What type of cat?

[Puy]

We are looking to get a new cat. We sadly lost our dog a few months ago, her and our cat were the best of friends so we’d like to get her a new little play mate. I’ve done some research and I really like Maine Coons, I hear they are gentle giants, quite a doglike cat and they get on with everyone, not to mention they’re gorgeous 😍so I think we’ll go for one of those however was wondering if anyone had any other recommendations of cat types to consider?
Also bit nervous about introducing a new cat to the house, I’ve read up online and watched videos about how to introduce kittens to cats but wondering if anyone has experience and how did it go?

I want a Maine coon cat more than anything. For their size and their doglike personalities. But I cannot bring myself to buy one when there are so many rescue cats needing homes. They used to cost about £600, but I think it’s gone up to silly money.

When I’m in a situation to have cats (I’d like four please), I’m going to look for big fat long haired ones, and ask the rescue about their personalities, which you cant do with kittens.

For the price of a main coon kitten, I reckon I can feed and insure at least four cats for quite a number of years.

Do you think this would work for you?

Burmese are often excellent temperament and good companions.
Very docile and sweet but mine have all been noisy.
Very noisy, constantly chatting with people and animals.

I have a Maine coon and she is big and beautiful, very dog like. When I was looking for a cat I was also considering a British blue, they appear to be lovely and sociable and not to needy, not to mention they are beautiful.

I have had a Burmese, Persian and a Siamese. I have also had moggies who have been amazing. My favourite though is my Maine coon. I love talking to her as she talks back, different meows depending what she wants, she adores water and regularly gets soaked in the rain, then comes in waiting to be dried.

I used to have a British blue shorthair. she was a beautiful cat. I like Maine Coons too, but they are soo expensive.

I've always had moggies. Current four are Battersea rescues. All of them have regular conversations with us, are extremely friendly and like to be around us.
As for a previous poster commenting about big fat long haired cats. I offer you Basil as an example.

In terms of introductions, I think introducing a kitten (or two) to the incumbent cat is often easier than an adult cat.

Male kitten is most likely to be accepted by an incumbent female.

I want a Maine coon cat more than anything. For their size and their doglike personalities. But I cannot bring myself to buy one when there are so many rescue cats needing homes.

This is me. It’s terrible having principles, honestly. I wish I could not!

Rescue moggies are the best. There's so many needing a home too.

I've owned a Maine Coon and a Ragdoll, both rescues and they were wonderful but no more(or less) wonderful than any of the moggies I've owned.

Male moggie kitten as suggested upthread!

The only difference I found with my Maine coon and my ragdoll was that they wouldn't sit on your lap, but I think that's because it wasn't comfortable for them as they were so big. Otherwise they were just like any other cat, bearing in mind that they're all individuals.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats Basil is beautiful.

Oh and the rag doll was rather dense and definitely couldn't be allowed outside again(he was a stray) as he had no sense whatsoever. He was lovely though.

I felt like this about Ragdolls. Then I searched rescue ragdoll and within 2 months I had a lovely young boy who very much needed a forever home. Had him 2 years now and he is lush. And massive. But still manages to lie on / over my lap 😊

The ragdoll rescue I used was actually run by the British Ragdoll association and I was heavily vetted. I'm guessing there must be similar organisations for other breeds like Main Coones

Yes, there's a rescue place called something like strawberry Persians that does lots of pedigree cats. Unfortunately we don't qualify due to young kids so I've got my eye on a slightly older British Shorthair 😍

Three second hand moggies here. All amazing.

I'd never buy a cat whilst there are cats in rescues looking for homes. Mine have all been rescues moggies and are all very loving.

Ragdolls have those traits too - dog-like, floppy, soppy, affectionate, (rather needy!)

We had two Maine Coons (siblings) and they were wonderful. However, it is sometimes said that their unique brand of humour and quirks mean they don't always get along with 'normal' cats.

Lots of MC needing rehoming via their breed welfare and rescue organisations.

However introducing 2 adult cats can be difficult and time consuming.

If you are set on getting a MC kitten I know a very reputable breeder with kittens available soon. Full vaccinations, generic checks done and they will be already spayed - as they are so heavy they can be done fairly young.

PM me.

Maine coons are lovely cats but the grooming can take some work. Gentle giants and usually they're quite vocal little characters and lots of them love to play in water which is always fun to watch. If you get one make sure you choose a good breeder

We've always had moggies - we currently have three unrelated black cats and they're all fantastic. Friendly, sociable, affectionate and good with people and children. Two were farm cats - cost £10 each, and one was a private re-home and didn't cost us a penny.

I couldn't justify spending money on a pedigree really - for me, cats aren't like dogs where you need a certain breed to fit your lifestyle. Cats are cats at the end of the day, lol.

Manxes are so cute with their little stumpy tails. They are extremely intelligent and devoted, usually to one person in the house. Some Manxes do have digestive issues, so unless you are up for a cat in nappies, it's good to check that they are healthy.

PS both my Manxes were rescues - I agree on the whole breeder thing.

We used to have a Ragdoll in the family , he was beautiful but a lot of aggravation as he had issues . Our son currently has 7 month old Siamese kittens and I’m a convert , they are brilliant , love everyone and really are like little dogs in a cats body .