Mythical Beasts: Photographer Continues Capturing The Majestic Beauty Of Maine Coons
Maine Coons are the largest of the domesticated cats, and they are as close as you could safely get to having an actual lion in your house. Their powerful facial features are perfectly framed by a majestic mane, with their sturdy build and slightly menacing prowl completing the mini-Mufasa vibe that these magnificent fluffy cats ooze.
Photographer Robert Sijka, who is based in Hong Kong, loves to combine his two passions in life: photography and his beloved Maine Coon cats. He has experienced a lot of joy in perfecting his skills, bringing out the allure and majesty of these beautiful cats. “I’m Polish, but fourteen years ago my family and I had the opportunity to move to China, Robert explained to Bored Panda. “After a while, we started to miss the company of animals; they have always been in our lives. We fell in love with Maine Coon kittens, and my wife Izabella started a breeding program eight years ago. Our cattery is called OtiCami and you can find out more about us here at www.oticami.com.”
“After the birth of the first kittens, we came to the question, how to present our cute cats to the world? I think my journey with photography started at this moment. I decided that my pictures must be something special, just like Maine Coons are special. After several thousands of photos, I ended up with my current style and great pleasure from working with these amazing animals.”
“One of the most frequently asked questions is "how to keep a cat still for a photo?" My answer is always the same, it is not possible. Cats are not dogs, you can not order them to sit still and that's why I think working with cats is a bigger challenge. So, people ask “how it is possible that my cats look like they pose for a photo” My secret is contained in two words, practice and patience.”
Robert does occasionally do photoshoots for clients, but 99% of his 'models' are from his and his wife's own 20 cats and kittens, which keep them both extremely busy. He has recently launched an online shop with Maine Coon collections, and has a special offer on his calendar for Bored Panda readers. “Until the end of the year, I offer a 20% discount to all Bored Panda followers, just use the code BoredPanda at the checkout!”
Scroll down to check out his stunning series on this big cat breed for yourself, as well as a previous post here, and let us know what you think in the comments!
More info: Shop | Website | Instagram | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
he can take whatever he wants and i will kill anyone who says no to him..
I miss my Maine C**n so much. It's been a long time since he passed away but I think of him every day. He was such a character. People used to be scared when they saw him due to his size but my goodness, they are such loving cats. Loyal to the bone. Beautiful souls.
This pic is my fav! Their poses are so cute and both are such beautiful cats!
My Maine c**n was 17+ years. he was so beautiful but went over the Rainbow bridge on Dec 26,18.He had a wonderful, and well loved life.
My kitten will be very special and belong to Felidae do you understand that, my dear human!
This looks exactly like my girl Zephyr who is a red silver classic Maine C**n IMG_02521-...184e76.jpg
I am already starting to think for more better environment without stupid plastics that you discovered...
"My mommy said that I have to go to your house now, do you love me like my mommy does?"
I thought you wrote Asian and I saw it for a second gadammit XD lmao
Load More Replies...I feel like that's what my cat thinks he looks like but really he just has a lil baby face
I'm old enough to remember when he played a lion-faced character ("Beauty & the Beast" in the 80s). Still true.
Load More Replies...I so miss my Maine C**n. He had a son that I just loved until he passed. Both were just life to me. I've been blessed to have been around and owned several Maine Coons, the first was at the young age of 10. This breed is and always will be my hearts desire and content with cats. Love love love them.
I'd like to hear how this version of him sounds like ;)
Load More Replies...Always thought that was a cat with thumbs know that I've googled it you are right I was planning on googling it to prove you wrong but I guess I was proven wrong oops lol
Load More Replies...I made a xmas stocking for my friends cats, also polydactyl, I accounted for every toe! I wish I took a photo
I for one, welcome our Cat overlords.
Load More Replies...Somehow I just can't see myself telling this guy to get off the counter.
And I love how the fur and eyes contrast each other. Like twin stars shining through the night.
Load More Replies...My thoughts are the same as MJ! Well Said MJ and great photo. Such a presence...
each cat is a beauty and the expressions are all different too. love this cat. I love all cats.
looks like he has an imprint of the back of his head right there on hia forehead! On FIRE!!!!
I see pride. I see power. I see a bad-a*s mother, who won't take c**p off of nobody
So, if John Shaft were a cat? Or maybe even Samuel Jackson.
Load More Replies...There is more thinking power in the brain of this feline than in our present politicians!!!
For some reason this one reminds me of Snarf from Thundercats, only much smarter.
I'm basing my life on the fact God is a cat, I'm a shoo in.
Load More Replies...This photographer takes magnificent pictures of his cats. They should be framed.
Interesting how this little creature is moving about, I will not kill it.
Yes my little one you must go to the school and learn about the world that is not perfect!
'Hatchling'…. That is a new term when used in conjunction with cats, to me.
I didn't know they came in tortoiseshell. Amazing and wonderful to know. My dad who has Parkensens loves tortoiseshell :)
You're right they do look a little purple-ish (because pink skin is showing under black, white and/or gray fur), but it's possible that you're also tired
Load More Replies...I am thinking how many more years we have left on this planet before the extinction!
Perhaps it is some proof how cats are really just small furry dragons without wings.
