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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 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.

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.

In conclusion it is hardly necessary to say that you must ensure they have all the nutrition and the exercise indoors that the ordinary cat would receive ourdoors. A visit to your local pet store should prove helpful in this area as they can probably advise you on what food is just right for an indoor cat. And on the subject of exercise well how about building them some sort of treehouse or exercise ladder which they can use under supervision?

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.

Tags: Cats

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