Woman Suspiciously Offered 'Free Maine Coon From Barn'—She Doesn't Hesitate

Getting a new pet is a big decision, and many people plan it months in advance. But not Harriet Bradley, who heard about some Maine coon cats in need of a home and immediately sprang into action.

The 29-year-old from England's Hampshire County wanted to get a four-legged friend for some time, but with so many cats in need of a home, she wanted to rescue one. That finally became a reality in February, when a friend mentioned "a free Maine coon from a barn" nearby.

It was an easy decision for Bradley, and that same evening she was on her way to pick her forever friend. "It felt like something that doesn't happen in real life, and I thought that it's never going to happen again, so I went for it," she told Newsweek.

Bradley wasn't certain where the cats came from or why the previous owner had so many. All she knew was that he was moving to a new country and couldn't take them all. It was difficult to pick out just one of the eight cats, but Bradley instantly felt a connection with one of the boys in particular, and her decision became much easier. Now, her home feels complete with the addition of Jean-Michel.

"It was nerve-wracking to choose a cat on the spot. It's a big choice to make, as cats can live for 15 or even 20 years, and I wish I could have taken all of them, but my house is not that big," Bradley said.

"Unfortunately, they weren't all in good health. Jean-Michel had an eye infection when I picked him up, and he'll need an operation on a hernia in the future. But he needed a home and to be taken care of. Vet bills can be stressful, but I'm really glad I was able to get him the help he needed."

Bradley took Jean-Michel to the vet's office, where it was estimated that he's around a year old. At first, she wasn't aware of how large Maine coons can be, but they are known for being larger than the average cat.

Purina's website suggests that they can weigh up to around 18 pounds in some instances. They can be an excellent choice for a first-time cat owner, as they are good with families, can be left alone, are suitable for busy households and are very active, the site says.

At first, Bradley thought that her pet might need some time to adjust to his new forever home, but he settled in almost immediately. Now he's "treated like a furry prince" every day and loves to sleep in Bradley's bed by her side.

"He's settled in incredibly quickly, and I wonder if that's because his new home is way more relaxing than the barn. He's super playful and loves lasers and catnip mice. I couldn't ask for a sweeter or more loving cat," she said.

Social Media's Reaction

Given her excitement, Bradley shared a hilarious video on Instagram (@harrythegirl) to document the unusual circumstances that led to her "rescuing a cat from a barn." Since the clip was posted on February 19, it has been viewed more than 648,000 times and gained over 36,000 likes.

After the clip went viral, Bradley has been delighted by the "encouraging comments and nice messages" from people, who have also provided plenty of advice.

"A couple of times I've posted about something I've been struggling with, and people have immediately pulled through with recommendations and suggestions of things that helped them in the past. I want to say thank you to everyone who's been so supportive. Jean-Michel loves the fame and is planning his career as an influencer now," Bradley said.

With over 580 comments on the Instagram post, many people were amazed by Jean-Michel's unusual adoption story. One reads: "One thing I have to tell you is that barn cats will love you till the very end, they are the best thing ever to exist."

Another wrote: "You will be best buds in no time. Just remember, he's been living in a barn. They are really gentle giants."

Another Instagram user responded: "Amazing selection of barn cats."

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