Advice requested re Pedigree Cat.

[tobergill]

Evening all.........I have been considering buying a pedigree Main Coon cat.
My wife and I have had about 10 cats(Moggies) during our 35 years together,so we are not new comers to keeping cats,all our cats lived to a ripe old age.
NOW this is a different kettle of fish.buying an expensive cat.
1, We live in an up stair two bedroom flat.
2,I would like the cat to be a house cat.....is this possible.????
3, Food....Is dry food acceptable ...Is tin food better ? What about buying chicken etc and cooking it first ??
I would appreciate it if some kind person would give me some advise,
Yhank You,
Tobergill.

[tamborine]

its a large animal to confine indoors......it'll make your eyes water! Make a good rug?

any of your foods are acceptable, especially the kettle of fish.

[wolf63]

They are really gorgeous cats - a bit bigger than your average moggie.

My dentist had one and he said that they are NOT indoor cats. I am sure that some of the cat related websites will help you make a decision.

Good luck.

[woofgang]

here's the GB maine coon cat club site. They indicate that the cat could be an indoor cat but they are big and if you flat is small..it might not be such a good idea.
http://www.maine-coon-cat-club.com/whatis/

[tonyav]

Yep, my old next door neighbors used to have two Main Coon cats ( beautiful cats ) and boy were those guys big. they were out door cats.

[TTG]

Took my neice to a cat show last year....they are BIG!

[garner]

My Rooney is 18 years old,he is a m/c and prefers the indoors.Only will venture out in summer if we are sat in the garden.He is adorable boy,loving,he sleeps at the top of my pillow at night but before we settle down will [park] himself between my husband and myself they can be possessive.I am glad he is an indoor cat because of the grooming[they need it every week] but if you do it from a kitten there should be no problem.I have two other cats but Rooney is ok with them just knows he is a cut above lol.I can honestly say they are wonderful naturered cats so gentel granted they are large and I must add can be very vocal,they will let you know what they want and will not quit until they get their own way.As regards the food he eats the same as the other two,tinned cat food,fresh cooked chicken, fish as you can see my three are very spoilt but well worth it.Good luck ,don't hesitate to ask me anything about them.

[CherryBea24]

Hi in answer to your questiions Maine coon cats are adorable, yes they are big, some can be very fluffy, in nature they are more like a dog than a cat. Maine coons are OK indoors although they are big cats they are not destructive cats make sure you invest in a good size cat tree, if you get one from a kitten and it is keep as an indoor cat its perfectly happy. There is a special brand of Royal Cannin for Maine Coon cats which they love, of course they will be on the kitten food first and they will need clean water, and will often drink from the tap if they are allowed.

If you choose a Maine Coon your life will never be the same again they steal your heart (in a nice way).

If you would like anymore advice or info just let me know I could go on all night about theses cats.

Good Luck oh a word of warning check with the breeder they are not the longest living cats and can have heart problems.

Cherry

[tobergill]

Hi Cherry Bea 24, Thank you for your very interesting answer..................I havent got my Maine Coon kitten yet.The parents have just been mated up about now......Fingers crossed for a nice boy.
I would like to ask you about kitten food...........I know about Royal Canin.
A few people on various cat sites have told me about a Grain Free Kitten food by Natural Menu a wet food.As it happens I found out on internet thet I can get it from Pets st Home which luckily has a store about a mile from where I live.
I was thinking of feedng this Natural Menu food for first 12 months perhaps with a piece of chicken from our meal.
Can I have your opinion PLEASE.
Thank you,
James aka tobergill.

[CherryBea24]

Hi Tobergill

I am sorry I havent heard of the food you mentioned so I am not able to give an opinion but my Maine Coons would not eat wet food at all, Personally I would stick to a good dry cat food as this does not smell or go off like the tins they will snack rather than eat all at once.

I hope you can keep me posted as to if and when you get your kitten and what colour he is etc it would be nice and also please let me know if you need any further advice, oh cat toys and beds you will need a nice small dog bed when he gets bigger nothing really is big enough in the cat world you will also need a very large litter tray Zooplus is very good for cat trees and trays.

Bye for now Cherry

[tobergill]

Hi Cherry,
Thank you once again for your advice.
I am very confused about the right food..WET or DRY ????................There seems to be a difference of opinion on this subject. I didnt intend buying tins....meant to use the pounches.
I called in to Pets at Home today.....hey have everything including Royal Canin.
My breeder feeds day old chicks....dead of course Ha Ha . She also has birds of prey
What brand of food do you use.
Google Natures Menu and you can see all about it.
Regards,
James aks tobergill.

[CherryBea24]

Hi aagain

I wouldn't worry too much, give the cat both it will choose itself, if I had to bet I would put money on the dry stuff, but every cat is different remember cats own YOU you don't own THEM lol. :-)

Cherry

[tobergill]

Hi Cherry,...........I have had a word with the breeder and have come to the decision that I am going to use the dry food the same as the breeder is using.....Royal Canin Kitten 36.plus treats of course.As treats she also gives chicken breasts.
The mating pair seem to be doing well.....The Stud has lots of experience and sired some lovely babies. This is the first time for the Queen BUT her mother was a good breeder.
Just have to wait for awhile.
Will keep you posted,
James