I recently adopted my first maine coon, a male, who is just over four months old now. I have the opportunity to adopt (for free) another one almost the same age, a female. I love this breed ... Moose is such a people cat. I'm concerned that by adding another one to the household they might become more each-other-oriented and less people oriented since they will have each other. Would appreciate your thoughts and experiences. Contrary to some things I've read, Moose very much enjoys being babied and is often a lap cat. I don't want that to change.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2000

Answers

I have a Maine Coon cat who is 2 and a half now. He was 5 months old when I got him. When I got him, I already had 2 other cats. He seems to like the other cats and is affectionate with them, but he definitely is still a very loving cat (too much some times). He gets jealous when the other cats get attention. If I'm petting another cat, he will come up and butt his Maine Coon head under my hand. If you want to get another cat, it probably would be better to do it while he is young rather than when he is older. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2000

We got Sherman and Peabody from the same litter when they were 12 weeks old. I had had one cat for 17 years and it had never occurred to me to get two. I'd now never consider anything else. They are true brothers, alternately loving and fighting with each other. One will inevitably be more dominant than the other, but I don't think you have to worry about "cat company" becoming preferable over people company. They can't manipulate each other as much as they can you so people will always be more fun!!

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2000