Nicolas Cage loves cats, and he lives with a Maine Coon called Merlin

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I have just discovered that Nicolas Cage loves cats and that he currently lives with a Maine Coon cat called Merlin. This was disclosed in an interview while promoting his upcoming movie The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. He was speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about his life and acting career. In the movie he will be playing himself. He said some really nice things about is Maine Coon. Here they are verbatim:

"I think the key is to respect them. And to let them come to you. The hand is very important. When you pet them, that connection is the great reward. When they start purring, you know they genuinely appreciate you being there. Lately, Merlin and I have had some issues because I got a little Pomeranian and he’s not happy about that. But Merlin is an unusual cat. It’s not the same as the other relationships I’ve had with cats throughout the years. There’s a real, almost human level of affection emanating from him which is almost like a son. It’s pretty intense."

He has stated in the past that Merlin is his best friend. He's also lived with a cat who loved mushrooms and whose name was or is Louis. You can listen to him speak about Louis in the video on this page.

Note: sorry I spelled your first name wrong for weeks! My bad. It is corrected belatedly.

I do not have a photograph of Merlin, unfortunately. Just as words but I think you will agree that they are good words. Nicolas Cage is another celebrity who loves cats. The more the merrier I say.

I particularly like the fact that he says that you need to respect the cat. The word "respect" is a great word to guide cat caregivers in discharging their responsibilities towards their cat companion. Treat the cat as a cat and respect their needs and wishes. 

Nicholas Cage
Nicholas Cage.

He says he lets Merlin come to him and instigate things. And the way you use your hands in petting them is important. I think he is referring to the fact that you can transmit to your cat the right signals if you pet them in the right way and conversely, you can achieve the opposite sometimes and provoke aggression. This undermines the relationship.

Cage's cat inspired his role in his movie 'Pig'. He discusses the connection between animals and humans in the video below.

Please remember that sometimes videos stop working. If that has happened, I am sorry but I have no control over this.

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