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Original poster

Should I get a cat? (Maine Coon)

82 replies

Sharad · 22/11/2023 21:20

Hi everyone.

I need help making a decision please. Mainly looking for reassurance and positive stories, but also a dose of realism about cat ownership.

I have a friend, who can no longer take care of her beloved cat due to health reasons. She loves him very much, but unfortunately is physically unable to take care of him now. She has asked me if I would like to take him. I don’t want to refuse as I have child that would love to have a pet. I however, am not very keen on the idea and need convincing.

The cat is a year old and is a Maine Coon. My friend doesn’t have family that she could give him to. She asked me because I have a child who loves animals and the breed is well suited for families with children. She will have to re-home him or sell him if I do not agree, but I am not under any pressure to do so. I do however, feel responsible for his future.

Problem is, I have only heard horror stories about cats peeing and pooing in owners beds and laundry. I know this isn’t true for all cats, but Mumsnet is full of threads with these issues.
That said, I am open minded and would like to know if my fears are unfounded. I know there is always a chance, but how common is it to end up with a cat that may develop these behavioural issues?

For reference, I do not visit my friend very often as she lives two hours away, so I haven’t had any interaction with the cat.

Please help me make a decision on whether I should take the plunge or not. I am financially able to take care of him and can provide a loving home. I just need to hear from you what it’s really like owning a cat. Were you hesitant about getting a cat and was it the right decision? Did it work out? Are they loving and affectionate?
Please share some stories to help me decide.

Any experience regarding the breed would be very appreciated too.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
kagerou · 22/11/2023 21:24

Had cats my whole life, all adopted or rescued and never had any of them pooping or peeing on my bed.
As long as he's neutered there's no reason he should.

GlitteringUnicorn · 22/11/2023 21:25

I have a Maine Coon- he is my world.
Now on my third MC.
They are fantastic breed. Cats are generally very clean- you do have to perhaps get used to stepping on the odd fur ball in the morning Confused
All that said there are MC rehoming groups full of MC devotees so I wouldnt feel the guilt- if you don't fancy the commitment he would easily find a good home especially if he is young.

Original poster
Sharad · 22/11/2023 21:38

@kagerou Glad to know this isn’t common!

OP posts:
TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 22/11/2023 21:43

I've not got any experience of maine coons, but I've had cats almost all my life.

Yes they occasionally pee or poop where they shouldn't, but I've only had that a few times over owning 2-3 cats at a time over many years. And they occasionally bring in dead/dying/angry wildlife that messes up your house, or escapes. And they can drive you up the wall with their need for attention, but I love mine and would never be without them!

Their soft little ears and noses, the little mrps they make when you pet them unawares, finding random whiskers or eyebrows on the floor are some of my favourite things!

Oh and toe beans obvs

SusanSHelit · 22/11/2023 21:44

Op you have the opportunity here to have one of the most stunning cats on this earth don't turn it down!

If you want realistic, it probably will need brushing every day, but most of them adore this.

Never had a cat toilet outside of litter tray unless ill, including a couple of pretty traumatised rescue cats. Other reasons can be if the tray isn't clean, but you will want to keep on top of that as much as the cat unless you enjoy the smell of cat poo. I would strongly suggest two litter trays, preferably covered to minimise smells

I am not even going to pretend to not be a bit jealous!

Original poster
Sharad · 22/11/2023 21:45

@GlitteringUnicorn Are they affectionate? Did all of your MC’s remain consistent in behaviour regarding litter routine? Odd hair ball I can deal with. How long do they live? I know there are plenty of people who would jump at the opportunity to take him. I’m doing this partly as I’d like my friend to have some contact with him since she loves him so much and it has been a difficult decision for her.

OP posts:
SusanSHelit · 22/11/2023 21:48

MC are phenomenally affectionate, to the point it can almost get a bit annoying especially in summer when this giant purring furball just wants to be on top of you at all times.

They live quite a long time, up to 10-13 years which is absolutely not long enough

CatonmyKeyboard · 22/11/2023 21:50

Give him to me!!

ThCats · 22/11/2023 21:52

Be aware they grow until age four. I have two, and my two year old boy is over eight kg, can easily stand and look around kitchen worktops with back legs on the floor. Girl is a lot smaller, but is the boss of him.

Regular grooming is a must or they will get matts. We also have the largest litter box ever, as he doesn’t fit in the others.

He is a super sweet and gentle boy, but as 100% indoor we do have to spend time playing with him to run out his energy. Usually with a rod toy, or throwing treats down the stairs for him to chase and catch.

With the larger size, all vet meds/vaccinations are more expensive, along with food, litter etc.

