When you first acquire your kitten the breeder who sold it to you will sometimes ask you to sign an agreement saying you will keep the cat Strictly indoors, and it is believed that indoor cats actually live longer and healthier lives.
As with everything in life, this thinking is not universal, and many people believe that by keeping your cat indoors you are depriving it of that sense of freedom. This of course is partly true but happily there is a way around it. You simply need to think outside the box and work out ways of bringing the outdoors, Indoors.
Start with your cats 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 dont 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 cats paws touch the grass often! Being outdoors isnt harmful. Being outdoors unattended and unrestrained is harmful. Get a good harness and leash, and train your cat to it.
Of course at first your cat may not be all that keen on using a harness and leash but persist with it and very soon he will associate the harness and lease with having a good time outdoors. And when you go out just remember that your cat may not necessarily want to walk. He may want to just stand or sit around and enjoy the grass or even roll around.
The last thing that we want is your maine coon to feel bored by being indoors. We all know that cats big and small have a natural instinct to go hunting so make sure he has the opportunity to do so. Pop along to your local pet store and see if there are any toys that you can buy which will enable him to use his natural abilities to the full.
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 dont climb straight up very often, but are happy to work their way up at an angle, and this is good exercise for them.
Now I am sometimes asked if it is being unkind to keep your cat indoors and I my reply is always the same that no, it isn't. Your cat was almost certainly born in the house or in a barn, and they just don't know the difference, and as long as you are constantly keeping them amused In some way they will be more than happy to stay indoors and enjoy all the benefits.
As with everything in life, this thinking is not universal, and many people believe that by keeping your cat indoors you are depriving it of that sense of freedom. This of course is partly true but happily there is a way around it. You simply need to think outside the box and work out ways of bringing the outdoors, Indoors.
Start with your cats 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 dont 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 cats paws touch the grass often! Being outdoors isnt harmful. Being outdoors unattended and unrestrained is harmful. Get a good harness and leash, and train your cat to it.
Of course at first your cat may not be all that keen on using a harness and leash but persist with it and very soon he will associate the harness and lease with having a good time outdoors. And when you go out just remember that your cat may not necessarily want to walk. He may want to just stand or sit around and enjoy the grass or even roll around.
The last thing that we want is your maine coon to feel bored by being indoors. We all know that cats big and small have a natural instinct to go hunting so make sure he has the opportunity to do so. Pop along to your local pet store and see if there are any toys that you can buy which will enable him to use his natural abilities to the full.
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 dont climb straight up very often, but are happy to work their way up at an angle, and this is good exercise for them.
Now I am sometimes asked if it is being unkind to keep your cat indoors and I my reply is always the same that no, it isn't. Your cat was almost certainly born in the house or in a barn, and they just don't know the difference, and as long as you are constantly keeping them amused In some way they will be more than happy to stay indoors and enjoy all the benefits.
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