Conference misery::feline

    We recently got a Maine Coon cat in New Jersey.  Although I didn't
    discover this until after we adopted ours, both Cats and Cat
    Fancy Magazines list breeders in different parts of the country.  I
    remember seeing one in Philadelphia and another in Malvern, PA, I
    believe; I'll take a look tonight and get you some names and numbers. 
    Keep checking your newspaper listings also.
    
    We are very happy with MacBlue, our 8+ pound 23-week old Maine Coon
    kitten.  Be prepared for some hefty price tags for purebred
    coons--$300 at the low end to about $450 is what most breeders seem to
    be asking.
    
    Chris
              

    In the latest issue of the DTW, there's a woman named Diane who is
    moving and has a young(?) spayed female Maine Coon that she can not
    take with her (along with 2 Russian Blue brother & sister).  I have a
    call in to her for information (my cousin is somewhat interested in a
    MC).  If you want to call her, her DTN is 223-9616.
    

    Here are some breeders in your area and the Philadelphia area from Cats
    (December 1991) and Cat Fancy (January 1992) Magazines:
    
    DIRIGO MAINE COONS
    Mrs. Beth Kus
    203/872-6937
    86 Grandview St.
    Tolland, CT 06084
    
    ILLYA'S CATTERY
    George, Helen Andre
    203/688-4502
    200 Capen St.
    Windsor, CT 06095
    
    CLADDAGH CATS
    Mary and Mike Hanafin
    203/669-9170
    9 Marian Lane
    Clinton, CT 06413
    
    MTKITTERY
    Barbara Washburn
    215/644-9372
    310 Boot Rd.
    Malvern, PA 19355
    
    CITYPAWS
    Donna Wiley
    215/546-8957
    225 S. 18th St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    
    BRYREWOODS
    (No address given)
    215/646-0844
    
    There is also a breeder in Milford, MA; her cattery is called
    ESSIECOONS.  I don't have her phone number with me, but I think she was
    listed in the Maine Coon note in the old Feline Notesfile.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    I'm still looking for a second Maine Coon and am finding quite a
    variation in pricing.  Some breeders charge the same for "pet" or "show
    quality" cats, while others have different prices--the highest I've
    found so far in my inquiries is $500; I'm sure there are others who are
    asking even more, depending on how they categorize the cat.
    
    Have fun with your sister in the search.  Good luck!
    
    Chris

    Be sure and tell the breeders that you are looking only for a pet
    quality kitten and have no intentions of showing or breeding.  And, if
    you are visiting a breeder's home, ask to be shown only the pet quality
    kittens.  Some unscrupulous breeders will show you the show kittens,
    let you fall in love with one of them, then tell you you could have the
    show kitten if you want, at some astronomical price.
    
    Jo

Truer words were never typed!!  That's what happened with me and Chauncey.
It took me 2 seconds to fall in love and 30 minutes to find out he was
show quality....

Mary, who still loves that stupid face...

    Thanks for the list of names!  Hopefully, my sister will have a new 
    kitten or cat soon.
    
    Sarah

    
    We have a new addition to our family, a black & white male Maine Coon
    kitten!! He adjusted SO quickly to my other older male cat and my two
    collies, I was simply amazed.
    
    My question: What might I expect for a growth rate in his first year,
    knowing they mature around 3 or 4 ?? His father was 17 lbs, and a BIG 
    boy. Right now at 13 weeks he weighs 5 lbs, but seems light for his
    frame size. He will only eat dry cat food, devouring the Old Mother
    Hubbard.
    
    Just curious what other owners found in their first year ???
    
    Kris
    

    Kris,
    
    Congratulations!  Aren't Maine Coons wonderful?
    
    You can expect rapid growth and weight gain in the coming weeks.  Our
    Maine Coon, MacBlue, weighed four pounds when we got him at 11-1/2
    weeks of age.  At fifteen weeks, he was 6.8 pounds (weighed at the
    vet), and the last time we weighed him (by holding him and standing on
    our scale), he was less than six months old and he was between eight
    and nine pounds.  He's now almost seven months old and probably weighs
    around ten pounds.
    
    I know what you mean about the kitty's weight relative to frame size. 
    When we first got MacBlue, the best description for him was "lanky." 
    He has really been filling out nicely in recent weeks, and is getting
    more of a "muscular" look--definitely not fat.  We've noticed the
    transformation from kitten to more of an adult appearance, but he's
    still in between:  an adolescent, I guess.  It's cute to see a lot of
    kitten-like mannerisms and movements in a pretty big cat.  His appetite
    seems to be calming down--he's not snurfing up everything we put in
    front of him right away.  His diet is Hill's Feline Growth Formula and
    a variety of canned foods (he seems to prefer the Iams canned at the
    moment).
    
    Maine Coons are supposed to be very good with children and dogs. 
    MacBlue stayed with a family of two adult humans, four other cats and
    a large dog for twelve days when we went away on vacation a few weeks
    after we got him.  He loved it.  I'm still hoping to adopt a Maine Coon
    companion for him soon.  He's got a wonderful disposition and is quite
    gentle when playing with humans.  We call him "Thunderpaws," though,
    because he really makes a ruckus when running across floors, even
    carpeted areas.  Is yours light on his feet?
    
    Chris

    
    "Light on his feet" .... Ha! That's a laugh. At five lbs. total body
    weight, he seems to project all his mass into each step as he runs
    across the floors. I honestly can't tell the difference by just the 
    sound between my older cat (11 lbs) or the kitten!  In a year, I bet
    I'll be saying the same thing about the Maine Coon and my collies ...
    
    Kris
     

    Kris,
    
    Have we uncovered another standard trait of the breed?
    
    Chris

    WEll you both convinced me that my Bogie...who is a Maine
    Coon look alike...must have some Maine Coon blood in him.
    
    He has the biggest, noisest feet I have ever seen on a cat.
    When we play with his 'Sparkler' those big feet go nuts and
    it sound like a freight train running through my house.  He
    is also a nut...and stomps at nothing...we keep thinking he
    is chasing a bug...but there is nothing there.
    
    He's a beauty!!
    
    Sandy

    
        My beloved Ruby was already an adult when I aquired him,  but the
    little Coon kitten we adopted,  Smoky, was about 8 wks. old when we
    picked him up.  It seemed early for a breeder to let a Coon kitten go,
    but that's what her schedule was.  He was just a little handful of fur
    and claws at first,  I can't believe it when I see the pictures now!
    He weighs 23 lbs. now!!!  He is so enormous, like a blimp and then of
    course add all that extra fluffy fur!
    It does take a few years for them to mature and fill out.  I remember
    at first he seemed like a lanky teenager, but he made up for it for
    sure.
    Enjoy....there is nothing like a Coon cat!
    
    Denise and the gang of 11 (although currently no pure coons)

    Ooooh, Maine coons are so CUTE!!
    
    Bonnie

    
    
    
    I'M looking for someone who has a cooncat for sale or to a good home,
    either kitten or an older cat.
    
    please send mail to brat::matthews
    as i'm not a regular reader of this file.
    
    		wendy o'
    

    Can anyone provide a reference for a Maine Coon Cat breeder in
    Warren, Maine - Dorothy Robinson?  We're considering one of their
    kittens.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Curtis Coppersmith
    DTN 381-1667

    
    I have just heard of 2 7-year old spayed female maine coon cats that
    are looking for a new home.  They are sisters, very lovable, but one
    is just a bit timmed.  
    
    If anyone out there is willing to give a home to one or both of thes
    cats, please get in touch with me and I will put you in contact with
    their owner.
    
    I can be reached at DTN 264-2273, or MRKTNG::STUDLEY, or Janet Studley
    @TTB.
    
    Thanks!


	Dear cat-fanciers,

	As a subcontractor I discovered the usage of Notes and your
	wonderful conference FELINE. Everyday I check if there's any
	important news on the subject of Maine Coons (as I am a
	breeder of this bushy-tailed species), e.g. breeders, shows
	and results etc.
	But so far, I haven't encoutered that much news on MC's.

	Aren't there any MC-breeders at DEC ?


	If anyone is interested, here's a personal note :


	My name is Erwin Moll and have 3 wonderful Maine Coons.
	
	My first MC is female brown-tabby classic (2 and a half years old)
	named Kathy Beauty of Starbushway and she will be the first 
	female Maine Coon in the Netherlands to be European Champion 
	(within the FiFe). Last year she had her first litter and for 
	this year we're expecting a litter in August.
	Genetic-code : Aa B Dd TbTb


	The second MC is our black smoke male, Yankee Pearl's Lucky Lance.
	He is the father of the first litter and a very sweet boy (almost
	2 years old). As normal for a smoke he had some problems in 
	developing a coat, but he's turning into a real macho now.
	Genetic-code : aa B Dd Ii tt


	Our third one is a female black tortie-tabby of 6 months.
	Her name is Andromeda Spirit of Maine and she's 
	(FiFe) World Champion 1992 3 - 6 Months Kitten (Semi-Long hair).
	She's going to be mated at the end of the year with 
	a MtKittery cat (import USA, breeder : Barbara Washburn).
	Genetic-code : Aa(?) B Dd(?) Oo TbTb	


	As for breeding in the Netherlands, the type we're looking 
	for tends to the American Eastern type (as you call it),
	with the more extreme (=longer) nose. A lot of breeders 
	nowadays importing cats from Danmark (originally USA-import:
	Pawcatuck, MtKittery) and USA (MtKittery, Adventhill, Lawmaine).

