When you first take possession of your new Maine Coon cat the person who sold it to you may ask you to sign an agreement saying that you will keep the cat indoors and the reason for this is that it is believed that indoor cats actually live longer and healthier lives.
Many people dont 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.
So let's start looking at things through a cat's eyes. To begin with you have probably got a window ledge in your house upon which your cat can sit, and they will probably do this hour after hour simply watching what is going on. But if you don't feel that this is quite enough then there is an alternative option.
The second possibility is that you might have a screened porch or a porch that you can put a screen around. This will enable your maine coon to have a good view of the world and to enjoy the fresh air. Just make sure that there is no way he can jump over the screen and get out. Perhaps you could provide a pet door back into the house for him.
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.
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 doesnt 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 wont mind a harness and leash at all.
It is important that your cat does not feel he is leading a boring life by being indoors. We all know that cats have a natural instinct to hunt and search out things so give him the opportunity to do so. Go to your local pet store and buy some toys that make him feel he is chasing some prey and thereby using his natural talents.
Last of all it goes without saying that you must make sure you're providing the same nutrition and exercise opportunities in doors that are available to cats outdoors. Ask your pet store as to what food is specific for indoor cats or for actual maine coon cats. Perhaps you could even buy or build a small tree house, something which will give them a bit of exercise and a bit of fun getting to.
Now let me just say as we finish that keeping your maine coon indoors is not being unkind to them. Your cat was almost certainly born indoors and doesn't know the difference between indoors and outdoors, and as long as you work at bringing the outdoors indoors, you'll find your cat is extremely happy and still able to enjoy all the indoor benefits.
Many people dont 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.
So let's start looking at things through a cat's eyes. To begin with you have probably got a window ledge in your house upon which your cat can sit, and they will probably do this hour after hour simply watching what is going on. But if you don't feel that this is quite enough then there is an alternative option.
The second possibility is that you might have a screened porch or a porch that you can put a screen around. This will enable your maine coon to have a good view of the world and to enjoy the fresh air. Just make sure that there is no way he can jump over the screen and get out. Perhaps you could provide a pet door back into the house for him.
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.
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 doesnt 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 wont mind a harness and leash at all.
It is important that your cat does not feel he is leading a boring life by being indoors. We all know that cats have a natural instinct to hunt and search out things so give him the opportunity to do so. Go to your local pet store and buy some toys that make him feel he is chasing some prey and thereby using his natural talents.
Last of all it goes without saying that you must make sure you're providing the same nutrition and exercise opportunities in doors that are available to cats outdoors. Ask your pet store as to what food is specific for indoor cats or for actual maine coon cats. Perhaps you could even buy or build a small tree house, something which will give them a bit of exercise and a bit of fun getting to.
Now let me just say as we finish that keeping your maine coon indoors is not being unkind to them. Your cat was almost certainly born indoors and doesn't know the difference between indoors and outdoors, and as long as you work at bringing the outdoors indoors, you'll find your cat is extremely happy and still able to enjoy all the indoor benefits.
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