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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

563.0. "A need for some advice !" by FOREST::BOUCHER (Peter Boucher, BTO-Systems Mfg.) Wed Apr 29 1987 13:08

    Hello to all of you Maine Coon cat owners.
    
    I just discovered this notesfile. Not bad, it only took 3 years.
    I have a beatiful 5 year old female at home that goes by the name
    of Samantha. She has a pure white stomach and chest and the classic
    coon markings on her back. Her tail is the same width as her body.
    She currently weighs in at 12 lbs or so. She really hasn't gained
    any weight in the last 3 years ... Her paws are huge !!!
    
    My question is this: Samantha is a very protective and effectionate
    cat (to say the least). She does not like strangers and quite often
    beats up on the neighborhood cats. I would like to get another coon
    kitten to keep her company but I'm not so sure that this would be
    a wise thing to do as she might not adapt.
    
    I would like some input from any of you coon owners with a similar
    experience.
    
    Thanks in advance
    
    - Peter
    
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563.1Classic Coon Markings?GALWAY::SMARTINWed Apr 29 1987 13:195
    Sorry I don't have any help on adoption question, but I have another
    one myself. What do you mean by 'classic coon markings'?
    
    Sally
    
563.2you know ...FOREST::BOUCHERPeter Boucher, BTO-Systems Mfg.Wed Apr 29 1987 15:385
    
    re: classic coon markings
    
    The beatiful Racoon like striping along the back and tail.
    
563.3deja vuBIMINI::PROJECTSTue May 05 1987 16:5712
    re:  getting your cat a friend
    
    Before you bring home a kitten, talk over your cat's behavior and
    traits with your vet.  I had the same problem with my cat -- my
    vet's advice was to "not" introduce another animal into the environment
    because my cat was, and I quote:  "not very adaptable".  Of course,
    I just had to try -- it was a total fiasco.  Luckily my sister took
    the poor little kitten and is having a nice life.
    
    Listen to what your vet thinks!
    
    
563.4Go For It!!!PUZZLE::CORDESJATue May 05 1987 20:0028
    I think it would be a great idea to get a playmate for your cat.
    Over the years we have introduced lots of new cats to the family
    and haven't had any problems.  I have a habit of taking in poor
    forlorns and then placing them in new homes.
    
    I think the important thing is how you go about it.  Don't throw
    them together or force them on each other.  Let them take it at
    their own speed.  I always try to have someone else bring the newcomer
    into the house.  And then I put the newcomer in one of the bedrooms
    so that they can explore and relax.  I leave him/her in there for
    a few hours, meanwhile the other cats are sniffing through the door
    learning the scent of the newcomer.
    
    After a few hours have gone by I nonchalantly slip the bedroom door
    open and then just let them find each other.  Be prepared for a
    few days worth of hisses and growls.  Let each cat go whereever
    he wants to, and don't scold them for hissing, growling, or tussling
    with each other.  They have to work it out for themselves.
    
    Never introduce a new cat to your cat until it has been thoroughly
    examined by a vet and pronounced healthy and free of disease.
    
    I have a friend who breeds Maines and she refers to them as the
    "gentle giants".  
    
    Good Luck
    
    Jo Ann
563.5Coon and kittenPROSE::RIESTue Aug 04 1987 15:0813
                   - In the process -
    
    I have a part coon cat who is 11 months old.  A week and a half
    ago I brought home a kitten.  Our coon is a female and the new
    kitten is a male.  There have been alot of hisses, and the coon
    cat has been swatting away at the poor little kitten.  I plan to
    wait this one out!!  
    
    How did you make out?  Did you get another playmate for your 
    coon?
    
                        Go for it, if you haven't already!