	
	Although there were not so many MC-breeders in Holland, in the
	last 3 years more and more people discovered the Maine Coon.
	At shows through out the country (and over the border in 
	Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany) more and more Maine Coons are
	presented and being BIS (Best In Show) and BOB (Best Of Best).

	By this growth of MC-owners and breeders, a special 
	Dutch Maine Coon Club is founded, called the RMC.

	Our club consists of 200 members (second biggest breedersclub in
	Holland after the Persian breeders) and is part of 'FELIKAT',
	member of the FiFe-organization.  
	
	As a Maine Coon Club we provide our members with a quarterly
	magazine called "It's Coontime". It contains all kind of information 
	specially about Maine Coons, as well as advice, short stories, 
	comming shows, show-results, stud-service, kitten-service (sale).

	Anyone can subscribe to our magazine and for foreign members 
	we provide an english translation on some topics.

	In one of the last issues of the 'Scratch Sheet' there is a remark
	on our magazine.
	
	The costs for foreign members is approx. $ 10 a year (4 issues).

	If anyone wants information about our club or wants to subscribe 
	to our magazine, write to:

	Rasclub Maine Coon
	p/a
	Roelofszlaan 7
	3431 GL NIEUWEGEIN
	The Netherlands

	Please state your name and address clearly.

	So far some news from the Netherlands. If anyone is interested
	in more news (personal or club-news) please let me know.

    
    My bi-color male Maine Coon has just turned six months old. He has some
    interesting habits that I thought I would list below to see if other
    MC owners have seen the same in their cats.
    
    	-  He steals dirty laundry from the upstairs and brings it
    	   downstairs.  It started out as sweaters, and so I thought it
    	   was the lambswool that attracted him. However, socks, underwear
    	   and blouses have been dragged down the stairs.  Does he think
    	   he's a mighty hunter, or what ??  
    
    	-  He paddles in the toilets. Not just plays with the water, but
    	   PADDLES with his front legs like he's in a canoe on the Colorado
    	   River and approaching the rapids. There's water on the ceiling,
    	   on the floor, and of course he soaked.
    
    	-  He drinks from every possible water source. The faucets, the
    	   dog's dishes (he PADDLES in their dish, too), the kitchen sink,
    	   the bathroom sink, and of course his own water disk. He makes a
    	   "grand tour" of the house when he does this, like a game.
    
    	-  He sleeps in the bathroom sink. (Although this won't last much
    	   too much longer 'cause he is fast outgrowing the sink). Or,
    	   you may be brushing your teeth, about to spit out the
    	   toothpaste, when up jumps this black & white thing who settles
    	   himself in the sink. Even if there's water running !!!  I
           haven't gotten him yet with the toothpaste, but there have been 
    	   some close calls.
    
    	-  Milk. He can hear a milk container opened from the opposite
    	   side of the house.  Comes FLYING into the kitchen, skids across
    	   the floor, and starts this meowing noise that sounds like a 
    	   skipped record !!! He'll actually jump into the refrigerator
    	   to help give the message he wants some MILK. If you have a glass
    	   of it - beware. He use his front paws to pull either your arm
    	   or the glass towards him - and he is STRONG.  He once thought a
    	   glass filled with beer (you know, with a *white* head on it) was
    	   milk - boy, was he surprised !!!
    	
    So, is this normal behavior ??? I know the fascination with water is
    quite typical, and many kittens like milk, but what about the clothes
    business ?? 
    
    He is such a sweetheart, and a big love. I am VERY happy I have a Maine
    Coon !!!!
    
    Kris
    
    	   

    Kris,  Our Chubs is part Maine Coon.  We adopted him at the age of 1.5
    years so I'm not sure of what behavior patterns he had in his younger
    days.  He doesn't carry our laundry around but this could be because
    it's behind closed doors in the closet.  Maybe you should start locking
    up your dirty laundry?  I'm sure your cat likes your clothing because
    it smells like you and he likes you.  
        
    Chubs is the first one in our house that inspects running water in the
    shower.  He is a voyeur to the max!  He doesn't play with the water
    though although he will lick water off the bottom of the tub now and
    then.  He also licks the water dripping down my legs (when I let him).
    
    We always keep the lids on the toilets closed so I haven't a clue as to
    whether the water in the bowl would excite him or not, and he certainly
    can't fit his fat body in the sink due to his excess problem.  I have
    known other types of cats that loved sleeping in sinks.  I think that
    is more of a personal preference of individual cats rather than a
    particular breed.  The same probably holds true about most of the other
    things you've mentioned.  Also, I would tend to believe that your cat
    is displaying common kittenlike behavior by playing in the water.  The
    Persian I used to have was fascinated by water and would always drink
    from the bathroom sink so you can never tell from one cat to the next.
    
    The few things I have found to be Maine Coonlike is a friendly social
    personality, a large body size, and an appetite that won't quit! 
    Chubs will be 2 in a few months and he weighs about 17 or 18 pounds. 
    He's a big boy!  :^)

    
    I'm looking for a "Maine Coon Cat" kitten.. the large cats with the fuzzy
    ears that look like medium sized dogs.   If any one knows where I can
    get one please let me know.  Do they really come from Maine? 
    
    If I can't find one, I'd take another large type of cat if there is such
    a breed out there.  Would prefer a kitten so I can train it.
    
    Lauren  

    Where are you located and far are you willing to travel to find this
    cat?  Little details like this are needed to tell you more....
    
    Doesn't Barbara Ives have a Maine Coon on her back porch these days? 
    Does the cat have to be a kitten?  We adopted a 1 1/2 year old coon
    that is wonderful and considering the situation in which we got him,
    he's a great cat and knows what he can and can't get away with.  (well,
    most of the time anyway!)
    
    Who ever told you that training a kitten was possible?  They are
    supposed to train you!  :^)  Cheryl, who wants more coons because they
    are so friendly and fat!

	As the proud momma of a just-adopted-this-weekend Maine Coon Cat
	I need some advice -- when we adopted Barry (from the Pat Brody
	Shelter for Cats) we were told we should probably get a "grooming
	tool".  Since he is our first non-short hair cat I have no prior
	experience with long hair, and don't have any idea what a grooming
	tool is.  Things were hectic at the Shelter and we just didn't
	get to ask for details, and I knew I had expert advice available!

	So, what is a "grooming tool" -- and estimated cost?  His coat is
	beautiful and tangle-free and we'd like to keep it that way!


	Thanks,

	Jan  who_now_has_a_baker's_dozen

    	Congrats...I know I already said it...but you have adopted
    one of the sweetest but yet craziest cats at the shelter.  He
    is a true clown....and we will miss him terribly...but thank
    the lord he found such a wonderful home!   I'm so happy for both
    Barry, you and Ron!!!!!!!
    
    With Bogie...my Maine Coon look-alike I use a plain old brush
    and a flea comb on him.   He loves to be brushed....and I have
    yet to see any tangles...but he is an overly obsessive groomer!!
    Lap lap lap lap lap...he drives you crazy!!!!  
    
    Good luck with Barry....
    
    Sandy
    
    
    

    Oooo Jan, congratulations on adopting Barry.  I wish I could help you
    on advice of this grooming tool but our fat Coon came to us in a bundle
    of knots and has since been shaved.  His hair is growing back ever so
    slowly.  All he requires is an occasional brushing now and then with a
    small wire brush.  We also have a metal comb but he doesn't like it
    near him!

    I would also like advice on grooming Coons.  Chubs isn't exactly in fit
    shape and well, let's just say that he can't reach strategic areas that
    might need grooming.  Would this grooming tool be something to use to
    trim around his bum?  (I can't believe I've just asked this in a public
    conference :^)

    Hope Barry settles in nicely.  He sounds like fun!  --Cheryl

    (hey Sandy, how come you didn't tell me about this cat?  Chubs would
    have liked a brother to even things out around the house! :^)

    Well Cheryl you were too slow because I had posted a small note
    in the Pat Brody file about Barry...and leave it to Jan to 
    follow through immediately!!!!! 
    
    Barry is one of the biggest clowns we have ever had at the
    shelter.  He was the type of cat that if he felt you didn't
    pay attention to him he would swipe you with his paw...and
    if that didn't work he would layed his head on the floor and
    plop over and give you the "cute love me Look".    Jan and Ron 
    are going to have a good time with him!!!!!
    
    Cheryl...I can't believe your talking about Chubs private areas in
    public!!!  And you talk about me and my whole males...(ha ha)
    
    Sandy
    
                                           

			<Grooming Maine Coons>


	As a Maine Coon breeder I ought to know how to keep those
	babies in wonderful shape as I'm showing them as well.
	So here is my advice.

	Although a Maine Coon is a half-longhair cat and the fur is
	not so fluffy as with a Persian it still needs a regular grooming.
	*Every* week I give mine a full treat !

	I use 3 kinds of grooming tools:                _______
	1. a flea-comb; this is use for the fine parts. |||||||
	2. a metal comb; looks like the flea-comb but bigger and less
	teeth. _______________
	       | | | | | | | |
	3. Special cat-scissors for nails; 

	I put the cat on a table. Make sure you've got enough light to
	see what you can do. Sitting down isn't a good position (although
	some people can groome in that position, but not a cat).
	BE SURE TO STAND UP STRAIGHT > otherwise you'll hurt your back
	if you bend over too much.

