Maine Coon Cats ~ Funny, Affectionate Fluff To Love!
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My Funny Fluffball Maine Coon Cat is Lost!
My funny, loveable Maine Coon Cat "Tyson" has escaped into the unknown outside world with which he is unfamiliar.
An indoor cat, Tyson made it a daily "game" to squeeze undetected out the front door whenever anyone passed through it.
Usually he would just sit triumphantly on the front step as if to say "Ah-Ha! I did it again! I made it outside, I won!" But then his game was done, the thrill subsided and he would sit there chewing the grass nearby until someone noticed he was out and sent him scurrying back inside.
But this time, his curiosity has gotten the better of him and he has wandered off... We have searched and searched and left posters and messages everywhere we can think of.
We fear our treasured fluffball is gone.. it is in making this squidoo lens (my first one) that I am hoping I will get some kind of peace and healing from the loss of our beloved pet,....my little buddy
SO LET ME TELL YOU A LITTLE ABOUT MAINE COON CATS!......Maine Coons Are Popular!
Maine Coon Cats are the 2nd MOST POPULAR Cat Breed, followed by Ragdolls coming in at number 3.
Do you know which cat breed is the number one, most popular breed?
That's right!
Persian Cats are the most popular breed of cat.
Often, Maine Coon Cats Are Polydactyl
Polydactyl means "many digits" or many fingers/toes
Tyson's "normal" toes were white and his extra toes were on the inside where his fur was brown~ kind of like "thumbs", really giving him a "mitten" look! The extra toes on the insides of his front paws (brown) with the normal toes in white made him look as if he was standing at attention with his feet facing outwards! So adorable!
Many other cat breeds are polydactyl however, unfortunately, it is a trait that is not allowed when showing.
Polydactyl cats are known by many names including, Hemingway cats, mitten cats, thumb cats, lucky cats, boxer cats, Cardi cats, and ships cats.
Curious Maine Coon Finds A Caterpillar
The upwards, wiggly motion of the caterpillar was just too much temptation for him to resist...
Great Gifts Featuring Maine Coon Cats!
Maine Coon Cats are very affectionate and love people!
Our Maine Coon "Tyson" was very, very affectionate. He loved being held like a baby and he would even snuggle up against your neck with one paw on either side of it. My kids used to get the biggest kick out of showing their friends how Tyson used to "cuddle/hug" them!
All of their friends, as well as everyone in the neighborhood, loved to cuddle Tyson!
Check out this affectionate Maine Coon!
Get ready for 2012! 16 month calendars start in September..
Fantastic Maine Coon Cat Calendars Available Now
My Work In Progress...keep checking back.
The more I add to this lens, the more I think of to add..
There is so much to learn about these wonderful, affectionate Maine Coons.
My goal is to publish this lens for the first time on Oct 25th~ one whole month since Tyson has been gone.
It is my tribute to him, and my hope for his return.
OUTDOORS or INDOORS?
Free To Roam Or Not? please give your reason...
What is your opinion?
- Does it make a difference if you live in the city or the country?
- Do you think your cat is a threat to other wildlife (birds, chipmunks, etc)?
or do you think your cat is prey for other wild animals?
- Does your cat stay alone in the home or are their people always present?
After you vote, check out this interesting website which goes over some
of the pros and cons of being outdoor vs indoor.
From the adventuresome lure of the outdoors to the many dangers
that may well be encountered, this article will really make you think about it.
Outdoor-vs-Indoor Cats
Do you think cats should be kept indoors or be free to roam outside?
Cats should be kept indoors where it's safe.
madoc says:
We just moved from five acres in the country to 1/4 acre in the city. All five of our cats used to be indoor/outdoor and now they must be indoor. They are finding it very hard, especially our dawn-hunters. But we can't risk losing them so now they just look longingly out of the windows.
ShahalisMaximus says:
Unfortunately they are not Main Coons. That doesn't mean i love them any less though!
VickiSims says:
For their own safety, to be considerate of neighbors who don't want cats in their yard and to prevent the death of native wildlife and birds, cats should be kept indoors.
TheWhistler says:
My cats are indoor cats.
arncyn says:
Indoors, definitely. I've heard too many horror stories about friends' kitties who acquired diseases from roaming outdoors.
