With the many changes that are going on with our move, the one that seems to be the least affected is my fur kid, a Maine Coon Cat called Samuel. He is our heart. I actually think he’s looking forward to having his dad home once again.
Our Maine Coon Cat, Samuel
Putting on a show
Samuel is a Maine Coon cat, one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. I acquired my Big Boy when he was a very tiny kitten, weighing in at 1 lb. 3 oz. He actually started out as Samantha and was supposed to be a smallish female medium haired cat. She/he had beautiful markings and the most stunning blue green eyes. He was a gift from my executive assistant, at the time, which thought I could use some company because my husband was working in another location, leaving me home by myself a great deal.
His pedigree came to light after my old vet moved on, and my new vet made the discovery. This is how the conversation went. We were in the vet’s office for my kitten’s check up and various shots. My vet, Dr. Brown, was holding the kitten looking at him, very closely. “Wow, what a beautiful kitten…. long pause…. Well, I have some good news and some bad news. Which would you like to hear first?” The vet had my attention as worry crept into my mind. Bracing myself for the worst, I asked that he start with the bad news. He said, “Well, the bad news is SHE is a HE, so Samantha is really a Samuel and HE is going to be a Really BIG cat. The best news is you have a Maine Coon cat.”
I had heard of the breed but only knew of their size.
They are called gentle giants and can reach the size of a small dog. Maine Coons are highly people-oriented and not overly dependent. They prefer to “hang out” with their owners; investigating whatever activity you are engaged in, and they love to “help” whenever they can. As a matter of fact, Samuel is trying to help me with writing my blog right now, :-). They’ll always be close by, occupying a space right next to you (as he is right now). Maine Coons will follow you from room to room and patiently wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. They’ll come when you call them and will greet you with a chirp or chortling sound. Maine Coons don’t meow but have this wonderful soft chortling sound.
They are more dog-like at times and can go out on a leash. I’m not saying you can take them for a walk, but you can take them out on a leash to wonder around. Maines, for short, will be your companion, your buddy and your pal.
Maines are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be little clowns and remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids, dogs and other cats. They are not as vertically oriented as are other cat breeds, preferring to chase objects on the ground, grasping them in their very large paws. Many Maine Coons will even play “fetch” with their owners.
My Samuel is every bit of that description and more. He is the size of a medium to small dog and acts like one at times. He is the quietest cat I have ever owned.
Sam, short for Samuel, loves to play with stuffed animals. There is this particular stuffed animal he had bonded with as a kitten; a gray and white beanie baby puppy. He love, love, loves this little puppy and carries it around in his mouth from room to room. He plays with it, hugs it and talks to it. He also likes a little tiger beanie baby but the little gray puppy is his best friend. At night, he’ll bring his special friend, his little gray puppy to our bed, plop him down. After he’s settled, he’ll climb on my chest, put his head against mine and purr for a few minutes. It has been his way to express affection and love since he was a small kitten.
This poor little toy puppy is now old and scruffy, but don’t even think about taking it away. We made that mistake only once.
One time we thought it had been lost. He was visibility upset and looked, frantically, all over the house for his friend, constantly pawing on our linen closet door. We finally located it in the linen closet behind some blankets where he had taken it. The closet door was shut, not allowing Sam to locate him. When I pulled the puppy out he stood on his hind legs, put his paws around his puppy and hugged him. I was touched AND amazed.
To say Sam is our family member is an understatement. Sam is, and has been the most unusual pet we have ever owned and the most loved. He shows his affection and love as no other cat I have ever had. He is more company then I would have ever guessed, and he is very entertaining.
Life offers us many gifts. Samuel our Maine Coon cat is one of them, giving us unconditional love and affection. He has taught us the simple act of just hanging out and enjoying the moment. He is never in a hurry and loves to play. When we’ve had a particularly frustrating day, he is always there to remind us that if we just give it a minute, the frustration will pass, and life will be as it’s meant to be, once again.
Do you have a special member of your family? What is their story?
Life’s journey continues…
If you enjoyed “Maine Coon Cat, Samuel”, check out Ode To My Garage, Love and Friendship, and Bucket List.