Bob Adkins wrote:

Do Maine Coon's make sweet pets? Do they have a wild streak and tear up the
house trying to get out, or are they content to stay indoors? I dislike the
sight of flattened cats on the road.

Mine have been content to stay in the house. Pretty much any cat gets
used to the situation sooner or later. All will try to escape giving a
shot at it.

Maine Coons are certainly different than a lot of other cats. I can't
live without at least one in my life. They tend to live longer than
average, reaching twenty not being uncommon for them. (The one I grew
up with lived to twenty-two.) Each seems to have a very distinct
personality and know what they want. Mine have all been very set in
their ways in one way or another. Chelsea, my current MC, must be
touching me, likes to initiate the contact, hates to be touched if she
doesn't initiate it and loves to groom (lick) me. If anything does not
go her way, she won't hesitate to scratch or bite. These range from
"warning shots" (don't do that again if you know what's good for you) to
inflicting serious damage. I just can't imagine living without their
supremely in control, regal character.

Do you (or anyone else) know if Bengals make sweet pets?

I've heard mixed things about them. I think it all boils down to making
sure you research the breeder. I've heard they're wonderfully sweet
tempered but like any other animal, bad breeders do too much in-breeding
which results in neurotic animals. I actually thought seriously about
getting one but then stumbled across my gorgeous baby Spike at the
shelter so that was that.

How about longevity? Is either breed notoriously short-lived or susceptible
to ailments?

As I said, Maine Coons are known for their longevity. Chelsea is almost
11 and romps the house with out 11 month old kitten.

I love the impressive size of the Maine coon's, and the unusual look of the
Bengal's. However, in the end, it's not size or appearance that makes a good
pet.

I don't know about that. *grin* Next cat for me will be another Maine
Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Susan who has a perverse fondness for black clothes considering she has
four cats, two gunea pigs, a hamster and other assorted pets *laugh*
shsimko at duke dot edu