Maine coon decision today!

[Livingintheclouds]

So we are trying to decide between two lovely Maine coon kittens (parents registered, kittens microchipped, vaccinated and health checked etc).
It's come down to ginger tom and silver/with ginger female. Both playful and alert. Ive seen very affectionate dad and the mum. I've heard females can be more aloof and boys more cuddly. We are a small household and have two medium sized dogs who are used to cats (and rabbits). We'd love a cat that is part of the family and will play and also hang out with us - not one that will disappear and only come in for supper! I've had nine cats in my life since childhood, some adopted as adults, some from kittens, but never a Maine coon. Any advice on male vs female?

We had a male and a female. We sadly lost the female last year - she was beautiful but more aloof. Very fussy as long as it was on her terms but hated being picked up etc.

Our red silver boy is my absolutely soppy big baby. Much “softer” and you can do anything with him. They’re all gorgeous creatures but I’d probably go for a male from what you’ve said :) They grow bigger too.

Better picture of my big hunk.

We currently have 4 - 3 boys, 1 girl - but we have had a total of 6 (3 of each)

IME there is a difference in personalities between the boys and girls. All of our boys are very affectionate; cuddly kittens, then they go through a slightly aloof teenage phase, and around 2-3 they turn in to cuddly lumps. The girls are a bit different, less snuggly but friendly, chatty, with a bit more attitude!

Our boys are big, largest is 28lbs. Very like Clarkey's actually...

I did put pictures but they haven't posted

I've had two boys and they are so utterly lovely. Our current bow follows us all around the house all day, but not in an annoying way of that makes sense. We met our boy's parents and the father was much more curious and affectionate. That's part of why we went for the male. You'll love yours!

I've had two ginger boys and both have been/are complete love bugs. To be honest, I find female cats in general to be quite aloof. I've had a female DLH and a NFC and both were lovely, but only on their own terms. Pics are of my current boy, Theo.

In a multi cat house I love having a girl in the mix - they tend to be real characters, and despite being half the size it's always a girl who is the boss cat IME. Our current girl is adorable and has a really strong nurturing/mothering instinct with felines and humans - we have a toddler and from the day she came home every time she cried our girl cat would come up to us miaowing to check on her. Still does it now if she's upset. Similarly if one of her humans is sick she is right there, beside us, watching. It's happened way too often now to be fluke. You can be in an empty room having a very quiet cry about something and she'll appear.

But if I was only having one I think I'd go with a boy, they are incredibly loving gentle giants.

Is it an option to get both? As littermates they will settle more easily in a pair.

My Norwegian Forest Cat Rupert died in Feb 2018 - aged 18 - what an a amazing animal and companion, definitely a man's cat that made my wife jealous of our bromance. I would have another male Weggie or a Maine Coon - Rupert was another gentle giant - followed me around all the time, didn't sleep anywhere near as much as a regular old cat should do and he was great with other cats. He was my 4th cat and my favourite.

Thanks everyone. I just had dinner with a friend who coincidentally just got a boy Maine coon! She says he plays all day with her other juvenile cat and said I should get both. Thoughts on that? Does it matter if they are not the same sex (other than potentially having more than intended cats...)? I have reserved the male

I would get both, especially if they are going to be indoor only or restricted to your own garden with cat proofing (bearing in mind they are very stealable cats!). That way they get company if you are busy or out.

Chances are the boy will be able to be neutered before reaching sexual maturity, so no chance of incestuous unwanted litters.

Meant to say - my bonded pair are brother & sister from the same litter too, and despite occasional mock fighting they are devoted to each other.

Ah he's like my oldest boy. Having a pair (or more) is great. Ours are different ages but they do all play together, cuddle each other and generally seem happy to have the company.

Our youngest two (3 years age gap) are siblings and play loads. They're one girl one boy.

I only get kittens in pairs these days after seeing how they play and how much easier it is when they have a ready-made source of entertainment! Either get both, or get one and then adopt a rescue moggy kitten. They’ll bond just fine.

I always, always recommend getting kittens in pairs unless you already have cats in residence.

Any update on what you decided ?

The kitten is absolutely GORGEOUS. He’s going to be huge too from those ears and paws.

Absolutely get two of you can accommodate them - they are generally so affectionate towards each other. Ours had an age gap of a few years but the younger girl would just come and flop almost on top of the older boy and he just put up with it. So cute though!

A Facebook friend with MCs recently posted the quote “Three lions on my shirt” and a pic literally of three Maine coons all curled up together on his chest!

I hear people say cats are solitary creatures but they've clearly not met my crew - they have plenty of space to be separate but most of the time there's a cat puddle somewhere with at least two of them. Mostly at least 3 on the bed at night. They love company.