Two weeks ago we lost our 12 year old Maine Coone (Sundance)to kidney failure. Once you've had one of these cats in your family it's very difficult to be without them. We have our heart set on a silver and we've found a breeder with silvers that are 12 weeks old. We have an appointment this evening to see them. I'm hoping to bring one home.

I would appreciate any advice on the first couple of days in a new home/environment in order to make him feel comfortable. We have a dog and I don't want to panic him immediately. Should we keep him separated and isolated in a room for a few days? We both work and Shiloh stays outside during the day. Can we let him roam the house alone while we're gone? Will he remember where the cat box is? It's been a long time since we brought Sundance home and I just don't remember how we handled those first few days.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you, Linda

-- Anonymous, June 15, 1999

Answers

I would STRONGLY recommend you keep him confined in a separate room for at least a week and do not allow the dog to get closer to him than being able to sniff each other under a door. Your kitty (particularly one relatively young at 12 weeks which is absolutely the minimum age a good breeder should allow a kitten to leave its mother) will be a bit scared at first and will need a small space to live in to feel more confident. After he has had a chance to wander around the room a while, place him into his litter box and let him sniff it. He will probably get out again immediately, but don't worry about that. Another reason for keeping him confined for at least a week is to check on his condition. Is he absolutely flea, tick and worm-free? I would recommend a visit to your vet as soon as possible...hopefully, BEFORE you bring him home, although that may be too late now for you. You do not want to bring extra critters into your home! After a week, if he is comfortable, introduce him to another room connected to his original room and gradually, over a few days, let him wander into other rooms. I wouldn't let him near the dog until he is really confident with your house and all the family and then ONLY let the cat and dog be together with your supervision until you have seen them interact CONTINUALLY as friends. Always make sure kitty has somewhere to escape to (such as a high cat tree), even after you are sure that the animals get on well together. I hope you are intending on keeping your kitty as an inside cat. His lifespan will be greatly increased by keeping him in. Personally, I do not know a "good" breeder who will agree to sell a kitten to someone who intends to let it outside. Good luck with your lovely new addition! As you say, doing without an MC in the family is impossible!

-- Anonymous, June 15, 1999

We adopted a "stray" from the humane society. We had alot of concerns regarding introducing Puch (pronouced Puck, Shakespeare or hockey) to our Newfie and Airedale, but he did great! Two and 1/2 months later, he's the boss. It's been suggested that he is part Maine Coon Cat, his looks add up, and his behaviors are odder than the cat i had for 20 years......I was wondering if you could share some characteristic behavior of this breed, thanks

-- Anonymous, December 13, 1999