Chico woman finds joy and independence in her Maine Coon duo

CHICO, Calif. — Maine Coons, a breed of domesticated cats known for their large size and origins in Maine, have found a loving home with Hannah Young in Chico. Young, who owns two Maine Coons named Minnie and Merlin, describes them as having dog-like qualities. “We are learning how to play fetch, they go on a leash, they are very food motivated,” Young said. She noted that Merlin, a ‘black smoke' Maine Coon, is “a little more boujee, rare.”

Young, a physician recruiter for Dignity Health, appreciates the independence of her pets. “I love that they are a little more independent,” she said. “I feel like my lifestyle is a little busy and the cats are kind of that perfect in-between. So, they are very very social, they want to be involved, they want your love at all times like a dog. But, you can also leave them home alone for a couple of days with an automatic feeder and not stress over letting them outside or doing this or doing that… So it is kind of that middle ground of having animals without having the stress of a dog.”

Despite the high cost of owning a purebred Maine Coon, which can run about $3,000 plus food and vet bills, Young is committed to her pets. Minnie and Merlin even have their own Instagram page, “Minnie and Merlin,” boasting more than 150 followers. Young admits the cats have “just kind of taken over my whole life,” but she embraces it with a smile.