Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/23/2008

Question
I am moving into a new "no-dog zone".  Fortunantly for me I no longer have a canine companion.  Put down my 18 year old Cardigan Welch Corgi about 6 months ago.  Still grieving!

Question....I can have cats....go figure.  Love the Big Boys.  Maine Coon is a definante option.  Do they really not shed too badly?  What would be another breed that I should consider.  Want a breed that is pretty laid back and wants to sit in our laps.

Would two really be better than one?

Thanks

Foy J.

Answer
Foy,

A 'no dog zone'? I've never heard of one, but I think it's a great idea. Of course I would! (smile)

If you have questions about Maine Coons I would direct the question to 'Norman' an expert under 'Cats' or check a breeder's website that has email for questions. I think Norman is a breeder of Maine Coons and can answer breed-specific questions. I'm sorry, I don't have any knowledge of the breed except for a friend that has one...and she complains all the time about how much she sheds...and how big she is (and also smart and loving).

I would definitely get two, especially if they are kittens. A cat needs a friend to roughhouse with, play kitty games with, cuddle with, and to be company and comfort when they are alone. It's easier with two because it takes some of the pressure off of you to keep them entertained and company. A single cat is also more destructive than two because they get bored easy.

The temperament of a cat can vary depending on the breed and socialization. Cats with "oriental" body types tend to be thinner and more active, while cats that have a "cobby" body type tend to be heavier and less active. Gender mix doesn't matter. It's the personality of the cat that does.

Here is a list of pedigreed cats and their temperments:

The following cat breeds are considered active, meaning they are rambunctious and outgoing, love to run around the house or fenced yard, and never miss a chance to hunt: American Bobtail, American Shorthair, American Wirehair, Bengal, Bombay, British Shorthair, Chartreux, Himalayan, La Perm, Manx, Munchkin, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Singapura, Selkirk Rex, and Snowshoe.

This dynamic category also includes playful cats that are naturally lively and will play with children or invent their own games: Turkish Angora, shorthaired American Curl, shorthaired Japanese Bobtail, Bombay, Burmese, Siberian, Exotic Shorthair, Ocicat, Chinchilla Persian, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, and Scottish Fold. Independent cats also fit in this category. These Cats set their schedule as they please, but once their nap is over, they never slow down: California Spangled, Siberian, Cymric, and European Shorthair.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are dependent, possessive Cats that are extremely attached and deeply devoted to their owner: Abyssinian, Turkish Angora, Russian Blue Havana Brown, Korat, Manx, Russian Black, Ojos Azules, Oriental Shorthair, Chinchilla Persian, Selkirk Rex, Somali, Sphynx, and Tonkinese.

Other Cats will expand their entourage to include the entire household, both humans and other animals: Balinese, Burmese, Cymric, Maine Coon, Scottish Fold, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Snowshoe. These highly sociable. Cats often express themselves vocally, calling their owners simply to start a conversation.
The most talkative Felines are the Balinese, Burmilla, Oriental Longhair, Oriental Shorthair, Siamese, and Norwegian Forest Cat.

Still other Cats prefer to keep to themselves and plunge into deep meditation, which only makes them more mysterious: Abyssinian, longhaired American Curl, Egyptian Mau, and Somali.

Some Cats despise conflict, preferring to live in peace, away free from any disturbances: Birman, longhaired Japanese Bobtail, Russian Black, and Persian.

NOTE: Only three percent of all cats are 'purebred'. The rest are common domestic shorthairs/longhairs (mostly shorthairs), or alley cats.

Here is also a link that shows pictures of the breeds and descriptions that may be informative for you also:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.pusscats.com/Cat_Breeds.htm

I hope this information helps to answer your questions.

Tabbi