I have been selected a wonderful male kitten-the "alpha" of the litter, to be his human "mom". However, when visiting him last night, I was also quite taken by the runt of the litter, a glorious little female.

My husband and I will be their family. There are no children or other pets. Would it be in the best interest of the cats to take both of them? Although my husband and I are home ever night and I am able to come home at lunch time, there is still a lot of "alone" time.

This is my first venture with Maine Coons although I have loved the breed for over 20 years. I really want to do what is best for them both. We will definitely provide them with a loving home.

Thank you so much for your response.

P.L. Tamargo

-- Anonymous, October 10, 1999

Answers

Patricia, Without a doubt, I feel you should get both the kittens. In my own experience and from everything I've read, aquiring two kittens particularly from the same litter is an ideal situation for both you and your husband and the kittens. They can play with each other and keep each company and they'll be incredibly entertaining for you. I've always owned Siamese cats and just got my first Maine Coon about a month ago. "Cooper" is 4 mos. old and an absolute delight! I have a 9 yr. old Siamese "Yoda" and I was concerned as to how they would get along but within 3 days they were thick as thieves. Getting two kittens from the same litter pretty much eliminates that "getting to know each other" period. I too have been a fan of Maine Coons for several years and now that I'm owned by one I wish I had done it sooner. "Cooper" is quite a beauty but his personality is even more outstanding. He's playful, affectionate with everyone who comes through the door and even more intelligent than any of the Siamese I have owned. My husband has never been a "cat person". He's always been merely tolerant of my other cats but it was love at first sight when I brought Cooper home. He just adores this kitten. I hope you find the same joy that we have with this breed and having the opportunity to get two at the same time is as good as it gets. Best of luck to you and let me know how it turns out. Lisa

-- Anonymous, October 11, 1999

In my experience, which is vast (I have a habit of saving street cats and getting my friends to take them in), two cats is always better than one, and also easier. They entertain each other, and you are off the hook when you're busy or out of the house. Also it's lots of fun when they play together.

My more limited experience with siblings living together (one pair I know of)is the finest example of this. They are completely cute and inseparable.

good luck, Matt

-- Anonymous, October 18, 1999

Hi. I found a kitten 5 years ago that turned out to be a maine coon. He is the sweetest animal I have ever met. However, I truly believe he was lonely when I brought him home. I had a floor mirror and he was constantly playing around it and looking behind it and meowing in such a way that it seemed like he really wanted to find a sibling. When he was about 1 1/2 years old...another stray kitten found me. Because the kitten was so little I used to put him in his own room at night, Mugsy used to sleep w/me. Well, by the second night, Mugsy slept with the kitten. He was more content than I had ever seen him. He was like a mother....picking up the kitten and putting him into the litter box...curling up w/him...playing etc. It was also one of the first times that he did not pester me about going out all the time. I would highly recommend that you take two kittens, especially if you are gone during the day b/c they will be wonderful company for each other. Mugsy also has his own web page at: "http://members.aol.com/gidgetda/mugs.html" . Best of luck to you.

Laura

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999