	I first do the head with the flea-comb. Behind the ears is a place
	where most of these little buggars are and the hair is very fine.

	Sometimes i first rub the hairs against its natural flow.
	This will loosen up all the 'dead' hair. 

	The breast, back and bum I do with the big comb (2). A Maine Coon
	has a sort of bushes on his back legs (we call that (literally)
	a 'hose').Make sure you comb this part well. Give some space to
	the ****** inbetween. Otherwise they will s**t on it.
	
	After that the tail. First on top, than the back part (= under).
	Brush a little against the flow under the tail. This will give
	it a full and fluffy sight.	

	If you encoutered some tough spots, please don't pull!
	You would not like it either if someone	is pulling you hair out.
	Take the base of the hairs between your fingers and than comb
	with the other hand to take the knit out.

	For the belly and armpits (all 4 of them) i use the fleacomb again.

	After that you can use a normal brush for the finishing touch
	(for shows i use some anti-static stuff, so the hair is falling
	natural. Otherwise it will jump up to your hands if you touch the
	cat).

	All this takes about 10 or 15 minutes. You'll see that if you do
	this every week, he/she will be in top shape.
	
	Clipping a cat's nails isn't hard.
	Hold the cat against you (sideways) make it sit down and lean over.
	Take the paw in your hand a push on the cushions with one finger
	while holding the toe with another. The nail will come out and clip it.
	For the other paw, turn the cat. 
	

	PS:

	For those boys/girls which suffer of (what do you call it)
	'grease-tails', wash *only* the tail with a shampoo. You don't
	have to use a real fancy original cat-shampoo, "head & shoulders"
	will do as well. Be sure to rinse with a lot of water (hand-warm)
	to get all the soap out. After that rub dry and (mine like it,
	more or less) use a hair-dryer (not too warm) to make sure most
	of the hairs are dried. After that they will wash themselfs again
	and you can give the tail a quick brush.

	For those who are interested in a (pure-bred) Maine Coon but
	don't know where to go (get one) i suggest you connect the
	MCBFA. This organization is only for Maine Coon breeders/fanciers.
	It consists of members of all cat associations (CFA, TICA, CFF etc).

	I don't have the address with me but am willing to provide it
	if anyone wants to get in touch with MCBFA. They have a quarterly
	issue with stories, results of MC's in shows, breeder-lists etc.

    
    About a Maine Coon kitty - I'm partial to kittens since I have no kids
    and want to raise a cat as one.. ha ha...  
    I live in Westminster, MA. I would be willing to travel about 2 hours
    after chatting with someone on the phone.  I might consider an older
    coon cat after seeing him/her...  I hope I get a response soon cuz
    i'm getting kitty fever.... 
    

I had a wonderful cat named Merlin that seemed to be a Maine Coon. I got him from 
the Hudson animal shelter in Hudson NH.  He weighed 17 pounds.  He made a typical
chirping sound.  He loved people, and everyone loved him, but tragically, after
living with us for many years he died of Lymphoma recently.

We've decided that a Maine Coon is the ideal companion for us, and would like
to find one or possibly two of them.  Can someone tell me where to find a breeder
within an hour or so of Nashua, NH.  We're interested in "pet quality" cats as
we have no intention of showing them.

RE: .27

Could you find that address or phone for MCFBA for me?  I may be interested in
contacting them.

							- Peter Craig

    Peter, I'm really sorry abut Merlin.
    

      Very sorry to hear about Merlin.  Having had a Coon in my heart as
    well, I know what you feel.  My Ruby died of FELV 4+ years ago, and
    there will never be another to be quite like him.
      Have you looked in the back section of CATS magazine?  They have a
    very complete listing of Coon breeders.  If you go to cat shows, you
    get to see what the breeders cats are like too.  I have seen a
    particular breeders coons at shows quite frequently that are just
    astounding!  They are huge, fluffy, typey lovecats.  I don't have the
    info. on hand.  It's one of things you say to yourself, if I ever buy
    a purebred.....     My Ruby was a real Maine Coon, someone had
    abandoned the litter in Maine.  They were all rescued luckily.
    
        good luck in your search,
      
        Denise

I have the address for the MCFBA:


	Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association
	2669 Skeel St.
	Brighton, CO  80601

Locally, there is also the Maine Coon Club:
	35 Atlantic Rd.
	Gloucester, MA 01930


Where is the Hudson Animal Shelter? I would like to get
some companionship for my mostly-coon Basia, and I work in
Hudson. I would also like to hear of any breeders in the area.

/ald

Unfortunately, I believe the Hudson Animal Shelter has closed, at least
temporarily.  It used to be off of Old Derry Rd near the intersection with
Greeley St.  The property was bought out as part of the circumstantial...uh...
I mean circumferential highway.  There has been a fundraising effort in
place for some time now to raise money to create a new Hudson Animal Shelter.
The last I heard, they'd raised $50,000, but were rather dissappointed that the
town was taking no action to try and locate a property.  Right now the nearest
animal shelter is the one in Nashua.

					- Peter who is tired of living in Hudson

    There is also the Pat Brody Shelter which is in Lunenburg, Ma.
    I am a volunteer there...and we usually get many Maine Coon
    mixes. (not purebreds...but they do look like Maine Coons)
    
    If interested please call Priscilla at 508-582-4539.  I can
    provide you with directions.
    
    Sandy

    We (girlfriend & I) are looking for some help in finding a couple of 
    purebred Maine Coon Kittens (preferably M/F). Unfortunately we do not 
    have a lot of money to spend so we'd rather not go the breeder route. 
    If anyone hears of any available MC kittens up for adoption from a 
    shelter or friends I'd really appreciate it if you drop me a line at 
    WMOIS::NELSON_T. I understand that this might not be an easy request 
    and we are willing to wait, she really has her heart set on this type
    of cat. I work in the Westminster plant and live in Winchendon Ma. I'd 
    be willing to travel a few hours if the circumstances were right.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ted
    Thanks  

    Lots of mixed breed cats resemble Maine Coons.  Many folks refer to
    their cats as Maine Coons when they are really mixed breed cats of
    unknown origin.  If you have your heart set on purebreds, then the only
    way you will know you have a true Maine Coon is to go to a breeder.
    
    If you don't care about pedigrees, then I'll bet you can find an
    apparent purebred (no known pedigree) Maine Coon at any of the local
    shelters.
    
    Another thought:  Many breeders have older kittens or young cats they
    might be willing to sell to you at a reduced rate.  It might be worth
    calling some breeders and checking around.  A good start is to frequent
    a local cat show and speak to some of the Coon breeders there.  Two
    shows are being held in November:  a one day show in Marlboro (the 14th
    I think) and a two day show at the Host Hotel in Boxboro (the 14th and
    15th I think).  Maybe you can do Marlboro on the 14th and Boxboro on
    the 15th.... should be lots and lots of Coons at these shows!
    
    Good luck in your search.
    
    -Roberta
    
    

    Hi All,
    
    We talked to teh vet the other day RE: getting a replacement (when it
    comes due) cat.  We lost our 20 year old siamese in August due to old
    age.  We persently have a 20 pound ( 18 inch waist) white short hair 
    who is now 10.  The vet recommended that we look at a "Maine COON
    CAT"....  Any one have any experience??? Supposed to be a great
    friendly sort.  We are looking for an "inside" cat that will travel
    well in the motorhome for vacation and retirement. If anyone knows
    anthing about the breed,  I would appreciate hearing from you.
    
    Happy New Year to all and the kitties too!
    
    Jerry Lofstead
    Atlanta.
    

    Check out note #88 for info on the breed.
    
    To inquire about breeders in your area, try looking through the breeder
    section of either Cat Fancy or Cats Magazine.  If no breeders are
    listed, there should be a general number to call for the breed club. 
    The representative of the club should be able to assist you.
    
    Never purchase a kitten sight unseen.  Always visit the breeder's home
    and observe how the cats and kittens live.  Cats/kittens that are caged
    until sold do not usually make good pets.  It is essential for the
    kittens to receive human contact from birth, and be raised "underfoot".
    This will ensure an easier transition into your home.  Prices will vary
    depending upon location; you will probably pay $250 or less down south
    (but I could be wrong) for a pet quality (sold with a neuter/spay
    agreement) kitten.
    
    This should get you started anyway.  Good luck in your search!
    
    -Roberta
    

    Another thought if your not looking for a true purebred...you can
    check out shelters in your area.
    
    I have a Maine Coon Mix (Bogart) and I can honestly say this cat
    is a clown and loves all other cats  We love sitting watching him
    play with absolutely nothing!!  He goes crazy too....and his big
    feet goes stomping around the house!!  He's great and loves to
    be petted!!
    
    Good luck...
    
    Sandy<

    
    I bought a Maine Coon from someone who advertised them in the Want
    Ad's last October. The mother is a pure-bred with papers and the father
    is a pure-bred without papers. She called me again last night to let me
    know that the female had another litter of kittens. 5 of them.  2 are
    all black, 2 are gray tabby and 1 is a brown tabby. The kittens reside
    in Tewsbury, Mass. and she sells them for $150.00.
                                                     
    My Maine Coon is 4 months old and the cutest little (but getting bigger
    every day) thing. He's a brown tabby and his name is McGregor. He's
    quite a talker and talks to the other cats or to himself.  He has big
    paws and at 4 months weighs 8 lbs.
    
