by Beth
(Berea, Ohio)
Atlas
Atlas does have a story to tell, it is quite a long and heartbreaking story. Back on Jan. 2, 2010 he was brought into our little shelter. He was just a scrap of a cat in poor condition. He, fully grown, weighed in at only 5lbs.
He was put into isolation and we were giving him basic medical care waiting to see if he would turn around. Every time we "fixed" something...something else came up, keeping him from improving and keeping him from coming out of isolation.
In March he came to my home to be fostered. His fur was stiff, in clumps, and pretty much either falling out or it was shaved off. He weighed a mere 6lbs. But we had figured out he was diabetic and in need of surgery. Eventually, through an emergency intake, he got the surgery he needed and has since drastically improved.
He is a big boy. He is now up to about 14lbs and still growing fur in. We're still waiting for his tail to fully fill out. It is finally starting to get a bushy, wispy appearance.
He has a magnificent ruff that just seems to be filling in more and more. It is the softest fur I've ever felt, which I brush once a week. He has a totally laid back disposition, and can be quite the character.
He is still insulin dependent and takes his home-testing in his stride.
I've been looking at him because of his sheer size, fur coat, and huge feet complete with "snow fur."
Could he really be a Maine Coon?
Thanks so much for reading and taking a peek at his pictures.
Beth
Hi Beth... thanks for telling us the story. Well, I am pleased that through your efforts and those of your colleagues, you managed to save Atlas and bring him back to good health.
He looks like a Maine Coon and may be a Maine Coon but that does mean he is as I am sure you realise. You will need a documented pedigree to ascertain that. Although he looks a little too "cobby" (short in the body) compared to the Maine Coons that have seen who are long, long long (see the longest domestic cat - a Maine Coon!).
You might like to read this page as well: What Breed Is My Cat?
The most important thing as you imply is that he is loved and healthy - and handsome....
Best
