I have always liked coon cats but I'm just learning about them. I have a 1 1/2 son. I'm not sure how it would be around a rather curious son. We also live in a secluded area of NY. We have coyotes and other wild animals. Are they more adaptable to fending for themselves?

-- Anonymous, April 26, 1999

Answers

Depending on the temperament of the individual cat, a Maine Coon will usually get along very well with children. I have a 4 1/2 old niece who, since age 2, absolutely adores my Maine Coon type, Sylvester. She wanted to come over to her aunt's just to see "Bester", as she called him. Of course, as with any cat, the boy should be properly supervised around the new kitty, but Maine Coons and kids are a great combination.

-- Anonymous, May 05, 1999

Our wonderful, excellent grandson came to visit for Christmas - he is 2 yrs old & not around animals much. Our MC (17 months) LOVED the baby. She was gentle and extremely tolerant. He would do all the normal baby things - pull ears, pull tail, carry inverted - but the cat never cared. We were always correcting the baby - never worried about the cat. I had no idea she would be so gentle. But, I would NEVER leave any cat unsupervised with a little one - even cats can have their limits!

-- Anonymous, May 12, 1999

I bought a Maine Coon kitten for my 18 month old daughter knowing that the breed is gentle with toddlers. My information was gathered from web sites and memories of a Maine Coon my friend had while raising a family. This cat would tolerate any kind of playful abuse administered by his children ages 1 yr to 3 yr. I am picking my kitten up on Friday without any reservations of conflict between my child and her new pet.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999