Since I’ve written a couple of posts now about Annie, my crazy, wonderful Australian Shepherd, it feels only fair that I should also feature my big, beautiful Maine Coon cat, Gatsby.
Gatsby is almost fifteen years old. I got him when I was a senior in college, and he was just a scruffy little kitten.
Boy did he grow.
I didn’t know when I adopted him that he was a Maine Coon. I just figured he had a little extra fluff, and really, don’t we all? But here we are, all these years later, and he’s grown into a gentle giant with a huge personality.
He has a knack for always finding the sunniest spots.
And the best angles to show off his handsome face.
He and Annie are…not friends…but we’ve managed. Gatsby makes it easy, honestly. His favorite thing to do is nap, so they don’t see much of each other.
At fifteen, I know he’s an old man, but I’m so happy I found him, and I cherish every moment with him. He really is a special animal.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
Those paws in the first pic! I had a maine coon cat growing up too. His name was Ziggy and he lived to be 22. They are such gentle giants who do love to nap. I love that name, Gatsby. He is a big boy! Wow. Thanks for posting, this brought back some fond memories for me. 🤗
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I know! He’s got big feet. When he was a kitten, they almost looked cartoonish, but he grew into them. Maine Coons are just the best cats. I’d never had one before Gatsby, and now I don’t ever want to not have one. Glad you liked the post! 🙂 I’ll have to share more pictures in the future.
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Haha! That’s a great way of putting it, cartoonish. I love how every spot they find, they somehow turn into their comfy spot. It’s so true, though, now that you’ve owned one, you can’t live without one. I get thinking of the times when Ziggy would get groomed, he would come home with a bow on (around his neck), and he wouldn’t let you pick him up. He’d growl and want to bask in the sun with his clean fur. Yes please do share more pics in the future. I love the marking on Gatsby! 😁
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Gatsby gets so grumpy when we have to take him out of the house! And yeah, when he comes home, he does not want to be touched for a few hours, like, “how could you do this to me?!” Cats are such funny creatures. I’ve had them my whole life, so sometimes it’s easy to forget just how peculiar they are. I’ll definitely post more pictures in the future. 🙂
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Haha! They really are something else. Same here. I’ve had cats my entire life as well. I agree that they are such funny creatures. The cat I have right now, his name is Chunk. He has a routine of how he approaches his food bowl. If I set him down at his bowl, he won’t touch it. He has to re-enter the room and do his routine, lol!
I look forward to more pics! 😊
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Oh, Chunk! I love it! What a great name! Gatsby, too, is particular about his food routine. It has to be his idea. I read somewhere that though dogs have evolved in major ways to live alongside humans, cats haven’t really changed much at all from their ancient ancestors. I believe it.
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I totally believe that! Cats can be so independent and self sufficient. I remember researching ancient cats and ALMOST got an Egyptian Mau. Maybe one day! 😁😊
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I love both cats and dogs, and have them both in my life. Gatsby is gorgeous (like George in case he thinks that is not manly enough). 🙂
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Thank you! He’s a handsome old man, and he knows it. 🙂 I also love both cats and dogs. I never know what to say when someone asks if I’m a cat person or a dog person. Both are wonderful. Why choose?
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So cute! What – Annie and Gatsby don’t get along? How did you manage when you got Annie into the house?
Also love the name – Gatsby!
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Thank you! He’s a handsome boy. 🙂 Gatsby actually mostly ignores Annie, but it really bothers Annie that he exists. I think it’s because she’s a herding dog, and she can’t control him. We were hopeful when they first met, but they’ve just never warmed to each other. They stay on separate levels of the house. Gatsby lives mostly in our bedroom upstairs, and Annie stays downstairs and hangs out with us on the living room couch. It’s not a great solution, but it works.
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Aw…what a fat kitty, but it’s not all his fault. I know that’s a bigger breed. My neighbor has two, and they are giant fur balls of fun. Gatsby is adorable.
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Thank you! It’s funny looking back now at what a tiny kitten he was. I had no idea he’d get so big. And it’s funny now, because other, normal-sized cats look so little to me.
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But the are great company. I recently put down my 15-year old cat as she had several health problems, and I miss her company so anytime I get to look at more fur babies it’s a good day. — Wye
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I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. Losing a pet is so, so hard.
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Yes…we want a new fur baby, but it’s best to wait a while. (But not too long..)
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I’m sure you’ll find the perfect fur baby at the perfect time. And I hope when you do, you post some pictures. 🙂
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