing, so you should have some hope. Quality time.

-- Anonymous, May 20, 1999