    If anyone is interested in purchasing a Maine Coon, I have the number
    and address of the person in Tewksbury.  Contact me at 297-7135 or at
    LEZAH::KARENK.
    
    Karen
     

     <<< .40
    
      Tony and I went to see this babies Wedsday night and they are
    beautiful.
    
     We pick and reserved a little girl.  She is so cute. They are
     only three weeks old and will not be allowed to go until they
     are 8 weeks. Can't wait.
    
     Like most Tony and I were and are concerned about bring a baby home.
     We adopted Miss peeper's 5 years ago, and we are not sure how she
     will take to a little fur face being around. She has finally adjusted
     to us and allows us to live with her.  That is along as we do not try
     to sit in her favorite chair.
    
    
     Looking forward to having a little one around again.
    
    
                   tony and Dot

    <<<  .40
    
    We went this wed night and picked out our first Maine Coon cat from the 
    litter mentioned in note .40.  Thanks so much for posting the note.  We
    have been looking for a Maine Coon and this was just the right time
    and with the right people.  Thanks again
    
    Regards,
    
    Bill
    

I'm thinking seriously about a Maine Coon.  Anyone know of breeders in the 
Atlanta or North Georgia area?

I've heard that Maine Coons don't cause problems for people who are 
allergic to cat dander.  Is that really true?

Thanks for any information.

Bob

Well, I have a pair of maine coons, and a friend who is somewhat
allergic to cats and dogs. He rarely has problems at my house,
even though Basia (the *really* long-haired one) is a chronic
lap-sitter and head-butter.

Just a data point for you to consider.

    .43
    
    You might want to check out the notes in here about allergies.  There
    is a lot of information in them.  Cat dander is created when cats lick
    themselves to groom.  All cats lick themselves to groom.  The key to
    allergy relief is to control the amount of dander on the cat by bathing
    or to control the allergy with antihistamines.
    
    Jo

    I'm looking for a Maine Coon kitten (sex doesn't matter), purebred, but
    pet quality, for my mother.  One of her friends who just moved up here 
    from the PA area has one and she fell in love with it and wants one now.  
    
    I live in Worcester so anything within an hour would be great.  I'd
    really like to give it to her as a Christmas present, but I know it may
    be difficult to find one.
    
    If anyone knows of a breeder in the area please let me know.
    
    I can be reached on XLIB::CHIASSON.
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    kris
    

    One of my two kitties died (of a brain tumor, poor little Nebula)
    several weeks ago.  The remaining cat, JFCL, is actually even older
    than Neb was: she is 16.  Poor Fickle is obviously very bored without
    her lifelong buddy in the house.  We'd like to get either a pair of
    fairly young kittens, so that they can pester each other and not annoy
    the older kitty too much, or a young adult kitty who is used to other
    cats.  We're only interested in (spayed) female cats.  My husband would
    really like to have Maine coon cats (the only long-haired breed I would
    consider owning) - definitely not show quality, and we don't care if
    they are purebred.  Does anyone know of a breeder in East-Central
    Mass.?  Send me mail at CADSYS::RICHARDSON if you have any leads.
    
    /Charlotte
    
    PS - Any ideas on how to introduce JFCL to her new buddy/buddies?  It
    took her a long time to get used to Nebula when I first got Neb; the
    kitten lived behind the refrigerator for the first few weeks we had
    her, since JFCL can't fit back there.  The two kitties got along real
    well after Fickle figured out that the small noisy beast that had
    appeared in the house was a small CAT rather than some other dangerous
    animal.  One day I came home from work and found the kitten trying to
    suckle on Ficle, who was only six months old herself and had just been
    spayed.  After that, they got along well.

    Charlotte,
    
     I have no info on breeders, but wanted to convey my condolences about
    Nebula, and to let you know Nebula is being added to the Silver Lining
    Memorial for this quarter.
    
     And good luck in finding two new additions to your household!
    
    Love,
    
     Yonee

    
    I have collected a fairly large set of business cards from New England
    area breeders of Maine Coons (and Abbi/Somalis, Birmans, and Classic
    American Silver Tabbies) from the past two years' worth of shows.  Let
    me go through them tonight and I'll post a list of breeders tomorrow.
    Also, there are breeders listed in the back of several cat magazines,
    I'll check them too.
    
    len.
    

    I would highly recommend Esther Ventola .. I believe she's in
    Framingham, MA, but I don't have her number here with me.  I'll try and
    get it and post it tomorrow.
    
    Holly
    

    Thanks, everyone!  We all miss Nebula; she was a beautiful little
    kitty, and had fifteen good years as a member of the family.  I'm not
    sure how Fickle, the lonely, only cat, is going to adapt to a new
    companion; she's not used to having any other animals around except
    Neb.  Paul believes that coon cats are intelligent and unlikely to be
    high-strung. (He would really be more of dog person than a cat lover
    like I am, except that we really are not around enough to own a dog.)
    I thought about trying to find another part-Siamese or two, like
    Nebula, but I think it would make us sad to have a similar looking and
    acting kitty - no new cat can "replace" Neb!
    
    /Charlotte

    Charlotte....
    
    I'm not sure if you'd be interested...but I'll tell you anyway.  I
    met a lady at the cat show that just rescued an 8 month old Maine
    coon Mix which has been spayed and has all the shots.  She says
    the kitty is very nervous...but truly is a love...and really
    resembles a Maine Coon!!  
    
    If your interested just send me a note off-line and I can give you
    her telephone number.  I believe she lives in Lowell!
    
    Sandy

Arcana Cats
  Bengals, Siberian, Maine Coons
  TICA, CFF

  Brenda G. Goessling
  54 Tokeneke Road
  Holyoke, MA  01040

  413-533-8665


Beauport Cattery
  Maine Coon Cats

  Jacqueline & Eugene Hayes
  35 Atlantic Road
  Gloucester, MA  01930

  508-283-5518


Cape Coon Maine Coon Cats
  Maine Coons
  MCBFA

  Cheryl & Bob Kearns
  171 Weir Road
  Yarmouthport, MA  02675

  617-362-8826


Codcoon Cattery
  Maine Coons
  ACFA, CFA, CFF

  Jane K. Gilley
  70 West Pond Road
  Chatham, MA  02633

  508-945-1776


Dirigo Maine Coons
  Maine Coons

  Mrs. Beth Kus
  86 Grandview St.
  Tolland, CT  06084

  203-872-6937


Heritage Coons
  Maine Coon Cats
  CFF, CFA, TICA

  1285 South St.
  Needham, MA  02192

  617-444-2968


Kit Kor
  Pomeranians, Maine Coon Cats

  Kaye A. Sukeforth
  U.S. Rt. 1
  Warren, Maine  04864

  207-273-3300


Maycoons Cattery
  Maine Coon Cats
  MCBFA, TICA, CFA, CFF

  Deborah May
  47 Allen Road
  Belchertown, MA  01007

  413-323-9560


McWiskers
  Maine Coon Cats
  UMCCA

  Wendy McGlynn
  39 Broadway St.
  Pembroke, NH  03275

  603-485-5074


Purrimaine
  Maine Coon Cats
  CFF, CFA, TICA

  Elizabeth Joyce-Nyack
  63 Birdsall St.
  Winsted, CT  06098

  203-738-4618


Purrmayne Cattery
  Maine Coon Cats
  CFA, MCBFA

  Molly D. Maynard
  P.O. Box 155
  Wilbraham, MA  01095

  413-596-3550


SaraJen
  Maine Coon Cats
  TICA, CFF, CFA

  Teri & Jeff Goldman
  3 Wayside Road
  Westborough, MA  01581

  508-898-3661


Snickets
  Maine Coon Cats
  MCBFA, CFF, CFA, TICA

  Heidi Oliveri
  Chelsea, MA  02150

  617-884-5162


Temora Cattery
  Maine Coon Cats
  CFA, CFF, ACFA, TICA

  Patricia Ledoux
  91 North Main St.
  Cohasset, MA  02025

  617-383-1030


Whales Back
  Maine Coon Cats
  UMCCA

  Joaquin Fortin
  3050A Mere Point Road
  Brunswick, Maine  04011

  207-729-8649


Kalim Cattery
  Birmans and Norwegian Forest Cats

  Karen Diamond
  146 Pine Needle St.
  Howell, NJ  07731

  201-840-2130


Pawtuckaway Cattery
  Norwegian Forest Cats

  Mark & Debbie Hochman
  P.O. Box 268
  Francestown, NH  03043

  603-547-6475

    Hi,
    
        Just thought I'd add this for those of you looking for a maine
    coon. Ellen(forgot her last name) :(    has a new batch of kittens.
    3 males and 2 females. She is asking 150.00 ea. for them.
    Ellen has move to Billerica, here is her new telephone number
    663-4375.
    
       Tony and I brought Miss Wickets off her a year ago.  We just love
    her and are so happy we got her.  Even thought she was my birthday
    present, she has decide to bond with tony. That a women for you.
    Oh, you may ask why I named her Miss Wickets, this is because she is
    really full of it (but is a great way)...
    
    
                        Dot

    Talked to Ellen last night, all kitties are sold!
    
