Posted on 04/18/2020 10:11:41 PM PDT by EinNYC
I lost my beloved Maine Coon girl Bijou quite suddenly April 4. After a perfectly normal day, she curled up next to me on my couch that Friday night for a cat nap. A bit after midnight, I got up to retire for the evening, very carefully, so as not to disturb her. I came looking for her at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning, as it was uncharacteristic for her not to wake me up to feed her. I found her in the exact same position on the couch as I'd left her. I knew from 10 feet away that she had passed away--no way would she be in the exact same position as she'd been the night before. For all the world, she looked to be asleep, eyes closed, chin resting on a couple of paperbacks.
I went into shock. My mind could not accept what my eyes were seeing. And I wanted to know WHY my precious girl had died, without any symptoms, after a perfectly normal day. So I donned latex gloves and eased her (in full rigor) into a contractors bag and put her into my fridge. It was horrifying to do, but I had to preserve her for a post mortem. The subsequent post mortem showed NOTHING abnormal with her. Nothing. My vet surmised that she'd had an aneurysm or a stroke, but told me that she had felt nothing, and had had a peaceful death. She would have been 12 next month.
I am certainly grateful for her peaceful passing, but I am heartbroken. My other kitty is looking around for her pal. I know from experience that the only cure will be a Maine Coon kitten. She will not replace Bijou, but she will help to fill the void I now have, big shoes to fill, Bijou having been an exceptionally beautiful and loving companion. If any of you saw the pictures I posted of her here, you know what I mean.
I have already contacted several Maine Coon breeders in search of my new kitten, but haven't heard anything back from any of them. So I am asking fellow feline loving FReepers: do any of you know of any responsible MC breeders who get tortie and white kittens? That is what I'm looking for, a symmetrically marked tortie and white with a blaze. That's been "my" cat color for several decades, with only one exception. I am looking for breeders who show their cats, who test for genetic diseases, and are otherwise responsible breeders, not the kind who just breed cat A with cat B and sell the offspring on craigslist or hoobly. In return, I offer a very loving home with all the goodies: indoor only life, no declawing, lots of cat-safe toys, excellent vet care, microchipping, not breeding, premium foods, regular grooming, and most of all, all the petting and cuddling they want. Bijou's natural habitat was my lap.
In case you hadn’t seen it...
‘Rainbow Bridge’......author unknown
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
The second was memorable.
"Vicious" was it's name, because right from the beginning it was obvious.
Smallish as Maine Coons go.
It somehow knew our property lines and attacked anything that violated them.
It didn't matter how big the dog was, it was sent running.
A friend brought by his very large tabby, thinking it would be a good idea to "socialize" Vicious.
Not a good idea.
After Vicious attacked it and chased it all over the house, it fled out a door back into his car via the open window.
Big Kitty
RIP
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you’re comforted by your memories of the many happy moments you shared.
Sorry for your loss. I’ve been through it several times and it’s never easy. In fact you had me on the edge of tears when you recounted your cat’s passing. I’ve had 5 torties, all with facial blazes. I still have 2 of them and a quirky little tuxedo girl. I’m middle aged and disabled, so they’re my family. They have kept me sane through all this covid crap. I wish you luck on finding your new kitten. Enjoy.
CC
I can only hope my little guy goes in peaceful sleep. My last one suffered with lymphoma. My condolences.
Every day will get better and less of a missing part of your life. There will be time for a new friend.
Might try The Pet Maven (groomer in Bronx)
Probably knows breeders near you.
Here is a grooming session with a ginger MC.
Maine Coon Cat Grooming with The Pet Maven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otlQ27YLhcM
#10 was ours in a 28lb size. I have never met a natural rodent predator like him.
Lost my Maine Coon on March 22. Great cat - 22 years old. She had really slowed down the last two years.
The day she died was so strange. Jumped on the cat furniture and looked out the window. She never did that the past year - just ate and slept and wanted to be petted. But that day she just wanted to look out the window. An atypical behavior for her. I have read anecdotal reports of cats doing such things (atypical behaviors) when close to passing, so sadly was thinking she would.
She had been diagnosed with CDS, but that is not a surprise, as she was so old.
