Maine coon, N.F.Cat or Turkish Van?

[hebdenhedgehog]

Hi all

Thinking of having another cat, and although will probably go for a rescue cat, I was wondering about one / two of these breeds

Maine Coon - family friendly? Just how large do they get and how much food do they need?! Seen some 'scary' images on google, which looks fun in some ways, but being 'smothered' by something the size of our Collie may prove alarming?!

Norwegian Forest Cat - how likely to stay away for days at a time? We live in the country so safe enough from road traffic, but wouldn't want him / her wandering off for days at a time, defeats the object of having the cat!

Turkish Van - like the idea of it jumping in the bath! But how likely is this? What sort of temprament do they have?

My sister has had quite a few Maine Coon cats. They are beautiful (and large - maybe the size of a small dog...like a small Jack Russell terrier but with long, silky hair).

None of her cats has wanted to 'hang out' with family - they all run/hide when most humans are around. Don't know if that is their character, or down to the way my sister interacts with her animals.

The cat hair/shedding is quite astonishing. No idea about weight under all that hair (never even touched one of the cats), and also no idea about what/how much they eat.

I know she has enjoyed them, but now that she has dc, she won't be getting more of the cats.

Don't know about the other kinds of cats on your list.

Thank you for the reply

Cats who won't interact are a bit pointless, much as I love them!

I have a Norwegian FC. She's highly strung, has a skin condition and doesn't spend much time in the house. Oh and she goes through phases of pooing in the house and poos in the middle of the lawn. Love her dearly but I am never having a pedigree cat again.

The other two are half Maine coone, much more chilled out, especially the male and have made much better family pets. I doubt my NFC is typical of the breed, just a little nuts.

We have recently fostered a Turkish Van youngster. He is around 6 months and just the sweetest most laid back nature. He breezed in here and inspite of my hysterical clan (Siamese, Devon Rex and moggy)he just ate a little food then laid himself out by the fire. He's not offered to jump in the bath yet but my moggy and Devon Rex do occasionally. He loves our dog and is totally at ease with my 3 girls carrying him round and doesn't run for cover when visitors come unlike the siamese.

I'm not sure how typical of the breed he is but he looks stunning and has a dreamy nature.

My brother had a maine coon, absolutely neurotic even for a cat and long haired cats get poo stuck to their bum. Although I am attracted to the size a maine coon can get, they are huge.

Have you considered the Oriental breeds as they are unbelievably affectionate. And very playful and intelligent.

I have a Turkish Van. He is now almost 14 years old and has never voluntarily got into water although he does sit in the sink on a daily basis and if there's a tap running he suddenly appears for a drink.

He's a lovely cat. Very placid and quiet. There's a photo of him curled up on a chair on my profile. I also have a Bengal (Also in photo) and he's incredibly vocal. We didn't realise quite how annoying a loud meowing cat could be until we got the Bengal and we've said that if we ever got another pedigree cat we'd get another Van.

The Vans are known for their relaxed nature and because they're big muscular cats they tend not to lash out if a child is a little over attentive.

That's interesting amandoh about Vans being laid back. The one we have is so chilled out that he's permanently sprawled out sleeping in odd, uncatty places. Our other cats like to get high up on top of radiators or in small hidey holes to relax but he couldn't give a stuff how exposed or vulnerable he makes himself. He's currently draped across the door mat, in a draught, on his back with all 4 legs in the air. If you open the door to go out you have to do so slowly so as not to run him over because he has no intention of moving. He's only been here since Friday but we're already in love with him.

MAINE COON! MAINE COON!! MAINE COON!

i started with an ex breeding queen and just completely fell for the breed. and this summer i bought a new kitten to show.

they are totally family friendly and incredibly fun to have around & and completely beautiful!!!

we recently had my sons 3rd birthday party in our house!! and the cats were downstairs mingling with a housefull of complete strangers! everyone comments on how chilled out my kitten is my DS adores her, and she is very patient with him.

obviously, every cat is different but if you go to a reputable breeder and meet their cats you will be won over too!

enjoy your search

My Aunt has a Maine Coon - gorgeous cat, large, beautiful coat, but she's never around. Definately an outdoor type.

Get one of these - bundle of lovelyness!!

We've got three Maine Coons. They are great family pets. One is asleep on the sofa, the other is glued to DH's lap and interfering with him reading the paper and the third one is in DS's room trying to blend in with the general junk in there. They are very friendly and good companions, and yes they are big but they're incredibly gentle. Ours don't sleep in the house (they have a den in the garage) but are allowed in the house when we're here. They get very muddy in wet weather though, hence only allowed in under supervision. They're very outdoors cats and hunt quite a bit so you do have to put up with delightful half eaten presents occasionally (back legs and tail, or a Mafia style mouse head on the doorstep).

That little cat looks just like tubs of league of gentlemen lastorders!