    Sunni

    
    	I note that there hasn't been any action on the M/C notes file for
    quite a while so I just thought I'd join in.   I am recently into Maine
    Coon cats having had cats for all of my 62 years and what a surprise.  
    The first on I got was a gift of a 1.5 year old female that we
    immediately had spayed.   She is absolutly beautiful,  large ear tufts,
    an elizabethian ruff that is enormous.    This cat "Minou" by name is a
    real peacefull cat prefering to sleep in the sun, or any other warm
    spot.   We have an old original black cast iron cook stove in our
    family room and under, or near it is her favorite.
    	On the other hand now, we acquired an 8 week old M/C kitten and
    this guy just will not quit.    He "Buddy Boots", is now 6 months old,
    just neutered, and full of hell.  Even though he attempted to nurse
    from Minou and she accomadated him he now terrorizes her.  When ever
    she looks peacefull, and is asleep he pounces on her growls and appears
    to be biting her.   Minou is a very patient animal and only rarely does
    she get fed up and send him running.   I hope he calms down soon so she
    can resume her normal character.
    	Anyway these cats are really enjoyable, fun to watch and really
    different that any other cats I have had or seen
    	Art
    	
    

    
    Art, 
    
     We have a male Maine Coon, and a female that has some coon in her.
     The male is awsome, a lot of times we think that there is a little 
     boy in there. They have so much personality and very loving intelegent
     cats. We got the history of the Male that we adopted last year when 
     he was around two years old. According to the vets , some lady that
     used him for breading let him lose on Plum Island, and he sorvived 
     there on his own, for a few months until he was found and brought to 
     the shelter. He was a strictly indoors only cat when he joined our
     troop (all our other cats are indoors only) . Lately, now that its 
     cold enough for the fleas to be gone, we have been taking him out
     for walks on a leash.  He is amazing he goes and grabs his leash
     I sometime wake up in the morning with this huge cat sitting on my
     chest carrying his leash in his mouth staring down at me ;-)
     It's the most wonderfull site. I can't resist him then, I 'll get out
     of be put something on and bring him out for his daily walk. 
     Poeple in the neighborhood sometimes give us these stares like we are 
     crazy to walk our cat on a leash. but hey....
    
     I love Maine Coons, 
    
     Shaw

    	This will be our first Christmas with a Maine Coon cat kitten and I
    am kind of aprehensive.    I'm willing to take th plunge and put up a
    tree but my wife is the real

    	Sorry for the interuption on note 88.58.    Anyway,  I'm willing to
    put the Christmas tree up but my wife thinks that the kitten
    will destroy it.   I say no problem,  we have our own trees growing
    right on our property so there will be no cost.   I think I have her
    convinced that we should give it a try.   I'll let you know next week
    what the results are with a Maine Coon Cat vs Maine Balsam Fir Tree.
    Any bets?
    		Art
    

    Guy the tree, and don't use fragile decorations!  Don't use tinsel,
    either - some cats try to eat it.  Christmas tree is not an issue in
    our Jewish household, of course, but I did have to kitten-proof the
    place more than usual for the coon kitty!
    
    My coon kitten, who is just over a year old now and still growing, gets
    into EVERYTHING!  Mischief on four furry feet...  We got her because
    JFCL was so lonely after Nebula (elderly Siamese) died, and Melody is a
    very smart, gorgeous little beast who really keeps us on our toes! 
    Hubby Paul wanted to get another kitty since the remaining elderly
    kitty was so despondent without her lifelong companion, but neither one
    of us wanted to get another Siamese because we didn't want to be
    reminded of Neb, who was a very fine beast.  So he picked the breed.
    Turned out to be a good decision!  Melody is real smart, loves humans,
    and is extremely friendly.  She makes an assortment of very un-Siamese
    noises, chirps and trills mostly - the only times she meows is if she
    gets locked into a closet or something.  She's crazy about Paul,
    especially - he spends hours playing with her.  The new and old kitty
    get along fairly well, although JFCL is too old (17) to be interested
    in doing too much rowdy playing with the kitten.  The only complaint I
    have about the coon kitten is that she doesn't purr.  Well, she does,
    but so low-pitched that I can't hear her, and Paul can only once in a
    while.  I can only tell she is purring if I am touching her so I can
    feel her little body vibrate!
    
    /Charlotte                     

    	Well winter is finally here in Maine and my two Maine Coon Cats are
    all for it.  They really love the cold, wind, snow freezing rain and
    any other severe winter weather.   We have found that they will come in
    if we dont put any food out for them since the outdoor mice, voles,
    moles and other food critters are in the ground.   When they do come in
    they go right to our old wood stove that is cranking up some good heat.
    	Regarding the purring my older cat 2 yrs will purr but real soft,
    however the "baby" 6mo., will purr a little.  The chirping that they do
    is really unique.   It sounds like a high pitched "prrruupt" and is
    loud and usually done when they jump up, start running or leap at
    something.
    	We will problably put a tree up but as suggested we are planning to
    use guy wires, no breakable ornaments, and we dont use any tinsle. 
    I'll keep you posted.	
    		Art
    	

    Can someone recommend a place where I can get a Maine Coon for
    my 2.5 year old daughter?
    
    My spouse and I have decided that we'd get Jaime a cat.  I insist
    on a Maine Coon, to replace the 24lb'r we lost to the neighbors
    wolf-hybrid (#^&(#* mutt) a couple years ago...  I'm more of a
    dog-person (golden retievers, particularly), but CB (cry baby) made 
    me a Maine Coon fanatic (M/C's seem like non-snob, non-fragile,
    totally social cats).
    
    I'm in Colorado Springs, and would love to find a feline-monster-kitty
    who can whip my doggies into shape.  Please help!
    
    Thanks!!
    Jeff

     I cant help you out in in the west, but I know of 3 or 4 breeders here
    in Maine.  I suppose if you had to travel up here to Maine to get a
    Maine Coon Cat then it would be a really snobby thing to do.   If
    needed I can send you some addresses.
    		Art

    
    See note 88.53 in this string.
    
    len.
    

    Of course you will pay more in Maine for a Maine Coon!  Tourists, 
    beware!
    Karen

    I'm baffled...
    
    We've looked high-and-low for the right kitty.  Went to the humane
    society on the outside chance that i'd find the perfect 25lb kitty,
    and the place was almost empty!
    
    Went to a couple of pet stores (I HATE those places) and asked about
    a coon, and they said "Cats are out of season".  Since when do kitty
    cycles come in seasons?!  Am I missing something?
    
    Time is closing in on Valentines day - I need a kitty!!!!
    
    jc
    
    PS - There was a wonderful black tomcat there who just wouldn't stop 
    yapping at me...  My spouse had to DRAG me away...
                                                      

    Not many kittens are born in the winter.  I guess female cats do not
    normally come into season (go into heat) in the winter.  We had to call
    a lot of breeders to find a Maine coon kitten last winter.  The lady we
    got Melody from keeps her cattery at constant temperature with constant
    hours of light, so she has kittens all year.  I don't suppose that pet
    stores or humane societies would get many young cats during the winter,
    though.  Keep looking around - there's sure to be a purrfect kitty
    waiting for you!
    
    /Charlotte (human slave to two kitties)

    JC...I'm not sure where you live but I do know the Pat Brody
    shelter had an ad in the paper regarding younger cats available
    for adoption that appear to be Maine Coon kitties.  
    
    If your in the Mass area...have you tried Neads, Worcester REscue
    Leaque, Sterling Animal Shelter, Lancaster Humane Society etc....
    Nashua Humane Society, .....
    
    Good luck in your search...
    
    Sandy
    

    I'm in Colorado, unfortunately...
    

    Cats usually season according to the amount of light.  Therefor there
    are not many kittens at this time of year.  As stated in a previous
    reply, one breeder maintains the proper environment for this.  I too
    have kittens, due to light in the house probably (I didn't try for it
    though!).
    
    PLEASE don't get a kitty from a pet store.  You are opening up a whole
    can of worms that way.  I don't care how cute they are!  You can do 
    one of two things:
    
    a. call the shelters listed above 
    b. call CFA directly for a list of breeders in your area
       908-528-9797
    
    CFA nor any breeder of merit would EVER place a kitty in a pet store.
    In fact, in our constitution and by laws, it is against policy to do
    so.  If it is found in fact that you have done so, it is grounds for
    expulsion.
    
    Take a look at other large breedsd if you want to.  There is the
    Occicat, British Short Hair, Chartreux.  Some of these come in specific
    colors and others not.  If you want size, you should go with a male 
    and neuter it.  
    Karen

    If this is a Valentine's gift, there is one other option - find a reputable
    breeder in your area and make arrangements for a kitten from his/her next 
    litter, whenever that may be - ask the breeder for a "gift certificate" to
    give your loved one on Valentine's day !  That way, you know you're getting
    a cat from a good source and the person knows what you tried to do and are 
    doing and can look forward in anticipation of "arrival day" !!!!!!

    just another idea......

    Debbi

    Thank you all for the help!!  I will call CFA and see what they say.
    
