Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate your help and advice!

I have a lot to think about and consider.

This may seem like an odd question... do you think that Maine Coons have a higher risk of being stolen than a domestic short hair? Do you (Maine Coon owners) tend to keep them as indoor cats or do you let them outdoors? I'm not sure I like the idea of an indoor only cat...

Also, Allison... you mentioned that they were similar to dogs - in what way? Are they quite intelligent?