I left work early in anticipation of greeting said cat and foster mom. We've met, and this cat never stops moving. Never. For that one reason alone, I don't know if she gets to stay. And she bit me and LF because???? We were individually petting her at different times and it must be some spot on her body. She was a stray, so I can see that. Other than that, she seems really sweet, attention starved, but sweet. She purrs constantly. She didn't really talk at all last night, but seemed more confident and did a bit this morning. She is big cat, or maybe I was just used to withering away Keegan, but she must, must, must be on top of me while I am sleeping. Next to me would better. She is pretty trainable as I can already get her to jump up on top of things (for instance when I am on the couch or the bed and I don't want to reach down to get her) when I want by saying "Maggie up". I couldn't bear the thought of saying Mishka for the next decade, and so I changed her name. She used to be Daryl. At any rate, she was looking for places to be up all evening long, but I think that may even be over with since she doesn't feel threatened by us, as she did by the alpha male at foster home; no more climbing the cat house for her, maybe. I like her, and foster mom said, you can't tell from a few minutes with her, and that she'd check in later, so I don't feel like I am stuck or if I feel like it's wrong, I guess she will have enjoyed a vacation. Or maybe she has a new home. She is obviously a Maine coon mix. She has the massive paws with fur inbetween her toes, the mane on her scruff, fluffy butt and tail, and the tufty ears. Stroke of luck there!

Robin, About that biting, she really isn't being mean. It's a sign of affection despite what you may thing when she turns her sharp little teeth on you. I've got a cat that does the same thing. She'll be sitting on my lap & I'll be petting her. She'll be enjoying it & then will turn her head & start chewing on me. It was driving me crazy, so I asked my vet about it. She said that the cat was grooming me & when she bit she was really looking for nits & fleas! Not the most complimentary thing I can think of. Doesn't she know I don't have any of those things on me?

As to her sleeping habits, don't bet on training her. I had a cat about 30 years ago who slept at the top of my head. No matter how many times I removed her & put her somewhere else, there she was when I woke up in the morning.

Actually, she had her ears back and was ready to strike again and she jumped off angrily. She more looked mad, hurt, and distrustful. Mostly just mad. Kinda scary! LF was apprehensive from there on out. Not good for either of them. I don't want him to fear cats. I could move her and she would sorta stay away. I figure as she gets more secure, she might, just maybe, sleep a little less "close" if you know what I mean.

Sounds like her biting might have been due to her being over stimulated by the petting. Cats do this esp males. As you get to know her you will learn to read her body language and then you can back away from her before she strikes out.
Also purring isnt always a sign of contentment. They will purr when stressed or in pain. It helps to soothe them too.
Cats are complex little creatures..no 2 alike...and all of this is huge to her. New house,new people etc...it will take time and patience.

I sure agree with Pam. My satiko will do this, even though she is the most loving cat. She just gets overstimulated when petted too much, in the wrong place, etc. She goes from contented purr to disturbed purr and strikes and jumps down........as much upset as me. My little orange tabby is a 'love' biter. As Pam says, males often do this when made over too. If you have ever watched cats mate, the male actually grabs the female by the scruff of her neck in a bite before the embrace. It's hardwired in. Not of it is in anger, you've just exceeded the stimulation boundry. In fact, even Hobbes will do it, but his limits are much laxer.

I appreciate you're all trying to get me to understand, but I've had cats my whole life. This cat was suddenly and noticeably upset over this one spot. It's her right hind quarter. Keegan hated having his paws touched at all. Kitkat hated having her tail touched. She'd hiss. This is just hers. But her reaction to it is strong and unexpected. She was sitting happily, not even being petted at the time she struck at me, sure right after petting, but just sitting at that point. Maybe our household has too much movement for her too. Not a good fit. That's what I was saying. I think she is sweet, shy and can come out of her shell at the right time, but is this the ultimate place? I'm not as sure of that. She is getting happier, it's taking time, and I'm not giving up on her, just watching close.

Well, you are the only one who can determine what you're comfortable living with, and that's as it should be. I'm sure you'll make the right decision. And if she isn't the right one, better to make that decision sooner, than later. I suspect every cat has the right situation out there and there are so many kitties who need a good home, no decision is the wrong one.