    FWIW - I don't know if my 2.5 year old daughter could read the
    Gift certifiCATe, but I think she'd like the idea of a kitty.
    :-)
    
    FWIW - I would never buy any animal (short of a gerbil) from a pet
    store.  I'd mentioned that I hated those places....probably for the
    same reasons you folks do.  :-)
    
    Anyway, I'll letcha know what I find!
    Thanks!
    Jeffrey

    
    
    	Jeff,
    
    	If you don't find one by May let me know.  I may be willing
    	to be coaxed into bringing one with me when I come out to
    	see Ulrika.  =)
    
    	- J
    

    I happened to be looking thru an issue of "CatFancy" mag, and decided
    to look up breeders of Maine Coons.  Here's the closest thing I could find to
    you in your area:
    WYOMING and COLORADO offer personality plus kittens in red and brown. 
    Call VONARABY at 307 322-5937 or ELECTRICOON at 303 443-3443
Hope dthis helps.  Good luck.
    

    Now, now, I bought JFCL from a pet store.  She's a great cat!  She's
    now 17 years old, still has most of her teeth, and is glad of the
    company of her big coon kitten companion Melody, who is just over a year
    old now.  But that pet store closed years ago.  Melody came from a
    breeder because my hubby wanted a coon cat and because not many kittens
    were available in the middle of last winter.  (JFCL was very, very
    lonely after her lifelong Siamese companion Nebula died of a brain
    tumor at age 16 - Nebula came from the same pet store.)
    
    
    /Charlotte

    Yes, you were lucky.  I have some friends who have bought kitties
    at the pet store.  They wouldn't do it again.  
    
    You usually have to pay an exhorbitant price.  They will tell you
    that they come with papers.  If you can get them, the bloodlines can
    be questionable.  What I mean is that any backyard breeder can get
    registration papers on cats that don't meet the standard.  They
    continue to breed these animals and register them.  We had some poor
    kid call us saying their boyfriend had bought them a beautiful persian
    himalayan and wanted to know how to show it.    This cat could not
    be shown due to the fact that it was horrid as far as standard went and
    couldn't be shown as a household pet because it was a purebred.
    
    If you go to a breeder you will pay a fairer price and generally get
    a much nicer kitty. Temperment included.
    Karen
    

	Most of the pet stores in the South San Francisco Bay area only
	stock pet supplies now.  Rescue organizations such as C.A.R.E. and
	N.I.K.E. come out on weekends with animals available for adoption and
	set up temporary quarters in different stores.  That's how we got 3
	of our 5 kitties and we couldn't be happier with them.  They all had
	been tested for FeLV and were current on vaccinations.  The older cat
	had also been spayed.  Most of the kitties are mixed breed but they
	occasionally have purebreds available.

	It's a much nicer way of doing business -- I hope it catches on.

		Susan S.

    Some of the larger pet stores here in Nashua, NH are doing the same
    thing.  Petstuff is one, I can't remember the name of the other.
    
    I hope it catches on in other places as well!
    
    Sharon
    

    The Pat Brody shelter has been holding Adoption Day at many
    of the Pet Supply stores in the Fitchburg/Littleton areas.
    
    I find in our area...it's almost not worth the effort because 
    people who walk in the store are there to buy food/supplies and
    if they do decide to get a cat it normally is not a thought out
    decision but just a quick thought!!  We'd much prefer to adopt out
    to someone who really has thought long and hard whether they want
    another cat or NOT!!!
    
    As well as because our shelter is in the same area,,,I think people
    who really want a cat should make an appointment and come visit the
    100+ cats that are at the shelter vs only looking at a few that
    we bring to the store with us.  
    
    I can see how this would work if the shelters do not allow visitors...
    or are not in the same area as the stores.
    
    Sandy

	Sandy,

	I would agree with you except that our shelter doesn't test for
	FeLV.  If you already have kitties at home, it's just too risky.
	We rescued a mother and 3 kittens this summer and had to have them
	put down because they were all positive.  We refused to risk Sophie's
	life (our first cat) and no one else wanted to take the risk either.
	It was heart-breaking to go through that so I was grateful for 
	C.A.R.E.  They do have an empty store in a local shopping center
	that they use for adoptions on weekends and Wednesday evenings, 
	but they occasionally go out to various pet stores for the publicity.
	They also advertise in the newspaper and with flyers so people really
	seek them out.  They have agreements with our vet and many other 
	vets in the area for free exams.  They charge an adoption fee and 
	a spay/neuter deposit, which is only refundable within a short time-
	frame.  Maybe it isn't perfect, but they get an A+ for trying.

	All adoptions are a risk for the animals and the people.  I realize
	that impulse adoptions are a problem, although I'd hope that someone
	in a pet store would have a better sense of what they're getting
	into.  The adoptions that really bother me are the people with a 
	boxful of kittens outside the grocery store.

	I just wish we could take 'em all home!!!!!

		Susan S.

    Susan...I agree we couldn't live without the rescue groups, non-kill
    shelters and even kill shelters.  Can you imagine the over-population
    problem there would be if these groups weren't in place!
    
    Our shelter is pretty unique where ALL cats are tested for Feluk/FIV, 
    given their booster/rabie shots, as well as ALL cats/kittens are 
    spayed/neutered before they leave the shelter.  This can get pretty
    expensive...but to me all shelters/rescue groups need to do this.
    
    The Pat Brody Shelter has a pretty extensive screening process for
    adoptions....and some folks are turned away.  I personally WON'T/CAN't 
    do adoptions because my first reaction to most people is to trust 
    them fully..(until they screw you once!!)   Some people who come to
    adopt are pretty good at giving you the answers you want to hear, but
    with more prying Priscilla is VERY good at weeding those people out!
    
    I remember once a young couple came to the shelter to adopt and this
    was before we had started our early spay/neuter program.  This couple
    had answered all the questions correctly and everyone walked away
    feeling they would be great parents.  As they were in the kitten
    room choosing a kitten they just started talking to another person
    that was in the room.  They commented "we need to make sure this
    kitten is NOT neutered because he will be our barn cat and we want
    zillions of baby kittens...but we can't let the shelter volunteers 
    know about our plans because they are totally against doing that"!!
    Well what the people didn't know was the person they were talking
    to was my friend, Nancy Cross who worked at the Framingham Shelter
    and was visiting with me.   Of course those people did not adopt
    one of our cats...but if Nancy wasn't in the room we would have never
    found out.   That's when I GAVE up on doing adoptions....and that is
    why Priscilla handles most of our adoptions.  She's darn good at it..
    and if she has any doubt in her mind she will put the people off until
    she has an opportunity to call their vet directly.
    
    My comments were not to put down groups that do adoptions at Pet
    Stores, because we do adoptions at cat shows all the time.  I just
    was stating that adoptions at Pet Stores hasn't worked to well for
    us and since our shelter gets involved in many other adoptions/fund
    raising events..(and lacks volunteers) I don't feel our efforts should
    be in Pet Stores.   
    
    Sandy
      

	Sandy,

	I sure wish all shelters were like yours!  Many of the people at
	C.A.R.E. are really good at screening potential adopters (I would
	also be lousy at it) and they call during the first week to see how
	the adoption is going.  What amazes me, is that even with all the 
	precautions they take, some of their animals end up abandoned.  Since
	C.A.R.E. will let you return an animal for a full refund during the
	first two weeks (they also let you return an animal at any time
	during its life without a  refund), no animal should ever end up 
	abandoned or abused.  I guess some people are just really, really
	rotten.

	Hope you have a good weekend!

		Susan S.

    Just an update...  We gave up on Maine Coons.  The only thing I found
    was a breeder in BOulder who wanted (get this) - $600 for a kitten.
    
    So, we went to the local Animal Shelter (Colo. Spgs), and as I was
    leaning against one of the cages, I felt someones paw reach out and
    bonk me on the face.  So..."Bear" is now in our happy home.  He appears
    to be what a friend called a "Snow Shoe" cuz he's got white feet, long
    fur, and a fluffy tail.  He's cuddly and likes to play with us - he's 
    about a year old.
    
    Even my golden retrievers (who just had pups) are happy to have a new
    play mate!

    
    
    	A Snowshoe??!!
    
    	Jeff honey I will definitely be visiting the Cooper abode
    	when I come out there in June.  Snowshoes are *beautiful* !
    	And I'm hoping there will still be some puppies for me
    	to play with.  =)
    
    	JJ
    

    
    Cats who pick you are always very special.  Congratulations.
    
    len (who was picked by Rocky).
    

    Yes.. Very Special! Congrats COOP!
    
    SueJ

    
    
    	According to Jeff's wife, the new kitty is a Ragdoll
    	not a Snowshoe.  Guess I'll just have to wait and see
    	when I get out there!  =)
    

    Yep, confirmed.  "Bear"  went to the Vet yesterday to have his
    sinus infection cleaned up (quite common from pound-kitties).
    
    The vet confirmed that the pound-peoples are clueless about
    kitty breeds, and that Bear is a Ragdoll..  I don't care - I've
    never heard of either, but this kitty, is, umm...*limp* when you
    pick him up...  (Y'all gotta see my 2 year old carry around this
    feline... :-).
    
    Anyway, he'll quite the personality; he doesn't get freaked out 
    when my Goldens show up ('course, they don't even notice the cat),
    comes up and hangs with the family and takes the kinds of abuse
    a toddler can dish out (and seems to just love the attention).
    
