Maine Coon Kittens - Wonderful Personalities

Maine Coon cats are a very popular breed. But many folks have never heard of them. When my husband and I decided to adopt new kittens to our family (our other two cats had passed away from old age and we hadn't had kittens/cats for two years. We missed having them around...), we had some minor critera. We wanted females. Littermates preferably. And we wanted them to be fluffy and friendly. I know....we're so dang stringent on our standards!

And....I think most everyone will agree...ALL kittens are cute. They are just irresistable fuzzy muffins!

So I began my kitten search....

I started looking at photos online from local shelters and from another wonderful adoption organization in our area called Mary Paws to see what we could adopt. To be honest....there weren't hardly any kittens and what they did have was mainly male kittens or kittens that weren't littermates. I noticed that one kitten was part "Maine Coon Cat". I thought...."what is that??" I did some research and thought - how interesting.

They are not descendants of raccoons!! That is not how they got their name. There is a lot of mystery still to this day of how they came to be called Maine Coon cats or where exactly they came from. One thing is for sure.... They have raccoon like habits (I have discovered!) and they had to survive harsh winters in states like Maine - so they have thick coats and big fluffy tails. Sometimes the tails are "ringed" like a raccoon.

Some of the therories are that Maine Coon cats are direct descendants of Marie Antoinette's very own kitties! And that when she feared for her life during the French Revolution)....she had a ship loaded with all the things she loved, so that she could sail away and escape to America. Amongst the precious cargo - were her cats. Of course, we all know Marie never did make her voyage - but the ship did!

There are other experts that Maine Coon cats more than likely came from ships that the Vikings had! And their thick coats kept them warm as they warded off rodents on the ships.

Regardless of where they originated from - my family and I have fallen in love!

We've adopted two Maine Coon kittens recently. Two little girls that are sisters.

One of the first things I noticed about our new family members is that they love water! Yes - cats that love water. Weird, but true. At least ours like it. I mean, they aren't jumping into tubs of water....but they are not afraid of it either.

For instance, I notice they like to put their paws in their water bowl all the time. And in the dogs big water bowl too. They like to drop dry food into the water and then scoop it up and eat it. I guess, kind of like a raccoon!

I also bought a spray bottle to use when they climbed on the furniture....to teach them "no". I think they like this spray bottle. They keep coming back for more! I squirt them and then they go and take a bath like, "Thanks - that was refreshing....makes bathing so much easier."  

They've learned to turn the jacuzzi tub facuet on too! I found little paw prints all in the tub and the faucet dripping the other day. Not to mention that I'd just taken a shower  - so the shower floor was wet...and there they were, just laying down on the wet shower floor!

One of the other things I love- is that they like to be held. Almost like rag dolls. They've got these really long bodies, and they just want you to hold them and carry them around.

They also sorta chirp instead of meow - which is adorable.

They seem to be very smart too. I've moved their kittybox twice now to train them to finally go through the pet door and use it out in the garage. It started in the powder room, then moved it to the back door - and now it's out in the garage and within 3-4 weeks, they learned it. I don't advoccate moving kittyboxes around....this can confuse, upset and frustrate a cat - and maybe cause them to have accidents. This was just a situation where I didn't want them to be overwhelmed with a new house and environment AND learn to use a pet door all at once. So I decided to slowly transition to this. It worked out for us.

I know sometimes adopting a kitten is a spur of the moment thing. All the cats in my life up until these two were just that. Strays that showed up, strays I found....and they all made wonderful impressions in my life and made my life better.

Pets are such a gentle, sweet contribution to people's lives. But sometimes impulsive decisions can wind up making you and the pet miserable. Pets are work. You can't just bring one home and expect it to be all rainbows and butterflies. There is the expense too. They need to go to the vet. They need flea and tick prevention, food, toys or play things, exercise.

By doing a little research, finding what suited our family best - we have found the perfect fit.

These little ones have certainly, in a very short time found their way into our hearts. My 8-year-old daughter beams when she sees them. And she is learning they need care, discipline and love. Not a bad way to teach those things.

I love them to pieces as well. And late at night....say 2am when I am at my desk researching online for my work at home website, I love that they are plopped down on my desk sleeping. They are peaceful to watch and I am sure my stress level goes down several levels when I have these two little sweeties sound a sleep all snuggled up in front of me.

Funny what becomes medicine in your life. Maybe it's laughter, maybe a hug....a shoulder to lean on.....or maybe it's two little kittens fast asleep on your desk. Two little Maine Coon kittens at that!