topic Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat in Community Chat

Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

butterfly123 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:11:58 GMT

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Happiness Is Inside JOB — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:35:31 GMT

I just love cat's, he is a little fluffy in size.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:38:39 GMT

As a cat owner for many cats and now have two (well a person doesn't OWN a cat, they live with you) I think that is cruel to the cat and very dangerous to the cat....it makes me sick!

I had a cat, just showed up at my house as most did. He developed asthma and I eventually had to give him Predinsone. The Dr said there was a chance he might get diabetes but the cat couldn't breathe and we had absolutely no choice. He did well for about 4 years but eventually got diabetes. My friend worked for the Vet and she helped me hydrate him (it got to every other day). Eventually, it stopped working and I had to say good-bye to my beloved boy! I'm crying as I type this.

But he wasn't overweight. Just like a person it is very dangerous for animals to be very overweight, they can develop diabetes. What kind of life can that cat really have? I have a boy cat now (Bill) who loves to eat. It's a constant battle because his sister is very, very skinny. But I do play with Bill to get him to exercise. He runs and chases his toys. He begs me to play with him (goes to the spot and stands there).

I hope someone sees this and tries to help that cat. Just recently I saw in People magazine where someone adopted a dog that was as overweight as this cat and it was a follow-up and the dog had lost weight and was doing really well.

I'll sit down and shut up now. I just had to comment. I'm sorry if I upset people but that might be the only good thing that comes out of it.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

momtochloe — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:44:30 GMT

Hey, define massive (I prefer the term fluffy as clearly that is what he in that picture) . . . I think he's absolutely fabulous and I am so glad they found each other . . . thank you for this post @butterfly123, it really made my day as he is adorable!

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

butterfly123 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 01:01:54 GMT

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

butterfly123 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 01:06:27 GMT

@Annabellethecat66

Please read the information I posted above about the Maine Coon Cat breed.

The Maine Coon cat is a bigger cat, especially the male.

I apologize for upsetting you with this post.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

momtochloe — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 01:07:54 GMT

@butterfly123 wrote:

@butterfly123 I am a big fan of some of the programs on Animal Planet and have caught a few shows that featured Maine Coons and those can be big boys. I have always grown up in a "dog" family but I always said if I were ever in a position to have a kitty it would be a Maine Coon . . .

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 01:48:49 GMT

@butterfly123 I didn't mean to sound like I was upset at you about the post, please don't apologize, I'm the one who should apologize.

I went looking after everyone's post and most said maybe around 18 to 20 lbs, I put this one on here because it did say a coon cat can get bigger but it would have to be very long to be much larger. I didn't see how long (probably overlooked it) that cat is.

I just saw him talking about a baby carriage and i thought the cat should be walking. I know one person I went to school with who actually walks her cat on a leash.

Again, I didn't mean to sound like I was attacking any posters, I just don't think it's healthy for a cat to be so large. I understand Main Coons get large but I'll bet you that cat would be healthier if it were 24 lbs.

1 lb on a cat isn't the same as 1 lb on a person, remember that. Every pound makes quite a difference.

I had a friend who had a Main Coon cat. We watched the cat for her. We knew nothing about cats (newly married) and that cat got out of the back screened porch. We found him (thank goodness) but his fur was a tangled mess. Had to rush him to get him groomed (tangled, washed, etc). That was a lot of years ago. Thank goodness one of those never showed up at my door.

However, my cat (Katie) has some Coon in her (so says the Vet). Thank goodness it must not be much because she's as skinny as a rail. My poor boy cat eats his food and salivates over Katie's leftovers. I have to run over and pick up the plate or he'll finish it. He give me a look like, "Really, Mom! Your not so skinny yourself". Ha!

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

butterfly123 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 01:57:06 GMT

@Annabellethecat66

No apology necessary, friend.

I agree that Samson the cat does not need a stroller to be paraded around.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

maestra — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 13:15:22 GMT

Samson's not fat, he's fluffy...just like me, lol.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

PamfromCT — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 13:36:14 GMT

We have a Maine Coon kitty. Lily is a small MC, weighing 13 lbs. Of course, due to her very furry body (and raccoon-like tail), she looks much larger. My DB by and SIL have three Maine Coons, and they are big boys. But nothing like this featured kitty. They make wonderful companion cats, and have been described as "dogs in cat's clothing." They tend to be quite outgoing and want to be with people. After we adopted Lily, we soon gave up on trying to groom her ourselves. They have such large mitts for paws we couldn't see her nails to trim them.

