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Main Coons can get to be well over 20, I understand. The ones I've seen at cat shows were huge. Really long legs, too. Problem is, they say a 30 pound cat can kill a man. You'd better be great with cats and have one with an angelic temper that adores being handled, or you're going to have a hell of a time clipping its nails, bathing it and giving it medicine, etc. I'd advise getting something way smaller until you're really sure just how awesome with cats you are.
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Note this part:
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...I like
the idea of a thirty pound house cat...
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I have no illusions about the downside. My mom once owned (someone gave it to her!) an ocelot which proved to be quite unmanageable, especially with small children.
It's unlikely that I'd ever purchase such a cat, but the concept has visceral appeal.
My 16 year old 8 lb. tabby is enough of a handful. I'm sure the next cat will come from the pound.
(Never a big fan of the Maine Coon. Have always preferred short haired cats.)
There's always this:
http://www.selectsmart.com/beta_cat/ if you have interest in seeing which cat fits your preferences. I appear to be the type who would do well with an Abyssinian.