I am one of those people who acquired a wonderful, extraordinary cat that I think may be all or in large part Maine Coon Cat. I got him at 6 weeks old from an animal shelter. He's now 2 yrs.; 15 pounds; and black and brown striped. He looks like a racoon, and we're fond of saying it's good he's an indoor cat 'cuz people would mistake him for a racoon. He's got long, silky hair; a large, plumed tail; heavily tufted ears and feet (and the feet are huge); a medium-sized but striking ruff; large, slightly-slanted bright green eyes; and a chirping, soft voice. He's the most affectionate, devoted cat I've ever had and also the most terrified; he finds the oddest corners to hide in when anyone but family's in the house, but when only we are home, he follows me, in particular, from room to room and nestles up close, particularly, oddly enough, at story-time with young children. He's strikingly beautiful--even the vets comment, and I've never had that happen before with any other cat. My 9-year-old named this cat "Michael Jordan," but we call him "Mikey." I'm a history buff and the history of Maine Coon cats is fascinating. Might we have one? This web site says pedigree is the only sure way to know, but the animal shelter, of course, didn't have one for him. Could we say it's probable or likely that he's all or part Maine Coon cat? (I can't imagine how one would end up at a shelter, though.) Thanks for helping us know more about our beloved Mikey! --Lisa Comforty

-- Anonymous, October 15, 2000

Answers

this sounds a lot like the cat we just got. It most likely is and hopefully you have good luck. We named ours Luna, she's a female and very beautiful. Paws are also huge. :o)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2000