A bit smaller that the average F Maine Coon, she had the best disposition of any cat I have had. Just wonderful.
Will look at getting another MC later this year or early next.
She was a good girl.
Condolences to all FReepers that have lost a fur baby. I too, have lost many over the years. After losing my son’s 22 year old cat about 15 years ago, we were both devastated. He had joined the USMC and left MC,(Mommy Cat) with me. My son had lost his best friend MC and his last link to his grandfather. My dad would take my son out on walks everyday and one day they found Mommy Cat. The rest was history. My father hated cats but he adored Mommy Cat because of my son.
Anyhoo, when my son got leave, he came up to NY too see me with the wife and oldest son. He brought along with him 2 kittens. One was a black short hair and the other was Trouble, my Maine Coon. The short hair died a few weeks after arriving. Cause was unknown. Trouble lived a lifetime for the two of them. He came to me with some stupid name, Pepsi or Nike or something silly. Two weeks in my house and he was renamed TROUBLE with good reason. By that time it was just me and my mom. Mom loved Trouble. He could and would get into the wierdest predicaments ever. He got along famously with my 170 lb dog. Not so with a cat my nephew dropped off for life. My Trouble was the most lovable, adorable cat in my lifetime. A Maine Coon is one of the worlds most loving cats. To his “handler” at least. Others maybe not so much. LOL. Trouble moved down to NC with me 3 years ago. When we moved I had 2 pomeraniams and 2 shitzus. Along with Trouble and Katie (nephews) cat.
About 2 years ago, I knew Trouble was nearing the end. When it actually happened I totally lost it and had been home with a broken collar bone. My DIL, took him to be cremated. I miss that cat to this day. Over my lifetime I have had at a min. 32 cats. A year ago I finally found someone looking to get rid of some kittens. I took 2 female sisters. They both have brought me much joy. I will definitely be a spinster old cat lady. While I love a dogs loyalty and open ended love, My cats have brought me so much joy over my 57 years I wouldn’t change it for anything and have no desire to do so. Kiki and CoCo are a year old now and keep me on my toes.
After writing this little(lol) short story, I think I will open a diary and document a few of my cat stories. The whole family always remember my cats. Read that Rainbow bridge as much as you can. I truly believe I will see ALL of my fur babies and look forward to the day! Good luck in your search for another Maine Coon. You WILL find that joy again. Your new friend is out there somewhere just waiting for your connection. Embrace it and thrive on it! Much love too All! (note) Sandra Sue in my tagline is my 170 lb dog that died a day after a botched surgery. She was my puppy dog from God!
I was never a cat-person until I rescued two of the sweetest sisters ever. In a matter of days, these girls got into my heart and when the time comes for them to leave me, I will be inconsolable. Please know that I am thinking of you and your loss and I hope your pain goes away as quickly as possible.
Condolences, and good luck...
I DID contact some breeders in Maine. One in particular I had some good conversations with over email. It's in Maine of course - you look like you're NYC. If you're willing to do Maine -> I can give you her email.
In the end I didn't want to wait and got a little Savannah-WireHair-Mutt mix from the CraigsList meat market and lucked out.
There are (of course) a bunch of Maine Coon breeders in Maine, this is the only one I had real contact with.
My heart aches for you and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Please console yourself knowing that she knew she was cherished and went peacefully and comfortably in a place she loved.
So sorry for your loss. As a cat person (2 at present, no Maine Coons, but love them), I know how devastating the loss of one can be.
The tuxedo (blue/black smoke) that owns me weighs 18 pounds and is pushing 12 years old. She is a rescue, found at a construction site as a 3 month old kitten.
I gave up on the hairballs and just shave her down about 3 times a year. Next to the skin her fur is a blue color.
I hope you find one, or one finds you.
We have a Maine Coon Cat named Garfield. We also have 3 other cats and a rabbit.
I got Maine Coon kitten from a breeder in SE Pennsylvania, DCFDMaineCoons.com. Wolfie is the sweetest, chirpiest big girl and I will never have another breed but a Maine. The breeder’s cats are very large with the desirable tuffed ears. I think there’s a long wait list though.
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