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Maine Coon Cats
When you get your Maine Coon kitten, the breeder will often have you sign an agreement that you will keep the cat strictly indoors. Over time, we have learned that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.
Many people don’t agree with this, thinking that it deprives the cat of things that he can only gain from being outdoors, where he is free to roam, climb, and chase. But the argument for keeping cats indoors is very strong. Fortunately, there is a compromise. You simply need to bring some elements of the great outdoors indoors for your cat.
Start with your cat’s view of the outside world. Hopefully, you have a window with a nice view, where your cat can perch. If you do, he will spend hours in this location, simply watching what is going on. If you don’t feel like this is enough, and you still feel that you are depriving your cat, there is still another option.
If you have a screened in porch, or a porch that can be screened in, this is ideal for your Maine Coon. He will enjoy the fresh air, and the ability to see everything that is going on. Just make sure that he cannot get off of the porch, and that you provide a pet door for him to go in and out at will. Also note that because he is outdoors, fleas may become more of a problem.
Use a harness and leash, and let your cat’s paws touch the grass often! Being outdoors isn’t harmful. Being outdoors unattended and unrestrained is harmful. Get a good harness and leash, and train your cat to it.
He may not be thrilled with the prospect in the beginning, but he will learn to associate that harness and leash with the great outdoors, and will eventually start seeking you out for a walk. Just remember that a ‘walk’ doesn’t always entail walking. It may entail rolling in the grass – or even eating the grass. Grass is actually beneficial to cats and other animals. If you start when he is a kitten, he won’t mind a harness and leash at all.
Make sure that your cat isn’t bored indoors. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt and investigate. Give him things to do! Purchase toys that enable him to feel like he is chasing prey. Rub new toys in cat nip and hide them in places that your cat can access. Let him use his natural abilities.
Finally, make sure that you are providing the same nutrition and exercise opportunities indoors that are available outdoors. Select food that is specifically for indoor cats – or food that is specific for Maine Coons. Purchase or build a cat tree. Maine Coons don’t climb straight up very often, but are happy to work their way up at an angle, and this is good exercise for them.
Keeping your Maine Coon indoors is not cruel. Ideally, your Maine Coon was born indoors, and doesn’t know anything different. As long as you can bring a little bit of the outdoors indoors, he will be exceedingly happy – and still enjoy all of the indoor cat benefits.
The care and feeding of moon cats
Next Article: The History of the Maine Coon Cat
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