Hello, I am wanting a cat. After reading books and such, it seems I am leaning towards a Maine Coon. Then, after reading searches on this forum about Maine Coons, I'm a little worried. Maybe you could suggest some alternatives, even though I'm still enamoured (sp?) by the Maine Coons.
The reasons I like MC, is because of its size. I really don't want a cat that wants to be held on on our lap. I really like the looks of the Maine Coon and since I've heard they are dog-like, I think maybe I would really like this kind of cat. I have never owned a cat, but my cleaning lady who cleans my house and knows me well, says a cat may be what I need. I tried 2 dogs, and couldn't stand how needy they were and cleaning the poop in the yard wasn't my cup of tea. I could clean a litter box, no problem. So, a pretty independant cat, but one that will let you pet them. I have a 4 year old little boy, so I am worried he might want to hold him, and if the MC doesn't want him to, I don't want my little boy hurt.
After reading some of the searches, these are the things I'm worried about.
1. Missing the litter box (overshooting?) I want a cat so I won't have messes like with dogs to clean up.
2. Are MC very playful? That would be good at times, but when it comes to night time, I don't want a cat playing around, knocking things over, and with the MC size, I do worry about that.
3. I do keep a very clean house and have very nice furniture-so I can't tolerate any scratching of the furniture.
I am trying to be very honest here and would like your opinions. I know it sounds like I'm probably not a good candidate for a pet, but we really would like to have a pet in the house to love. I am a decorator and have people over and I just can't have my house smelling like cat urine.
I saw one poster say they climb on curtains, is that true?
I really am a very nice person, even though after reading this (and rambling) it doesn't seem like I am. I just want a cat so bad, but want to be sure.
Thanks for your time in reading!
The reasons I like MC, is because of its size. I really don't want a cat that wants to be held on on our lap. I really like the looks of the Maine Coon and since I've heard they are dog-like, I think maybe I would really like this kind of cat. I have never owned a cat, but my cleaning lady who cleans my house and knows me well, says a cat may be what I need. I tried 2 dogs, and couldn't stand how needy they were and cleaning the poop in the yard wasn't my cup of tea. I could clean a litter box, no problem. So, a pretty independant cat, but one that will let you pet them. I have a 4 year old little boy, so I am worried he might want to hold him, and if the MC doesn't want him to, I don't want my little boy hurt.
After reading some of the searches, these are the things I'm worried about.
1. Missing the litter box (overshooting?) I want a cat so I won't have messes like with dogs to clean up.
2. Are MC very playful? That would be good at times, but when it comes to night time, I don't want a cat playing around, knocking things over, and with the MC size, I do worry about that.
3. I do keep a very clean house and have very nice furniture-so I can't tolerate any scratching of the furniture.
I am trying to be very honest here and would like your opinions. I know it sounds like I'm probably not a good candidate for a pet, but we really would like to have a pet in the house to love. I am a decorator and have people over and I just can't have my house smelling like cat urine.
I saw one poster say they climb on curtains, is that true?
I really am a very nice person, even though after reading this (and rambling) it doesn't seem like I am. I just want a cat so bad, but want to be sure.
Thanks for your time in reading!