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.
Now to start with hopefully you’ve got a window ledge inside your house and if you have then this is a great place for your cat to sit and watch the world go by, and this helps them to feel that they are actually almost outside. But if this is not good enough for you then let’s look at the second possibility.
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.
I am sure that your cat would enjoy going for a good walk on the grass and this will not harm them at all. The only thing is you must make sure they have a proper harness and leash and that it is fixed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
