Mishi
The beginning of Mishi's tale is told in the story of how our cattery got its name. Click here to read.
In the time from that first chirpy greeting, Mishi has continued to convince me that Maine coons are some of the most incredible animals on the planet. Like most cats, he's very independent, but in a completely uncatlike way - there's no question that he's interested in anything we happen to be involved in and will often offer assistance, whether needed or not.
Also, unlike most cats, Mishi loves attention from strangers. Alas for his not totally perfect conformation, because he would have loved to go to cat shows. He's leash trained and in consolation I sometimes take him with me to buy pet food and rent videos - both stores have frequent canine visitors, but he is always the only cat on a leash, and is quite happy to greet his admirers while I browse the new releases or read the fine print on the cat food cans. I'm usually ready to leave before he is.
Probably my favorite thing about Mish is that even though he's become a little more dignified with age, he's never completely outgrown the ability to play like a kitten. And he always takes his companion-cat duties seriously - I never leave the house without him watching from the back window, and I never return home without a friendly greeting.
Mishikoonz would not exist without him!