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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!

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Thread gallery

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:23

@ThCats Wow! They are beautiful! Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into this.

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Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:25

@CatonmyKeyboard 😂

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Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:29

@BenZodiazapam I am new to mumsnet and the the laws! I will definitely post if I adopt him!

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Siha345 · 22/11/2023 22:30

Personally I don’t think you should get a pet (especially one that’s still really a big kitten and will also grow large) if you don’t really want one. He wouldn’t struggle to find a new owner if he went to a rehoming shelter. A new owner who can at least google how long cats live…

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:33

@ThCats Yes, my friend was very adamant about him being indoors. I will inherit a lot of his toys and cat tree too. Thanks for the heads up on vaccinations. I forgot pets need those! Are they yearly?

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SoftSheen · 22/11/2023 22:33

Cats are generally very clean animals and most never/very rarely mess in the house.

However, before you take the cat on, I think you should do some research about what cat ownership entails and also spend some time with the cat to get to know it a bit. Then you will be better placed to make a decision.

witchypaws · 22/11/2023 22:34

I was hesitant as I was never a cat person but I adopted this tiny black noisy cat who wrapped his way around my heart
So much so that when he passed, he sent me a giant black cat within 2 days

Mess wise - the odd vomit. No wee, and the odd poo accident (he jumped at something and it sort of fell out) and it was just a case of picking it up. I was too busy laughing that he had jumped so much at thin air

This is my new (ish) boy who is possibly part MC. He's about 6kg and has little ear tufts

NutellaEllaElla · 22/11/2023 22:35

Cats wouldn't be such popular pets if the majority of them had litter box issues.

RumbleMum · 22/11/2023 22:35

I adore my cat and will never be without one, but I think you need decide if you're in the 'broadly keen but have reservations' camp or the 'not really interested but think it would benefit DD and friend' camp. The latter is not a good enough reason to adopt - I have a rule that I have to want any pet we get on a personal level, as kids are hugely unpredictable with whether they remain engaged, you'll have to do the legwork and cats live for a long time.

RumbleMum · 22/11/2023 22:38

PS Sorry, I assumed the sex of your child.

Some cats are hugely affectionate, others totally aloof. Some veer from one to the other depending on the phases of the moon 😂

SleepPrettyDarling · 22/11/2023 22:39

They shed a LOT so you will need a lint roller and a lot of tolerance if you are very house proud. And YY to the regular brushing as matting is a terrible affliction for them.

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:41

@Siha345 I have googled it and it varies from 10 years to some living well into their 20’s. That’s a big difference. I’d rather find out from people on here who have actually owned them than a general response from Google

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LooksABitElvish · 22/11/2023 22:46

@witchypaws you’ve got a panther! 😍😍

heldinadream · 22/11/2023 22:46

@Sharad I am not a cat owner but I house and cat sit, so I have a lot of experience of cats of all kinds including MCs.
Very rare to come across a cat who wees and poos out of place unless ill. You will probably get the occasional vom but if he's an indoor cat less so, voms often follow outdoor hunting escapades.

But I mostly wanted to say that MCs have by far and away the sweetest, calmest nature of any cats I've taken care of, so if that appeals I'd say go for it. They are the only cats I was tempted to kidnap and take home (not seriously obviously!)

Cajanz · 22/11/2023 22:48

We’ve got a black Maine Coon. I love him so much, he’s won my heart! He’s highly intelligent, loves playing fetch, a bit like a dog. Keeps his coat beautifully clean and never poops/pees anywhere except his tray.

RumbleMum · 22/11/2023 22:50

God these Maine Coons are gorgeous - I'd love one. My rescue mog is 6.5kg and feels huge - how much do these guys weigh?

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:52

@witchypaws so sorry to hear about your first cat. Your second one is gorgeous though and has beautiful eyes. It’s nice to hear from someone who was hesitant too!

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EtiennePalmiere · 22/11/2023 22:55

I've only seen cats have behavioural issues if they're not being treated as well as they should be, ie not cleaning the litter box every day or in a stressful environment. If they're happy and cared for they'll stick to the box.

Have you not met him though ? Definitely do that before deciding.

Ineedasitdown · 22/11/2023 22:56

I’ve had cats all my life. Never a mc though.
I absolutely adore cats and also have a dog so fairly laid back where animals are concerned. But I agree with others- don’t do it unless you are committed and want the cat.

All of my cats have had different personalities and different levels of need. Some will interact and play , others will sleep and hunt. They can get expensive - some have more sensitive stomachs and a mc is going to take some feeding.

whenever you go away you will need to consider what you’re doing with the cat, likely needing battery/ cat sitter. Vaccinations yearly, flea treatment ( I only do so in summer but still pricey) worming year round because they will eat wildlife . Honestly the dog is less demanding than our current cat.

The other concern I’d have is whether the cat would ever feel like yours? Will your friend have an opinion? Like the indoor thing- some cats are not suited to being indoor cats, if that’s this one you’ll end up in a stressful situation.

If you want a pet, consider yourselves first and what you want from a pet and what suits you, only if that’s a cat would I go for it.

WomanHereHear · 22/11/2023 22:56

My Maine coon is the perfect cat, affectionate lapcat and playful, great around kids. However, I made sure he was from a reputable breeder and saw mum and dad and their temperament etc. I am part of many Maine coon groups and I can see there are many Maine coons that are not like this and many are aloof and just anti social. it really depends on how they’ve been brought up and how well socialised e.g there could be behaviour issues if taken from mum too early etc, been locked away from the rest of the house etc. you should definitely meet the cat before committing tbh and if not suitable there are plenty of specialise Maine coon rehoming organisations that will make sure cat goes to a decent home. Maine coons are not found it resumes for this reason as many people are happy to adopt. Many of these people are experienced cat people so I wouldn’t worry if you can’t adopt him. I think it’s better to say no than to have the cat only
to rehome again, it can’t be nice for the cat to be moved from pillar to post so meet the cat first so you know he is suitable for your family because they are not all the same.

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:56

@Cajanz Wow! What a beautiful cat! Absolutely stunning!

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caringcarer · 22/11/2023 22:58

MC's are a really affectionate breed. They will need brushing every other day. One of my cats is a half MC and he is magnificent and very loving. He is 5 years old and has never poo indoors. He has a corner of the garden DH digs over for him and he puts a bag of fresh sand down every 5-6 weeks and rakes it all in. It's a mound now . Both cats use it for their toilet. They have an indoor litter tray but the only time they used it was when they got neutered and I had to keep them in for a week. They go out but I have a huge garden and mostly they stay in the garden. Occasionally one of them follows me out when I go to the car. If you get the MC cat it will likely snuggle up with you when you sit down. Mine like their indoor cat climbing trees.

caringcarer · 22/11/2023 23:00

Sharad · 22/11/2023 22:33

@ThCats Yes, my friend was very adamant about him being indoors. I will inherit a lot of his toys and cat tree too. Thanks for the heads up on vaccinations. I forgot pets need those! Are they yearly?

Yes injection yearly. Flea tablet monthly and worming tablet every 2 month's.

Cajanz · 22/11/2023 23:00

Thank you! He’s such a gentle boy too, really sweet natured 🥰

Original poster

Sharad · 22/11/2023 23:03

@WomanHereHear I totally agree and would not commit if I couldn’t. I am going to drive up there and meet him before committing. He is from a reputable and registered breeder. I can’t meet his parents due to the situation, but my friend said he was clear of any hereditary conditions as were his parents. She described him as social and chatty. Very affectionate and dog-like in behaviour.

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