Cats should be allowed to get out and explore the outside world.
workingmomwm says:
However domesticated they are, all cats still have a little wild in them (some more than others). I think it really depends on the cat, but most love a little outside time. I think they should be able to have it AS LONG AS: (1) They have collars and identification tags on; (2) Your neighborhood does not have a restricted leash law (mine does, and I can't ever successfully get my cats to use a leash!); (3) The cat is not declawed (talk about dangerous)!
aesta1 says:
I am not a cat owner but I just think of myself always staying inside. I will go bananas. maybe cats are different.
ShahalisMaximus says:
Before i allowed my two cats to roam outside I never wanted them to be outdoors. I was too afraid of them running away or that my dogs would react badly to them. I was also afraid that they would be injured by any traffic on my street. Now that i can see how much happier they are outside i fully believe that they should be allowed to roam in and out of the house as they please. They've just been so much happer and calmer since they have been allowed to be out of the house. Not to mention they are natural hunters. They catch the mice, rabbits, rats, and moles. This keeps the rodents out of my house and garden. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt and their claws are there for them to be able to protect themselves. I think that they should be at least 8 months old before they can go out and that if you plan on having them de-clawed or they are already de-clawed then they should remain indoors.
natnickeep says:
I am kind of in the middle on this one. If you have your cat from a kitten I think they could adapt to the outside well and learn what things are dangerous, like cars. Cats are like kids, they are curious and want to explore and keeping them inside will only fuel this fire. Then when they do get out, they might want to stay out because they don't get the privilege regularly. But if you get a cat when it's older and it's never been outdoors then you might keep it inside. All four of my cats are allowed outside. They all end up coming back. However my cat Midnight that I had for 10years ended up leaving one day a year ago and never came back. But he had health problems for a while before that and I honestly think he left to find a place to curl up and go, without saddening me. I still wonder about him. But I like thinking he has found a home with a nice old lady who spoils him. But he loved being outdoors and I wouldn't take that from him.
jennysue19 says:
My cat (not a Maine Coon) is free to roam. At 13+ he is hardly a danger to wild birds, doesn't move fast enough and the squirrels just sit on the garden wall and laugh at him! In the UK we don't have any large predators that might be a threat. Foxes tend to avoid cats. The only real threat is loose dogs which is illegal so people are careful. I don't live on a main road or in the city, just a quiet residential road on the outskirts of a town and his cat door goes out into the back garden. In the winter he is indoors most of the time and rarely goes more than a garden or two away even if out. I am so sad you have lost your little friend Tyson. I think cats need some outdoor time if it is a reasonably safe environment.
Why Do I Say Maine Coon FLUFF!?
Maine Coon Cats have this awesome belly of fluff!
So soft and fluffy, you can't help but want to rub your fingers through it.
Tyson used to lie on his back with his front paws curled down with his hind legs stretched out
(I call it the "rabbit" pose, for some unknown reason).
SO IRRISISTIBLY TOUCHABLE!
Check Out This Coon Grooming HIS FLUFF!
Another Maine Coon Flaunting HIS FLUFF-BELLY!
Isn't he adorable?!
Maine Coon Cat items make great gifts!
Characteristics of Maine Coon Cats!
How many of these did you know about?
- Maine Coon Cats are big!
- Maine Coons are the official Maine State Cat
- Maine Coons are nicknamed "Gentle Giants" because of their size and calm demeanor
- Maine Coons remain playful throughout their lives, with males being more clown-like and females more dignified, although both are equally affectionate.
- Maine Coons can be found in most every color scheme, except the Siamese Point.
- Maine Coon males can weigh between 18 and 25 pounds, females between 8 and 18 pounds
- The most common Maine Coon type is the brown tabby.
- Maine Coon cats are gentle and very loving..
- Maine Coon Cats are very good with children, and get along with other pets as well.
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Maine Coon cats have very distinctive forehead markings that form the letter "M" on their forehead..
Cool Maine Coon Cat Videos Set To Music!...
A couple of the videos are also informative with interesting photos/video of Maine Coons.
Hover over the thumbnail to see its title..Click on the thumbnail of the video you want to see and it will play in the larger viewer..
