With all due humility, I must admit I am an un-witting host to a cat named Heidi. As most people know who have cats in their homes, the cat begins the relationship with an unfair advantage while in the playful, cute kitten stage of their life. Once they develop a pampered secure existence, like a warm spot to sleep, food, and water, and a convenient potty, they turn to their natural instincts to survive by training their owner; that’s me. The first sign is sudden mock independence. Like “I will get around to it in my own time” response to “come here kitty”. She is an eight-year-old thoroughbred Maine Coon Cat with all the characteristics of the breed; long hair fluffy tail and fur between her toes. She fetches toys like a dog; plays hide and seek, jumping out of her hiding place at the unsuspecting me, the owner, carrying a hot cup of coffee. She prefers to drink water from a running faucet and very seldom meows and is not a “lap” cat; only on her terms and not for more than five minutes or so. She does however, manages to be in the same room with me at all times, and is my un-invited helper on all my projects. When she wants something, like going out, food or its playtime, she comes and gets me to follow her. If I don’t head in the correct direction she heads me off. She will not step on a deep pile throw rug and will not sleep in a special cat bed, preferring a place of her choosing, which constantly changes. At eight years old she still acts like a kitten, bringing a favorite toy to me to play fetch and chase.


Heidi tolerates children, friendly to female adults, but it takes time for men to gain her trust. She loves to play with dogs and other cats. She is a happy cat. I would recommend a Maine Coon cat to all cat lovers. I suggest a Google search for more information about the breed.