We immediately fall in love with our Maine Coon kittens. We probably have been on a waiting list for a year or more from a respected TICA breeder. Who knows how many more months and years we scrimped to pay the premium prices of this beloved breed?

And the anticipation and expense were worth it as soon as we laid eyes on the family’s new addition. But there are three stages of kitten/cathood. And you should prepare for it. It’s not all cuddles and sweetness.

BABY STAGE: 0-3 MONTHS

This is Thor who came to us at 12 weeks. He was so cuddly then.

Chances are your MC kitten will be as Thor was. He ventured around the house cautiously, especially since we have two more MCs, and when frightened, jumped on my chest for cuddles and reassurance. This lasted until he was 16 weeks.

TERRIBLE TEENS: 6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS

This is the stage our Thor is in now, and while it is a blessing to see him grow, gain weight–almost 15 pounds at 8 months–he no longer cuddles regularly (only when I least expect it) and when I pick him up, he’s liable to bite or scratch if he has his mind set on other activities.

Here are some of his favorite activities:

• Trying to be alpha with my two female cats, Siggy and Freya.
• Opening the cupboard and removing bags of treats, tearing them open and littering them around the entire house.
• Knocking things off shelves and counters.
• Jumping on my belly–did I say he was almost 15 pounds?–to let me know he exists.

Every now and then I get a cuddle, just to remind me what I used to have. If I try to force a cuddle, I might be scratched.

I know he still thinks I’m his person. He is so big he sleeps in my bathtub at night. It’s just his size.

ADULTHOOD: 2 YEARS +

Siggy, the alpha, used to bite whenever touched up until 2 years. She is now 4 years old and affectionate.

Freya, also 4 years old, loves to be on my chest and make biscuits.

As any cat person knows, the key to a happy Maine Coon home is patience. They truly are a loving breed. But they make you wait for it.

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