Left: Mercy Muthoni alias Angel Merni with her Maine Coon Cat, Fluffy, at her home. Right: Fluffy as a kitten.
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for their distinctive tufted ears, bushy tails, and strikingly large size. Originating from the United States, specifically the state of Maine, these gentle giants are renowned for their friendly and sociable nature, often earning the nickname “gentle giants.”
They are highly intelligent and playful, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
For Mercy Muthoni (known as Angel Merni on her social media), her Maine coon, Fluffy, is her baby.
“Fluffy is completely part of us. He is like a family member now. He sees me off at the door as I leave for work and receives me at the door. He can smell me two floors down,” the Chinese-English interpreter shares.
Speaking to Lifestyle, she tells the story of her Maine Coon cat. “Bringing a pet into your life is often painted as a fairy tale, full of cuddles and playtime. But as I’ve learned from my Maine Coon, Fluffy, the reality is often a mix of joy and challenge that requires dedication and adaptability.”
Angel got Fluffy as a gift in 2022.
“My employer at the time got kittens and in the litter there was Fluffy, he stood out for me. I would help in feeding the kittens and I drew very close to Fluffy. Eventually, I requested my employer to give me Fluffy. He was only two weeks old at that time. I got home and realized that Fluffy was too little to lick milk on his own, so I had to get a nursing bottle for him. When I first welcomed Fluffy into my home, I had the standard expectations of cat ownership: playful antics, snuggles, and a delightful companion. However, I quickly discovered that Fluffy was far from a typical cat. His dietary needs turned out to be a significant learning curve. I soon learned that he was lactose intolerant after several unfortunate incidents of diarrhoea and discomfort. Despite the common belief that cats love milk, Fluffy demonstrated otherwise. Attempts to introduce lactose-free milk were met with refusal, reinforcing his pickiness and my need to research better options.
I initially assumed he would enjoy a variety of meats, but he has proven to be extremely selective. I once gave him some omena and he did not even touch them. Another time I got some tough cuts from the butcher that he turned his nose up at that completely. I realized that high-quality, fresh meat was essential. He often rejects boiled meat in favour of raw. He prefers minced beef meat and can only eat chicken-flavoured kibbles. His strong aversion to certain foods can be quite demanding during the tight financial months so sacrifices have to be made. Ensuring he gets the right nutrition often means making some sacrifices with my meals.”
Grooming and vet visits
“Beyond his dietary quirks, Fluffy has specific grooming needs that also demand attention. Regular nail trimming is essential, with vet visits scheduled every one to two months. In a month I spend at least Sh10,000 on Fluff’s food, treatment and grooming,” Angels says adding that she had Fluffy neutered last year. “I realised that I should have done this earlier because he started peeing everywhere, screaming and sleeping with his legs in the air. I didn’t want to breed him because I feel like the relationship Fluffy and I have, it is only he and I that understand. Also having another Fluffy would be expensive,” she shares.
Angel describes Fluffy’s personality as a delightful mix of playfulness and independence. “He loves to chase balls, and I often find him “kicking” them around the house as if he were playing soccer. He has a knack for bringing home the occasional bird, showcasing his hunting instincts, though he never seems to eat his catches. Instead, he treats them as playthings, engaging in games that keep both of us entertained for hours. However, with his playful nature comes a bit of chaos.
My furniture and curtains bear the brunt of his scratching habits. Without a scratching post, my living space has taken on a rather tattered look. I’ve realised that investing in proper accessories to make his environment more comfortable would help reduce the wear and tear on my home.
Despite his rough play style, Fluffy craves attention; though always on his terms. “When I’m absorbed in my thoughts or immersed in work, he’ll often come over and give me playful nibbles, as if to say, “Hey, don’t forget about me!” However, he is not as cuddly as I present him to be. He will bring himself to me and let me cuddle him. Other times, he will prefer to sit alone,” Angel explains.
“Caring for Fluffy has taught me invaluable lessons in patience and commitment. While the challenges can be overwhelming at times, whether it’s navigating his picky eating habits, managing vet bills, or repairing scratched furniture, the joy of companionship far outweighs the difficulties. His quirky personality and the bond we share have enriched my life in ways I never anticipated.”
So close is the relationship between Angel and Fluffy that not wanting to be with Fluffy is a deal breaker in any romantic relationship that Angel finds herself in. “I once got off a talking stage with a man who said that he would not be comfortable with a cat being a part of his home.”
Maine Coons can grow to weigh between 5.9 to 8.2 kilograms for males and between 3.6 to 5.4 kilograms for females. They can reach up to one meter in height. However, Angel says that she is not scared that Fluffy will become too big. “Instead I will love him even more.”
