Santiago the Cat

We are please to announce the new arrival of Santiago the Cat.  His name is a result of vehement objection to the proposed name of "Bevo" which some family members saw as being unacceptable.  Santiago is very loving and follows us around so much that we worry about stepping on him.  Without further ado - here's Santiago.  Santiago will fit in just fine with the rest of the family.  He Drools!

 

   
   
   
   
   

 

We are very sad to announce that our beloved Ivan has passed away at the tender age of two in July 2006.  We will always remember Ivan and all the joy and love that he gave to us.  He will always be our "furry baby", play monster and "mr. meow, meow, meow"

 

Ivan the Cat.  He is a Maine Coon Kitten who is our beloved "playmonster". 
 
   
When he first picked us out by walking right up to us immediately.  I think we'll take this one!!!!! At home in the lap of luxury - taking a brief respite from 'Playmonster' mode.  He is our little "Furry Baby"..
   
 
Note the big fluffy tail, tufts of hair in his ears and tufts of hair between the pads of his paws.  This is a cat designed for winter.   
   
The Maine Coon cat is indigenous to New England and was named to because people originally thought it might be related to raccoons given its size and big fluffy tail.  Ivan should grow to 18-20 pounds given his size at this time.  Maine Coons are one of the largest of the domestic cat breeds and have the moniker - 'gentle giants' given their size and disposition.  It is not a vocal cat and it is not a vertical cat (meaning - it doesn't jump on everything).  Amy and I were fascinated by this breed and are overjoyed with Ivan. 

http://www.mellokat.com/     This is the breeder where we got Ivan - very professional.

http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-colors.html    Maine Coons come in a number of colors - Ivan is the classic red tabby and white.

http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html       We were attracted by the temperament paragraph in the breed description.
   
Jingle Cat - Ivan at Christmas Ivan - a guy cat that loves the leather couch
   
Mr. Meow Meow Meow's bath resulting in.......................... One unhappy cat!