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I am a 73-year-old retired professor operating a small orchard/farmette in Iowa, which keeps me busy. So do my three Maine Coons. But those three cats have enriched my life in ways that is difficult to explain to others who have not adopted cats.

Cats are mysterious. Maine Coons are no exception. They really are aloof until they aren’t, which means the occasional kiss, purr and cuddle energizes me to play with them, feed them, love them on my chest.

Don’t get me wrong: I have known my spouse Diane for 50 years and love her unconditionally–so much so, in fact, that I have affirmed Thor’s choice of her as HIS PERSON.

That’s right. Cats choose a person. Anyone else in the household is there for emergency feedings.

Siggy is my cat. She is an interesting being with the ferocity of a tiger, an apex predatory. Whenever she sits on my chest and purrs, I do not touch her but compliment her, and she sends electric vibes to my heart.

Freya has always been afraid of the world, probably because she was the so-called runt of the litter. Diane is her person. But on occasion, when she climbs on my chest and makes biscuits, I feel the intensity of her devotion.

And then there is our teenage Thor, 9 months and 15 pounds, who looks lovingly in our eyes whenever we coo to him.

The best part about having three Maine Coons is how they get along with each other and know their roles and persons. When I have a hard day, I can count on Siggy comforting me at night. So can my spouse Diane with both Thor and Freya visiting her.

And I awake each day to the adventures that each may bring, be it a new toy, a playful meow, or a grateful purr and eyeblink during the day.

You don’t have to own a Maine Coon to have this in your life. In fact, if I have to get another cat, I would definitely get one from the local shelter. True, it won’t be as beautiful as my MCs, but it would shower me with love.

So if you are lacking in that respect, go to the local shelter and let the cats there choose YOU.

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