I will not move. No catnip, no tuna, no sugar kitty. I'm not getting up.
This is genetic mutation, you should try it yourself, but it might be little late for you my dear fellow....
Please take care of his fur collar... It's dripping with grease :/
AAAAAnd IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII will always Love Yoooooooooouuuuuuuuu!
Ooo, the different eye-colour (heterochromia, I think it's called) is striking in this image.
This is enough you can take only one photo of me as you have no money to pay for the second one - is that clear?
It doesn't matter that it's not a Maine C**n. While I admit that it's off the subject, any picture of a cat this cute doing his Freddie Mercury is welcome! Fantastic!
Hilarious Alan!!! Your humor is easy to swallow!! Big winks and smiles!
Load More Replies...I'm going to the dentist tomorrow. May I borrow this shot and tell him these are my healthy teeth and gums? Big winks and smiles. Not only does this show great photography but a very happy and healthy cat. Well Done on both behalves. :) :)
Who took the last bit of my catnip. I will find out and then ...............
This one looks like my mom's kitty, Vincent. A big friendly furball that loves to flop over next to whoever he thinks will pet him (he's almost always right).
Are Maine Coons more intelligent than other breeds or do they just look like they are? Seem very serious too, a lot of the time. I'm very curious what they're like as pets.
Wins my heart but the personality shot up top still is my favorite. This is a close second....
"Do not pay that groomer, she put me in water and then started scrubbing me and All I wanted was a comb out."
This is one great reply! I love it and so appropriate. Thank you Kelly.
Load More Replies..."Pay close attention, hooman, because I'm only going to say this once. The secret of life is…"
Yes my dear I have been watching you for a long time and now you have to decide where you going to live?
Haha, you beat me to it - such a perfect combination of noble and goofy.
Load More Replies...Not sure what to think of this two legged species i.e., called humans - not my research field...
Is this one of the parents of the Hemingway toes or is this one of the kittens in the shot above?
I am chosen to sit on the throne and not you, so there my dear friend - get lost.
maine coons remind me of Akif Pirinçci's novels and cat characters of his books. Just like Felidae..
The maine coons reminds me of another feline species featured in a Star Trek novel. It's called "Uhura's Song" and is about a feline race that has gotten cut off from their home world. The characters look a lot like this. Btw, thanks for listing the author's name and book. I added it to the list of books I plan on buying when I can.
Load More Replies...To diagnose the vestibular head tilt is one thing, but I am thinking that you are not Neuro Diplomate to know that.
What the hell you are looking at me I know what to do and you miss the boat.
It's a basket, dummy. I like it and I'm going to sleep in it. Ya want to make me move?
They look like some ancient race, proud and majestic. They look like they should own a planet. Like they were in the original Star Wars :-)
I now have my second Maine c**n cat and they truly are not like other cats. Their size really should be considered. To anyone who is considering buying or rescuing a Maine c**n, you should be aware that they are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which killed my first Maine c**n. Three things about the home page of this photographer is that there are no photos of where his cats are born and raised. Second is that there is no mention of testing for cardiac disease. Third, the good point - he alters the kittens before they go to the new owners. My advice is, look for rescue organizations in your area. They’re quite commonly rescued from kitten mills. If you want to buy from a breeder, do your research. Don't let the incredibly adorable little rascals blind you to possibly problems later.
Oh my goodness these cats are so beautiful it's insane! Gorgeous. I'm so bored of cat comics and cheesy pics but these are more like foxy pics. Awesome!
I don't know when 'breeders ' started this 'look' I raised and breed Maine Coons about 30 years ago The large muzzle in these pictures is not the norm ( think stub/shorter than normal snout nose dog breed terrible idea!)for them. Ear tuff /large paws/tail longer than body Females around 10-14lbs Males 15-20lbs These are Gentle Giants used to say "dog lovers cat" Like any animal has it own personality and how it was raised as kittens (think interaction)
They look like some ancient race, proud and majestic. They look like they should own a planet. Like they were in the original Star Wars :-)
I now have my second Maine c**n cat and they truly are not like other cats. Their size really should be considered. To anyone who is considering buying or rescuing a Maine c**n, you should be aware that they are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which killed my first Maine c**n. Three things about the home page of this photographer is that there are no photos of where his cats are born and raised. Second is that there is no mention of testing for cardiac disease. Third, the good point - he alters the kittens before they go to the new owners. My advice is, look for rescue organizations in your area. They’re quite commonly rescued from kitten mills. If you want to buy from a breeder, do your research. Don't let the incredibly adorable little rascals blind you to possibly problems later.
Oh my goodness these cats are so beautiful it's insane! Gorgeous. I'm so bored of cat comics and cheesy pics but these are more like foxy pics. Awesome!
I don't know when 'breeders ' started this 'look' I raised and breed Maine Coons about 30 years ago The large muzzle in these pictures is not the norm ( think stub/shorter than normal snout nose dog breed terrible idea!)for them. Ear tuff /large paws/tail longer than body Females around 10-14lbs Males 15-20lbs These are Gentle Giants used to say "dog lovers cat" Like any animal has it own personality and how it was raised as kittens (think interaction)