She is very affectionate and quite a character. A perfect kitty for two old retired people! Spoiled just a bit! I would recommend this breed to anyone. We adopted her from a breeder my SIL knew who had decided to retire Lily.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Marp — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 14:31:05 GMT

@Annabellethecat66, to get some perspective of how big Samson really is watch his video (click on The Dodo to link to the video).

The Dodo

August 12 at 11:46pm ·

NYC's biggest cat is a huge ball of cuddles!

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Yardlie — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 14:46:12 GMT

Wow...That is one big "kitty." The one in The Dodo link almost looked like Lassie! All the more to love! Can you imagine that cat sleeping on your head at night? LOL!

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Spurt — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:43:52 GMT

@butterfly123 wrote:
@Annabellethecat66
Please read the information I posted above about the Maine Coon Cat breed.
The Maine Coon cat is a bigger cat, especially the male.
I apologize for upsetting you with this post.

@butterfly123 @momtochloe

I've seen pure bred Maine Coons at cat shows and these cats are HUGE (and I don't mean overweight)...... they are indeed gentle giants with sweet personalities!

I had a cat named Buddy that was part Maine Coon much smaller than a pure breed.....

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Spurt — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:51:31 GMT

@PamfromCT wrote:
We have a Maine Coon kitty. Lily is a small MC, weighing 13 lbs. Of course, due to her very furry body (and raccoon-like tail), she looks much larger. My DB by and SIL have three Maine Coons, and they are big boys. But nothing like this featured kitty. They make wonderful companion cats, and have been described as "dogs in cat's clothing." They tend to be quite outgoing and want to be with people. After we adopted Lily, we soon gave up on trying to groom her ourselves. They have such large mitts for paws we couldn't see her nails to trim them.
She is very affectionate and quite a character. A perfect kitty for two old retired people! Spoiled just a bit! I would recommend this breed to anyone. We adopted her from a breeder my SIL knew who had decided to retire Lily.

@PamfromCT

Even though my Buddy was only part Maine Coon, he did indeed think he was a dog---when someone knocked at the door he would growl---and he would hang out with the dog instead of other cats....LOL!!! He did have the big mitts and heavily tufted paws too...

Oh sweet Lily---please post her photo....

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

sidsmom — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:53:02 GMT

I have a friend who had a Maine Coon, so I know the size.

But I can't help but cringe a little bit when I see the weight of this animal.

The pictures clearly show his home is an apartment...on a second floor...in a large city. It even shows him harnessed inside a baby-stroller/animal carrier.

To fully understand the breed, you must know they are an active animal..."hearty working cats with excellent hunting skills." I'm guessing he's very sedentary, like most domestic cats, and he has the weight to reflect that sedentary lifestyle. That's why I have 'raised eyebrow' when he's described as 'healthy'.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

hckynut — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 16:04:07 GMT

In this picture, Samson appears to me to be a Calico cat. If so, he is a very rare breed. Calico's are almost always predominantly female. We have been owned by 3 calico felines, all of which were of the female gender.

From what I have read, a male Calico is a chromosomal aberration. Now I really wonder if it is just this photo, that makes it appear to me, that Samson has the Black/Orange and White colors that distinguish a Calico.

Whatever the color or gender, that is one huge and beautiful cat.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

hennypenny — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 16:21:54 GMT

We have a mix Maine Coon. We sent a swab to UC Davis to find out whats in the pot. He has a lot of Siberian in him. He weighs 25 lbs. Has giant feet and it takes two to do his manicure and pedicure. We shave him in the spring, leaving mane and tail.

He is the love of my life and shares my pillow at night.

He went for his annual check up last week. All good except he will need to have a tooth pulled. He has been on a special diet for years.

He is very shy and when strangers or children are here he hides upstairs til the coast is clear.

He loves running water and will jump up on the counters in the bathrooms when he hears the water and ditto for showers.

If you ever want a love bug. I recommend the breed highly!

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 18:18:50 GMT

@Marp and everyone. Thank you so much for taking time to help me understand about Coon cats. It was enlightening.

Not to appear to be too hard headed, but I did notice that in the pictures people seem to be carrying the cats (at least this cat). I agree (at least I think @hckynut or someone) was saying that the cat could benefit from getting perhaps more exercise (sorry if I misunderstood). I do agree with that.