ALL OF THESE ARE WELL DONE AND
HAVE MUSIC SOUNDTRACKS FOR ADDED INTEREST!
Why I Miss My Maine Coon!
Look how cute he is cuddled up on my chair....
No matter where I was at home, Tyson had to be by my side. He even sat behind me on the seat of my computer chair while I worked, much to the dismay of my husband, who insisted I should be able to sit in a chair without sharing it with a cat!
As you can see from the photo of him, I would need to perch on the edge of the chair in order to give him room... We both knew who's chair it REALLY was!!
NOTICE THE TUFTS OF HAIR BETWEEN HIS TOES... THEY SAY THESE ARE TO HELP MAINE COONS WALK ON SNOW!
Tyson woke me in the morning with his insesant meowing for me to feed him. Stretching on his hind legs on the side of my bed to put his face closer to mine so he would be sure that I heard him....
Tyson would run down the stairs and greet me at the door whenever I got home from work. He circled my legs until I would pick him up. And THEN THE PURRING WOULD BEGIN!
He was always purring! And it was soooo loud! He was very happy and content to be with us.
Many Maine Coons Love Water...
these videos show you a few cats that are fascinated with water...
He would let out this long drawn-out pitiful wail when he was put into the tub with even a little bit of water in it.
It's a good thing it only happened a couple of times when he happened to sneak outside and get into the dirty, wet woods in our backyard.
It was much easier to rinse him down right away than to go around after him and clean up the carpets! :)
“Women and cats will do as they please, men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea~R Heinlein”
Maine Coons Love To Jump, Attack & ......
He would jump way up into the air to snatch an unsuspecting moth or other "snack"...
check out this video of another Maine Coon jumping!...
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Great Maine Coon Cat Gift Ideas!
Interesting Maine Coon Links To Check Out
- Maine Coon Mania Game - Play Fun Trivia Quiz
- A homage to my now 11month old Maine Coon, Jack, who continues to amaze me every day. - trivia quiz game. Play now!
- Maine Coon Cat Breed Profile - Breed Description and Photos
- Maine Coon cat breed profile. A description and photos of Maine Coon cats. Personality of the Maine Coon. Other cat breed profiles listed.
- Maine Coon pedigree cat breed profile
- A summary of the history and characteristics of the Maine Coon cat.
- Maine Coon Cat Breed Description and Information
- this is an extensive website about many dog and cat breeds.. lots of photos
Want more information about your Maine Coon Cat?
Looking to get your own Maine Coon?
There are even Children's stories written about Maine Coon Cats!
Now that you've fallen in love with Maine Coon Cats, you can get your own here........
- Maine Coon Cats by Timberkatz - Maine Coon Cat and Kitten Pictures
- Maine Coon cats and kittens raised underfoot, we specialize in a variety of colors. ACFA, CFA, CFF and TICA registered. Maine Coon
cat and kitten pictures in our extensive photo gallery
Do You Love This Lens?
Then please let me know by rating it!
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Here are a few more interesting cat links for you.
Helpful information you'll want to read...
Check out this dog nursing a Maine Coon...
More lenses about Maine Coon Cats
Comment on my lens....
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workingmomwm Jan 27, 2012 @ 2:30 pm | delete
- I'm so sorry for your loss. Hopefully, he found a good home. Maine coon cats have always fascinated me, although I've never had one. I love any kind of cat. Maybe one day I'll have a Maine coon. :-)
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Lynnzee
Jan 26, 2012 @ 10:56 pm | delete
- Thank you for sharing your story. I pray your Tyson has been taken in by a loving family that thought he was a stray. I love my little Gracie that was indeed a stray. God Bless you.
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tysam
Jan 10, 2012 @ 8:55 am | delete
- Thank you everyone for the kind remarks and comments. Tyson is still missing and is still very much missed!
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Moonbeam973
Jan 9, 2012 @ 8:49 pm | delete
- I'm so sorry you lost your beautiful baby. I was owned by a Maine Coon for fifteen years, and I still miss her.
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VillaDejaBlue
Jan 5, 2012 @ 12:39 pm | delete
- Nice lens.
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by tysam
Hi, I live in Maine and enjoy taking photographs of everyday life here in the country. An empty nester, I fill my "free" time with learning more about... more »
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