The Miane Coon is becoming popular in the UK but I am disturbed by my (presumably mis-) understanding of the 'personality' of the animal. Are they really more dog-like i.e. following their owners, sitting patiemtly by their owners in the evning etc? Has the essentila 'cat-ness' i.e. independence been bred out of these animals? Also, without wishing to be contentious, why i this 'non-cat cat' so populr with gay men? If the breed and it's non-cat attributes are being encouraged to suit the lifestyles of a minority then I think there is a cause for concern.

PC

-- Anonymous, February 04, 1999

Answers

I've always described Maine Coons as "just like any other basic American cat, only bigger and better." The idea that an MC might be considered a "non-cat cat" seems laughable to me. The two I have had shared the traits of liking to hang out near a favorite person and liking to carry toys around in their mouths, but these traits also exhibited by my shelter and rescue cats. As to your other point, most of the Maine coon breeders I have met have been married women.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 1999

I don't think my current MC is dog-like, although she does follow me about faithfully, sits by me, tolerates a harness outside, and actually likes to sleep in a space INTENDED as her sleeping space. However, her psychology and behavior solidly feline. Cat and dog psychologies are deeply different.

Apparently, MCs are popular with ALL men, more than most breed cats. I have seen ads for them in the back of a British men's magazine, and men often express interest in them, according to the breeders I know. My theory is that men who would otherwise be unintersted in a breed cat are attracted to the big, beautiful, playful, natural Coon. I can just see it now--two massive lumberjacks in the backwoods of Maine, circa 1850--"Goldang, Asa, that's a big cat!" "Yep, he's fifteen pounds and a yard and a half long. Tries to kill anything that moves. Not a rat in the cabin."

In my colourful life, people of every possible gender and sexual orientation have admired my Maine Coons, and the cats have enjoyed their company without any discriminatory criteria. Peter, I recommend that you don't fret about this.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 1999

My husband (who is heterosexual, last time I checked) wanted a Maine Coon for many years before we felt like we could afford to purchase one. I have NEVER bought a cat in my life, so I was pretty skeptical. Now - I wouldn't trade her for the world. But I think it is a "man-thing" (if you will excuse my generalization) to want a large pet - be it dog or cat. Our "PJ" plays fetch & retrieve like a dog, she dunks her "mouse" (any wadded up piece of paper)in her water bowl like a raccoon, she "chirps" like a bird when she wants to get up, down, in or out, she eats ANYTHING like a billy-goat, and she is an attention hog like all the other cats we've ever owned. I say these are the BEST cats around (based on my limited experience with Main Coons and my extensive experience with orphaned & adopted mixed breeds).

-- Anonymous, February 22, 1999

Brutus, my handsome boy, is much better than a dog. He loves to sit under my legs if I have them propped up, or anywhere around me, but not necessarily on my lap. At this moment, he is sprawled on the desk with his head propped on the edge of the keyboard. He isn't asking for attention, just some companionship. He is our dog's best friend, however, and they do wrestle around on the living room floor - our dog is a Scottish Terrier who outweighs Brutus by about 4 to 1, but Brutus usually wins! Brutus meets me at the door, waits for me by the edge of the bathtub or outside the bathroom door, sits on his stool in the kitchen when I cook, and sits on top of a table when I fold laundry. He is my little buddy!

-- Anonymous, March 06, 1999

Along with a persian, siamese mix, MC mix and Bengal, we have a 1.5 y/o MC female that is anything but doglike...These regal animals are all cat down to the whiskers; however, their superior intelligence allow them to be more animated an sometimes more aloof than your sweet natured average house cat. IMO, the only cat that leaves them in the dust is the Bengal. As for their appeal to gay men, get real! Cat lovers are cat lovers so I suggest you not let your sexual orientation dictate the selection of your second most important life partner...and buy the personality before you buy the breed. John and Diane Byrne and our 5 feline sweethearts.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 1999

I almost had a fit laughing about your Q but then I began to think that just maybe it was only a case of not enough info and too many stereotypical things read and heard. Relax Peter Maine Coons are just babies, albeit BIG ones! My J.D. an 18lb. gorilla is as feline as they come, he totally hates our dog Annie and looks for any oppurtunity to swat her. He hates water with a passion. And relishes the occasional tin of mackerel. See Peter they are cats and as such have very individual very unique personalities. Please don't think that by owning one you will be branded. No causes for concern Peter I believe the breed is an excellent one and not being bred just for the dog like traits. You can contact me by email and we can discuss this further. Hope this helps Lisa, Mike, and J.D.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 1999

My dear Simba, a 6 mo. old MC, is EXTREMELY AFFECTIONATE and is always seeking attention and following me WHEREVER I go, but he is still A CAT. He will do whatever he pleases and is still a little bit more independent and self-centered than a dog. He is like a baby to me. I don't think they(MC) appeal to gay men more than they appeal to ANYONE who gets to know them.These cats are excellent pets for ANYONE.

-- Anonymous, August 10, 1999

My girlfriend's MC, "Mokie," is very moody and very connected to his keeper. He does not like to be touched or picked up by anyone but her, and will snap at your feet if he finds you to be annoying. Nevertheless, he's obviously a brilliant--able to come when he's called, likes to play games, etc.---brilliant but a little cantankerous.

My little shorthair-muttcat, "Jaco," absolultely idolizes Mokie and when visiting at Mokie's House will follow that MC around everywhere.

facinating fatcats, those MCs

-- Anonymous, August 17, 1999

We have a 8 month old male MC "Thumper" that is so human its frightening. He is constantly underfoot, is constantly with me or my wife. Loves to play..playfully bites once in a while which i discourage with a squirt bottle. I have taught him to fetch lis little toy tiger. Sleeps with us evey nite....VERY effectionate 95% of the time. I had a 23 year old siamese thast recently died and was loveable but this one is moreso. He follows us around the house all of the time. Does not like to be left alone at all and will cry if done so. If we go out on the lawn, he will sit and cry at the door until we return to the house. We are both retired and its just like raising a real little boy. A perfect pet,. Best cat we have ever had. Of course we probably have spoiled him too.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2000