    We're very happy...
    
    jc
    
    PS - Naturally, when we went to the Vet with Bear, THEY had a 20+ lb
         Coon they found as a stray...  Sheesh.
                                               

    
    Well JC, Ragdolls are wonderfull too, they are famouse for being 
    real mellow cats. You know that main coon might just make a nice 
    companion for bear ;-)
    
    Shaw

    Sorry if this has already been discussed, please give more details 
    about the Ragdolls, what they look like, price, where to get them...etc.
                                             

    I will probably always adopt kitties from the pound or adopt in 
    strays, BUT if I ever *were* to get a purebred it would be a Ragdoll
    or a Maine Coon.  Ragdolls have the personality and temperament 
    (mellow, can do anything w/them) that I like.  The Cat Fancy article
    that I read about Ragdolls mentioned that they are great cats to have
    if you have children.
    
    [We have a Maine Coon now (Pumpkin) and she's a doll.  She
    was a stray that I adopted as a kitten.  Purebred?  I doubt it 
    (she's tiny) although she has most if not all of the Maine Coon traits
    other than size.]
    
    Sharon
    

    
    
    I have a Maine Coon that is just soooo lovable and talkative.
    He has the LOUDest Purrrr I have ever heard... and he can 
    catch treats in his paws..... Its a wonderful site....
    
    SueJ

    
    
    I adore Main coons, we have two a male and a female. The female 
    we thought was just a look alike but after going through the
    discriptions, purrsonality and picture on the WEB she appears to be 
    for real. The male is much largers than the female (almost 20lbs)
    and is a real clown he has double paws on all four. If we ever 
    get more cats (I know we will ;-)  ) my preference will still be 
    Main Coons. just because they are so affectionate. Ours come when 
    called, follow us all over the house and chirp. 
    
    Shaw

    
    
    	re: .90
    
    	See note 161.1 for more info on Ragdolls.
    
    	re: .92
    
    	Sue's coon kitty Alex is an absolute love and has a face
    	to die for.  =)
    
    	My Sasha kitty mostly coon kitty.  She's got some tabby in her
    	but I'd say she's a good 90% Maine Coon.
    

    RE:.93
    
    Almost 20lbs??  Thats a baby.  CB was (rest-in-kitty-heaven) 24.
    Sheesh - He was a monster.
    :-)

    Re: .93
    
      Max is 21 or 22lbs, but he's still only a baby 3 1/2 yrs old.  He
    still has a ways to go to catch grandpa 26 lbs.
    
      He's still the most lovable thing, until he stays on my lap too long.
    
    Dennis

    
    Well Tomba is also under 4 years old so I guess he will get heavier. 
    Strange thing about Toma is, he does not recognize chicken, turkey 
    or beef. Our other two go crazy for chicken breast, Tomba just smells
    it and walks away. When we have seafood though he goes absolutely nuts
    over it. Even with canned food he only eats the seafood flavour. 
    Our shelter found him at Plum Island and we guess that he probably 
    fed on the fish in the area .  
    Is anyone worried about their coon cats getting over weight. I read 
    on the web that they are prone to hip displasia (sp) and hear murmur
    if they get too heavy. 
    
    Shaw 

    
    
>           Sue's coon kitty Alex is an absolute love and has a face
>           to die for.  =)
    
    You've obviously never locked eyes with Pretty Boy Floyd....
    
    He's not purebred coon, but he's an impressive "imitation".
    
    Floyd's 11 months old now, and though he was apparently the runt of
    the litter, I'd guess he's about 12 lbs.  He's not growing as fast as
    was, but he's still growing.                              
    
    len (shamelessly proud dad).

    
    
    	len,
    
    	I must say I have never had the joy and honor of meeting
    	your kitty household.  
    
    	JJ
    

    
    
      Well what happened to the photo album? I would love to share 
      picies ;-) We are all proud of our babies.....
    
      Hopefully after the ski season , ends in June for me, I will be able
      to go to some cat shows and meet some of my friends in here and 
      share pictures.
    
     Shaw

    
    The photo album wouldn't be fair - the picture of Floyd I submitted was
    from his days as a kitten when he was too cute for words.
    
    len.
    

    Hi,
    
    Is there an updates on this string of notes?  My brother is looking for
    Main Coon and I think I'm going to take the plunge and get a kitten
    from the same litter if we can find a reputable breeder.  I have pulled 
    the list of breeders from this string but if anyone else has information 
    on other local breeders (in the Marlboro/Northboro/Central Mass Area) \
    please let me know.
    
    Thank you,
    
    Mark
    

    Mark,
    
    I know of some breeders in the central mass area as well as closer to
    Boston.  I'll write to you tomorrow with their names.
    
    Holly
    

    Thank you!
    
    Mark
    

    re: .97
    
    Yes, There is a tendancy for fixed coons to get overweight.  I have not
    heard of the hip problem althought I can see if they jump down from a
    counter or table they might hurt themselves.  So far no one has told me
    or my friends ( except my mother-in-law who has coco) has been told by
    their vets that the cats are too fat.
    
    I have noticed the blues tend to put on the weight the easiest.
    
    Dennis

    There is a maine Coon breeder in Milford, Ma, whose name escapes me at
    the moment.  I'll check all my cat show stuff, an write it in here.
                           

    I have a person who has bought two kittens from me.  Their son has
    recently visited them and now would love to purchase a black Maine
    Coon.  He lives in the Boston area, if anyone could give me the names
    of some good breeders in the area I would appreciate it. 
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Dennis

    
    See note 88.53 in this string
    
    len.
    

    Thanks I looked at about 40 notes and stopped at .60.
    
    Dennis

    This toilet thing is really digusting.  We have a 2 1/2 year old
    daughter that is being toilet trained and Jisk (pronounced Yisk, a
    Frisian name) can lift the lid on her training pottie mounted on our
    normal toilet.  Water everywhere.  How do you stop this?  
    
    Problem:  daughter should be able to use toilet, cat should not.
    
    It is also impossible to keep Jisk's water bowl filled for more than
    about an hour as he loves to splash it all over.  How do you make water
    available full time (besides leaving the toilet lid up)?  We've tried
    using water towers, but he can empty those, too.  Just takes a little
    longer.
    
    Any ideas?
    
    By the way, he's about 8 months old and cute as a bug.  Granted, that's
    a big bug.  He likes to pounce on you when you're not looking, and you
    must definitely beware the monster under the bed - he nibbles passing
    toes.
    
    Dave
    jump you when you're not looking

    Fortunately, I have no idea of what a kid's training potty
    looks like, but as a solution, visions of duct tape are
    dancing in my head. What that would do to the finish
    on non-porcelain items, however...
    

    
    RE: splashing water. Our Maine Coon does the same sorta. He has to
    first touch the water surface, maybe to get an idea where the water 
    level is up to? Then he puts his big double paw on the side of the bowl
    and tries to pull the bowl closer to him. This is when a lot of the
    water is splashed around. Well we got him a doggy water bowl which 
    the side walls are angled out downwards, this makes it harder for the 
    bowl to be pulled/pushed around on carpet.  
    
    Shaw
    

Gypsy also went through a phase of water splashing for about 2 months.
I guess he either got bored with it or maybe realized the reason he had
no water to drink until I came home and filled his bowl up was because he had
splashed it all out on the floor.  He still puts his paw in to test the water, 
but no more wet floors.  Hopefully your cat will stop on it's own too.
 
Good luck!

Laura

    I don't think I understand the problem with the potty.
    
    > Jisk... can lift thelid on her training pottie mounted on our
    > normal toilet.  Water everywhere.  How do you stop this?
                      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
    Water?  You must have a different kind of potty from the types I've
    seen.  We had a seat modifier - just a broader place for them to sit,
    which narrowed the "aperture" so they wouldn't fall in.  If it's a
    full-blown potty that sits on or fits into the toilet, where does the
    *water* come from?  Or do you mean...er... recent *deposits*  :-P  ?
    
    I allow the cats access to the toilet.  They don't splash, but then
    even if they did I have a hard time imagining them splashing the toilet
    water so vigorously that there would be "water everywhere"!
    
    Leslie

    > I allow the cats access to the toilet.  They don't splash, but then
    > even if they did I have a hard time imagining them splashing the toilet
    > water so vigorously that there would be "water everywhere"!
    
    Let me emphasize "everywhere".  On the seat. On the floor.  On anything
    within about three feet of the toilet.  I don't know how he does it
    because, of course, he isn't doing it when I'm anywhere near.
    
    For those that are training toilet challenged, I offer the following:
    
    Kids usually can't reach an adult toilet when they start learning, and
    if they could, they'd just fall in (little bottoms).  Training toilets
    are usually stand alone units that our little ones (children, not cats)
    can cope with.  Yes, the waste just sits there, much like a litter box. 
    As the child progresses, the seat can be removed and attached to a
    standard toilet; the bottom of the trainer turns over and acts as a
    step.  Some of these seats come with lids, others don't.  We have both. 
    The lidless one is easily removed, so it is not a problem.  The one
    with the lid is a little more complex, so we leave it on.  Our cat can
    lift this lid, reach down and splash _unused_ water all over.
    
    Any more ideas?
    
    As for the general problem of splashing, I appreciate the idea of
    simply letting Jisk go thirsty.  I'm just a little afraid of what else
    he might find as a water source.
    
    About that duct tape:  Apply it to the toilet, the cat, or our
    daughter?
    
    Dave

    I think it must be herditary.  My six (all Coons) all splash the water. 
    It looks like they are trying to clear leaves or something from the
    water.  I bought two large porcelin(sp) dog bowls for water, after they
    move their feet for a few minutes and can't move they drink and walk
    away except Dale who loves to lay by the bowl to drink.  The only time
    they hate the water is bath time, and even then I yhonk it's the blow
    dryer they hate.
    
