Atlas is a solid black Maine Coon boy raised at Coonspire. Even when he was still quite young, he already had a strong frame, heavy paws, and a noticeably broad look for his age. His coat was a deep, even black, although it could appear slightly softer or warmer in direct sunlight. He was the first solid black kitten born in our program, so we naturally took far too many pictures of him.

Atlas was very straightforward about what he wanted. If he saw someone sitting on the floor, he would usually walk over and make himself part of whatever they were doing. He did not spend much time deciding whether he should approach, and he was never especially concerned about personal space. If another kitten was already sitting in the best spot, Atlas would simply squeeze himself in beside them.

He was playful, but not in a restless way. Most of the time, he wanted to be involved rather than running around by himself. He liked following people, investigating anything being handled, and occasionally getting in the way. As his body grew, he went through a slightly awkward stage where his paws seemed too large for the rest of him, which only made him more endearing. What we remember most about Atlas is how naturally he included himself in everyday life—he never acted as though he needed an invitation.