We recently lost our 15 year old domestic shorthair, Wanda. Our 2 year old Maine coon, who loved her dearly, is depressed, and we are thinking about getting him a kitten. Would another coon be a good idea? For that matter, is a kitten a good idea? He is a charming playful little guy and we want him to be happy, but I am clearly not a good substitute for a "cat friend" Thanks! Cynthia Merkin

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Answers

I would definitly get another kitten for your current Maine Coon. My 3 1/2 year old MC mix lost her friend and was very depressed and lost without her. After several months we adopted a new MC kitten. It took about 10 days for the big one to stop hissing at the kitten, and now they are best friends. They have each other to play with and are company to the other when we are not around. Many times I come home and find them curled up together sleeping.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001