I had a cat (my beloved Jackson) who (like many others) just showed up at my house. He was older and no matter what I did that cat wanted to be outside during the day. I live in a wooded (small woods, nothing big) area, all dead end streets, beautiful. Jackson would run out of the door the minute it was opened. I spent many hours getting that cat back into the house as I'd never had one that I could eventually keep inside. I cannot tell you how many times I had to have my screened in back porch and door fixed due to Jack digging his way out.

Finally, the Vet said, "Look for your sanity and this cat's physical health (he'd tear himself up digging out) you should let him out for a few hours every day.

Well, scared to death, I listened to the Vet. Sure enough (and because I'm old(er) and don't work it worked out great. He stayed withing the area of my yard (every now and then he'd visit the next door neighbor (and because they are 1 acre lots (no sidewalks) small streams, he was soooo happy. He'd go out in the morning, come in for lunch and spend a few hours out in early evening. Then he'd be in way before dark and be happy.

One day I noticed he wasn't himself. I called the Vet (it was a Saturday evening so it was off hours. The Vet said take him to the emergency clinic. I did. They said he had a urinary infection and wanted to keep him overnight. I said, "No way". I didn't know these people and didn't want him afraid. I called the Vet Sunday morning and he said, "Watch him, give him the antibiotics the clinic gave him" and bring him in first thing Monday morning. So I did and the Vet checked him out and said he'd be fine.

Two days later I called him in for lunch and I'd been noticing when he came running he'd run and walk and run and walk. His energy level was way down. I called the Vet and he said to bring him in and he'd observe him overnight.

The next morning I got a call saying to come immediately that Jack had taken a turn for the worse overnight and he didn't have much time left. I rushed in and he died in my arms about 1 1/2 hours later in the Vets. It turned out he had a very weak heart and it just gave out. The urinary problem was the beginning.

It took awhile for me to get over missing my beloved Jackson. But eventually I decided I have this big house with so much love to give and decided I needed company. My friend (the Vet's nurse) went with me to the Petsmart adoption sit I'd donated money to. There were lots of cats there. I wanted two cats (for company for themselves).

As I walked around I saw an orange Tabby (very bright orange). He reached through the cage and grabbed my pants leg! That was it...I'd found my baby boy (I love boys especially although I've had whatever showed up at my house. First time I'd picked the cat. The adoption lady said there was a girl (black and white) and looks nothing like the orange tabby, that loves her 'brother' and they are inseparable. I was suspicious but took her too.

That was a few years ago. To this day I've never picked up the black and white cat (Katie). She comes to me to pet her a little but none of my family or any visitors have ever even seen her (she hides). I think she was terribly mistreated. But boy does she love him! She cuddles with him, follows him, seeks him out, and kisses him on the mouth (so weird).

Billy (the boy) is typical boy...he gets fed up with all of her cuddling after awhile and I've seen him take his foot and push her off of the table (as they cuddle). Funny, because she doesn't get hurt but it's him saying, "Enough! You're smothering me". I think she knows and sees how much he loves me and is genuinely jealous.

I just accept her the way she is. I love her but I admit it hurts my feeling sometimes when I come into the room, she gets up and walks away! Kinda funny really.

I always laugh to myself when I hear or see people say they OWN a cat. Most cat people know that you don't OWN them you let them come to stay with you. Ha!

Sorry, if I intruded into this site but seeing so many cat lovers here (and since I haven't talked much lately about Jackson) it was nice to reminisce about him to people who love their cats like I do.

I think all of you agree that people who have cats as family members know you must accept them as they are. Unlike dogs they are not trainable. If anything they train us. Ha!

Thanks again, I've learned something and it was due to all of you through your kindness and taking the time to teach me a little something. Annabellethecat.

Re: Samson, The 28 Pound Cat

PamfromCT — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 02:58:08 GMT

Yes, @Annabellethecat66, No one "owns" any animals. We are their guardians. And yes, cats rule! Lily is the CEO of the house. She has quite a few play mice, the only toys that interest her. Once in a while, in the middle of the night, she walks into our bedroom and kind of howls for attention. She drops "Brownie," her favorite toy mouse. And we get up and say, "What a good girl, Lily." That makes her happy, and then we all fall asleep. Are we crazy, or what? Our little spoiled puddycat.