Maine Coon Kitten Instead Of a Bengal Kitten?

Question

Hi again!

After finding out the (shockingly high) price of a Bengal Kitten and promptly passing out, I'm reverting to my second choice, a Maine Coon.

Can anyone give me some advice about their temperment and general nature?

Additional Details:

He's got to live in a very busy household with lots of kids going in and out.

Answer 1

Characteristics


Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and
neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet serve as 'snow shoes.' Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving as they do increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.

Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!), these are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at one big cat.

Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. (Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items.) They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size!

Temperament

While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as "lap cats" but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby.

Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as vertically-oriented as some other breeds, prefering to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws -- no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play "fetch" with their owners.


Description

The important features of the Maine Coon are the head and body shape, and the texture and 'shag' of the coat. The head is slightly longer than it is wide, presenting a gently concave profile with high cheekbones and ears that are large, wide at the base, moderately pointed, and well tufted inside. They are set well up on the head, approximately an ear's width apart. Lynx-like tufting on the top of the ears is desirable. The neck should be medium-long, the torso long, and the chest broad. The tail should be at least as long as the torso. One of their most distinctive features is their eyes, which are large, round, expressive, and set a a slightly oblique angle. Overall, the Maine Coon should present the appearance of a well-balanced, rectangular cat.

Throughout their history there has been no restriction on the patterns and colors acceptable, with the exception of the pointed Siamese pattern. As a result, a wide range of colors and patterns are bred. Eye colors for all coat colors range through green, gold, and green-gold. Blue eyes and odd eyes, (one blue and one gold eye) are permissible in white cats. There is no requirement in the Maine Coon Standard of Perfection for particular combinations of coat color and eye color.

Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed's characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to 'help' with any activity, and easily groomed coat. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. Their hardiness and ease of kittening make them a satisfying first breed for the novice breeder. For owners wishing to show, the Maine Coon has reclaimed its original glory in the show ring.


Care and Training

Most breeders recommend a high-quality dry food. Most cats can free feed without becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which can usually be controlled by switching to a low-calorie food. Many Maine Coons love water. Keep a good supply of clean, fresh water available at all times.

Most Maine Coons can be trained to accept a leash. Maine Coons are creatures of habit and they train easily if they associate the activity with something they want (they train humans easily too!).


Special Medical Problems

Individuals within any breed are fairly closely related, and have many characteristics in common. This includes genetic strengths and weaknesses. Certain genetic health disorders may be more or less of a problem in a particular breed than in other breeds. For example, a breed may have a slightly higher incidence of gum disease than the cat population as a whole, but have a lower incidence of heart disease or liver disease.

Genetic problems generally only affect a tiny minority of the breed as a whole, but since they can be eradicated by careful screening, most reputable breeders try to track such problems, both in their breeding stock and the kittens they produce. By working with a responsible breeder who will speak openly about health issues, you are encouraging sound breeding practices.

In the Maine Coon, the most common inherited health problems are hip dysplasia, which can produce lameness in a severely affected cat, and cardiomyopathy, which can produce anything from a minor heart murmur to severe heart trouble. Any breeder you talk to should be willing to discuss whether they've had any problems with these diseases in their breeding stock, or in kittens they've produced; how much screening they're doing, and why.

I hope you find a great Maine Coon...

&hearts'

Answer 2

Just keep in mind that they can be VERY large. Mine is 16 lbs, and people are always shocked when they see him. "What is that, a dog?" is what I'll often hear. It's amazing how many people are awe-struck at his size. But they have great personalities, and beautiful fur, especially their tales. They are what is classified as "semi-longhair" and most times, they have a particular kind of fur that, although pretty long, actually does NOT require frequent brushing. THey don't tend to "mat" like Persians.

I don't know if it's a maine coon thing, but mine has a SEVERE liking for fruits and vegetables. If I'm eating a piece of fruit, he won't leave me alone. I cannot leave tomatoes on the counter to ripen. Couple summers ago I would pick okra for an hour or two in the mornings, and I brought home one that had grown too big to eat (they get tough when they're big). I brought it home to show my mom (who was visiting) how big they'd get if we neglected to see and harvest them for a day or two. This one was a whopper (about 6 inches long and fat). I was shocked when I found it later half-eaten on the floor. Moses (my maine coon) has also eaten half of a corn COB before. THe COB, the part WE don't eat! He dug it out of the trash. Don't know what's wrong with that cat, LOL.

Answer 3

I LOVE my Maine coon! He is now 7 years old and what a lover! Not a loud purrer or loud meower, quiet and serene and loves attention. Actually seeks attention continually but is okay with it if you don't have the time right then. He will be back!

I found, having him here alone while I worked and child in school, was not a good idea. He went into a small "depression" until we brought a kitten into the house.

This kitten was a female Manx (no tail) and the Maine coon is a fixed male. We say HE has tail enough for both of them!
He took to her like a mom to its kittens. They clean each other, sleep together and are inseparable. And yet, he still comes to us for affection.

Great choice of breeds!

Answer 4

Maine Coons are really lovely cats!

Very serene, laid back, like to sleep and be made fuss of. They love affection and will give it to you in return. They do tend to favour the person in the house that gives them the most attention, in my case it was my dad, but that doesn't mean they'll ignore everyone else!

They can get quite large and don't go out a lot. They do have a lovely temperament and I often think about getting another, as our maine coon is no longer with us.

they're great with kids and wont mind the bussle of the place. when we had one, we had three dogs and other cats, as well as three kids and family constantly walking in and out! as long as he gets petting from them all he won't care!

Ours was a lovely lap cat, and liked to play a lot as well.

good luck! it's a great choice.

Answer 5

My family has a Maine Coon.... he's a big boy. Like most cats he can be a bit temperamental. And generally likes everyone, but he tends to lean more to the master of the house which of course is his baby. He give a bit of attention to all but his master is his pet,

Answer 6

Maine Coons are gorgeous cats, they are very friendly and laid back. they are also great with children, dogs and other cats.

If you are looking for anothe kind have a look at the Tonkinese, they have the build of the siames but the temperament of the burmese.

Good Luck in whatever you choose, Cats of any breed including Moggies are great.

Answer 7

the gentle maine coon is known for its loving nature, calm disposition and intellegence, and especially for the soft little chirping noises it makes as it goes about its day. it is a delightful companion, loving and loyal and very pateint with children. it is an exelent hunter and doesnt hesitate to go into water! it sometimes picks up food with its front paws! also they can be large, ( up to 20 Ibs or a little more ) but they are very friendly in any way, just like i told you above. also you should comb its fur 3 times a week. even if its long or short hair. so................ GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

Maine coon i think the look the better of the two and also the better temperament

Answer 9

I have a mixed kitty part m.coon. his personality is wonderful! This kitty whopped a pittbull & 4 other dogs @ different times.He will not hurt a child no matter what they do to him!!

Answer 10

we have half main coone and they are georgious but realy cheeky and cleaver enjoy