GlitteringUnicorn · 22/11/2023 21:52

Sharad · 22/11/2023 21:45

@GlitteringUnicorn Are they affectionate? Did all of your MC’s remain consistent in behaviour regarding litter routine? Odd hair ball I can deal with. How long do they live? I know there are plenty of people who would jump at the opportunity to take him. I’m doing this partly as I’d like my friend to have some contact with him since she loves him so much and it has been a difficult decision for her.

Yes very affectionate.
They are too big to be lap cats though. Mine wants to be with me all the time.
Sadly all of mine have had very short lives- 10 years only and certainly get vet insurance as it gets very expensive.

ThCats · 22/11/2023 21:54

Dog beds are your friend, cat beds are on the small side for these guys, but they don't agree

Wizzywoo18 · 22/11/2023 21:56

@ThCats What gorgeous cats!

SusanSHelit · 22/11/2023 21:57

A pp has mentioned they are too big to be lap cats but every mc I've ever met would strongly disagree (they do get pretty hefty though, certainly bigger than some very small dogs)

crummyusername · 22/11/2023 21:58

I got cats because my SEN son desperately wanted them. I was tbh reluctant.

they are wonderful and I love them to bits (tabbies not Maine coon). They have weed on the bed a couple of times but (1) putting a litter tray upstairs as well as downstairs made a big difference (2) I shut them out of the bedrooms if I’m going to be out a while eg overnight. You’ll get hair balls which are kind of liquid - I’ve got hard floors so it’s ok but bought a Dyson spot cleaner for any carpet issues.

honestly they are pretty easy to care for and have totally won our hearts and become members of the family!

GlitteringUnicorn · 22/11/2023 21:59

One other thing- no MATTER what you do you can not train them not to jump on kitchen counter tops. They also prefer to drink from a kitchen tap- if this bothers you then a MC is not for you. I simply disinfect the counters twice a day and before food prep.
Mine also have all wanted to sleep on the bed with me.
If you are a hygiene freak being an MC owner may not be for you.

BenZodiazapam · 22/11/2023 22:00

OMG, YES! Maine Coons are the most gorgeous lovely things. You have broken the most basic of Mumsnet laws though. You need to post a photo for us to coo over judge.

Tracker1234 · 22/11/2023 22:02

God - I want one and am a dog person…

Can they ever be outdoor cats. We live in a small village with a large garden and fields behind us.

Tracker1234 · 22/11/2023 22:02

The dog needs a boss btw!

RedRobyn2021 · 22/11/2023 22:03

Maine coons are really loving cats, very friendly

My cats they are both 8yo and don't wee or poo in my house, we do have a litter tray and they also go out.

Mine have a problem with hairballs though but as far as I know this isn't a big issue with Maine coons.

RedRobyn2021 · 22/11/2023 22:04

I should add I don't have Maine coons mine are birmans but I've had interactions with MC

They're very expensive too

RedRobyn2021 · 22/11/2023 22:05

Cherry healey has a Maine coon, sometimes you see her on insta

vipersnest1 · 22/11/2023 22:07

I have had three cats in my life. None of them have ever been allowed upstairs (due to the possible wee / poo issues) and so are in the kitchen overnight which is safer than letting them roam at that time. If they wandered up there in the day, they were chased back down and so got used to it.
They have all got used to only being allowed downstairs - in fact, for all three of them, when I took them in, they either came from a rescue or were strays, so I think they were grateful for the security.
They all turned out to be lovely cats who had a good life. The first I had was a rescue who had been with the RSPCA for ten months, and the second had been there for six (a completely black cat so no-one wanted him).
The one I have now was a very beaten up in-neutered male who was taken in by my DC1. The only reason they didn't keep him was because there were three cats in the house already, so he was my early Mother's Day present this year! He's gorgeous and a lovely companion. Cat tax appropriately paid with a picture!
Smile

Should I get a cat? (Maine Coon)
Loubelle70 · 22/11/2023 22:11

I adore cats. Mine had never pooed in house anywhere...until he was 18.. old and poorly, ,very clean cats are.

TinklingToadstools · 22/11/2023 22:17

I have a MC cross, he is enormous.
Spends more time outdoors than my other cats, he is lovable but also quite independent. I don't know how people manage to keep them indoors all the time, mine would be climbing the walls, he is extremely intelligent, curious and active.
Very clean, no accidents.

CroccyWoccy · 22/11/2023 22:18

I wouldn’t let concerns about cats weeing/pooing in the wrong place put you off cat ownership - that’s not a common problem. Only one of many cats I have owned or fostered has ever done this (outside of serious illness) and we solved it quickly by adjusting the litter tray.

Maine Coons are wonderful cats but do demand more attention and effort than your typical moggie - daily brushing, social interaction and play/enrichment. If you’re happy to offer that then great. But it is a bit more commitment than many cats who can be quite self sufficient.