    Dennis

    
    
    re: splashing water. I always thought them touching the water first
    before drinking was due to one of the two reasons; Make sure the 
    surface is not iced, or figure out where the water level is so they
    don't dip their face in too far! 
    
    Shaw 

    re: generic splashing.  Jisk seems to be looking for something when he
    splashes, or maybe he just likes the way the water moves; he strikes
    the surface of the water, stares at it intently, then starts over again.
    
    I've decided to put tape over the door latches so that we can close
    the bathroom door, yet still accomodate our daughter's inability to turn
    the handle.  This will probably work until Jisk learns to open doors.
    
    Dave

    
    
    	How old is Jisk?
    
    	Sasha (my Coon) is very apt at opening doors....... so
    	be ready.  =)
    

    No kidding, my Tommy could open doors.
    

    8 months.  You guys are just trying to scare me, right?
    

They can jump up and flip the light switces on the wall on too!!!    

    
    Floyd, who's only part Maine Coon, is one of the smartest cats I've
    ever known.  He learned his name only a short while after being adopted,
    and it's uncanny how he figures things out and understands causal
    relationships.  If he had hands that could grasp he'd be a real
    problem.  But best of all, he understands (and honors) "No!".
    
    And, at 17 months, he's still growing.  He's now bigger than the 30
    month old trio, though he's still "small" for a Coon.  Runt of the
    litter indeed...
    
    len.
     

    My coon-apparent Haralambos (Harry) is (in my unbiased opionion)
    brilliant. When he gets humgry at 6:30 am on weekends I don't get up and
    feed him, instead of hiunding me like the other cats do, he knows how
    to pull the strings on the travis rods to open the curtains, and then
    to make the shade snap. And he only does this to the window that would
    cause the sun to shine in my eyes!
    
    Deb

    Our cooncat Tawney (and YOU know a mother can't lie about her baby) has
    literally taught the two kittens everything they know.  Tawney was a
    stray in the neighborhood before adopting us and when we brought two
    kittens into the house she took over raising them.  She took them on a tour
    of the house showing them litterboxes, food and water, and introduced
    them to the two other cats in the house.  She would sit in the sunbeams
    so the two kittens learned where the best ones were and how they moved. 
    If they were behind in their personal grooming, she put a paw on them
    and washed behind their ears.  When company came, Tawney greeted them
    and sized them up.  If they were cat people, she would meow and the two
    little ones would run in to get petted.  She is the only one of our
    cats who can walk along a shelf without pushing items off.  She is the
    gracious lady while the others are the rough and tumble type.  She has
    the class in the family  

    Spike is trying to learn how to use the keys to open the door. We have
    a keyed deadbolt on our back door, and the keys are always in the door.
    I heard a jingling sound and found him stretched up and whacking at the
    part that was in the door.  There are several keys and a shoe lace
    hanging down from that key, but he was definitely NOT trying to play
    with the keys. He knows that the key that is sticking into the door is
    the one that works the magic.  He cannot be contained in any room under
    any circumstances.  Our house is very old, so most of the door do not
    close tightly.  Just pull the door closed, and you'll soon see those
    little tufts of fur on his toes peeking between the door and the
    frame... up near the door knob.  Never low, never UNDER the door. 
    Always up near the knob.  
    Sarah  

    
    Tomba the mighty Coon cat and his two companions, have been
    going up to the ski house with us every weekend. I was very 
    worried at first of the two hour ride, but aside from initial 
    whining everytime in the first half hour of the ride, they 
    adjust and are pretty good. At the ski house we have this loft
    that the access to it is through the bath room ceiling you pull
    on this strap and a built in folded ladder comes down to allow 
    access to the loft. Well the first time, they saw me going up
    there, all three cats wanted to get there so bad and were sitting 
    at the bottom looking up at me and meowing. Shortly after Tomba 
    figured out how to climb up the ladder. It was such a funny sight
    seeing this stucky cat go up the ladder kinda like humans would. 
    The other two soon followed. Two of the cats figured out how to
    climb down the ladder (head first) but the littlest one, Keesha
    is still totally freaked of the climb down, she goes down a few 
    steps and then just jumps down.  They love the travel and the fact
    that they go to another environment for a while. I thought this would
    be tough on them adjusting to a new place. But they love it. Everytime
    I get my ski bag out to pack, Tomba goes and sits in his little 
    carrier, kinda like letting us know he wants to go. Same thing happens
    up there when we are packing up to come home, its like they know. 
    The cats especially Tomba go and sit in their carriers. 
    They are now looking forward to their weekly ski trips. 
    
    Shaw
    

    
    re .127 - How about we start a pool on how long it is before they
    figure out how to pull the ladder down themselves...
    
    Floyd watches enviously as little Robin whitepaws jumps from their
    window perch to the top of the neighboring bookcase.  Floyd then looks
    soulfully at me, clearly asking "Help me Daddy?".  So I say, "Floyd
    want to go up?" and pat on one of the top shelves.  Floyd stands
    patiently at the bottom with his paws on as high up as he can reach,
    until I make a platform for his back feet with my hands, and then he
    "dog paddles" up the shelves like a ladder while I provide an elevator
    assist for him.  To assert a bit of independence he always jumps the
    last foot or so.
    
    He'll climb the window screens, but even though he's seen Robin and Rocky
    climb the drapes to get to the top of the bookcase, he won't try it.
    Of course, why should he, he's got me so well trained. 
    
    len.
    

We take our two Maine coon cats Orion and Breeze sailing regularly. They
apparently like being on the boat (they're indoor-only cats at home) and
sailing. They don't seem to like the noise and vibration of the diesel
engine much (neither do we) or the car ride to/from the boat, but they
don't object too loudly. 

Last summer they spent three weeks afloat, once for two weeks without
going ashore. Their longest sailing trip so far has been a 26 hour nonstop
passage from Marblehead (MA) to Rockland (ME). They usually stay below
while we're sailing, but when they do come on deck they have to wear their
bright yellow FFDs (feline floatation devices) and stay in the cockpit.
At anchor they're allowed to roam the deck or just sit in the sun and
watch birds (ospreys, a bald eagle, seagulls, ducks, etc) and other
boats. They're quite a joy to have along, and we've seen many other 
boats with cats aboard. 

Alan

    
    Alan, that sounds great!
          When I was in college, I live in a houseboat in Sausalito CA. 
          My two cats at the time, a mother and son, never forgave me 
          for moving them from our house with the big yard. They stopped
          using their litter box and had other behavior problems, so bad
          that I had to find them another home more to their liking ;-)
    
    Shaw

    I have to tell you that I've just adopted a 3 year old silver-grey
    tabby pure-bred Maine Coon named Zachary.  He is, of course, incredibly
    gorgeous and the most intelligent cat I have ever been owned by.
    
    Zachary comes from Maine and I got him on Super Bowl Sunday.  After one
    day, he adjusted and took over the place.  He talks, he chases phantoms
    he can thud through the house or sneak up so quietly that I've almost
    tripped over him a few times.  He loves to play and gives me a dirty
    look if I don't accomodate his every play whim.
    
    As others have said, he is curious about EVERYTHING and has to check
    out where I'm going, what I'm doing and if it can result in him getting
    a goody or treat.  And he has a comment or two to make, of course.
    
    He loves to wake me up by coming into the bed, walking within touching
    distance of my face, purring loudly and kneading the blankets, my
    chest, my arms.  If I ignore him, he'll bat my face or hand.  If I
    continue to ignore him, he'll chirrup.  He will continue this routine
    every 15-20 minutes.  If I continue to ignore him, he'll walk up to the 
    window and rattle the venetian blinds or jump on the dresser and try to
    climb the walls.  Or - he sits at the end of the bed and stares,
    sending me psychic messages until I just have to get up and get him
    breakfast.  Once I get up, he leaps into the air and herds me into the
    kitchen.  Once he gets what he wants, he leaves me alone for a while.
    
    I am so grateful to this kitty for bringing such joy into my life.  He
    greets me at the door and tells me about his day.  What a treat to come
    home to....
    
    Maine Coons are very special.
    
    Gita

    Congratulations on your new family member. He sounds like a real love.
    
    Deb

    A silver grey tabby.. and a Maine Coon at that... sigh.....
    

    and just to rub it in even more - I got him for free!  Thanks to the
    Digital Want Ad Notes conference and some other fellow who had first
    dibs and then decided, based on a pretty lousy photograph, that
    Zach didn't meet his specs...something about not having big enough ear
    tufts.  In the photo Zach looks tiny.  In person, although he's only
    about 10 lbs, he's so long and lanky and fluffy that he seems enormous!
    And he does seem to be growing day by day.
    
    Sometimes what you wish for really does come true....
    
    Gita

    
    If this is the cat I think it is, my SO Sandy adopted Zach's mom,
    Kensie.  Kensie is just gorgeous, and has proven to be a wonderful
    stepsister to Rudy (Valentinose) and Caspar Kelly.
    
    len.
     

    Could be.  The woman in Maine who had been breeding Maine Coons just
    gave away ALL of her cats.  Maybe we should have a family reunion,
    although from what I heard, Zach didn't get along all that well with
    his 'grandmother'....
    
    Gita