Do your Maine Coons go out?

[ocelot41]

We adopted a lovely MC 8 months ago - she is 4 and a half. We are told she's always been an indoors cat and we are lucky enough to have a large house, so lots of space for her to explore.

But now spring is here, she has taken to sitting on the mat and calling to be let out. She's lead trained (by her previous owner) so gets taken for 'walkies' once a day. I think she would like more outdoor time but we live two blocks from a busy road so my concern is she would have a car accident. She's such a beautiful puss there's also a risk that someone would steal her.

Because of trees in my garden it would be expensive and unsightly (neighbours not keen) to cat proof and it isn't a big garden anyway. What do you all think? Should I let her out or just keep taking her for outside time? Torn. I don't want to be mean to her by keeping her in when she would like to go out, but she won't be at all street smart.

How about building a catio? Sort of like a cross between an aviary (for cats) and a conservatory. Won't be the eyesore of cat proofing the entire garden, she gets more outside time but safe from cars, aggressive local cats, accidents etc.

Sadly, not really enough space in garden to do that (small garden) and wouldn't work with the back of the house as floor to ceiling windows.

And good point about aggressive cats: she tends to be scared of other cats, which is one of the reasons she was housed separately from the other cats she had been living with. She's a big softie - easily bullied!

Your cats safety’s way more important than what the neighbours think.

Both my cats are indoors - we have a standard moggie and a Maine coon. Our house backs on to a 60mph road and no way do either of them have the common sense to dodge cars and stay safe. I see so many accidents on those roads as it is!

However they do go in the garden when we're out there and have a bit of an explore. Neither of them seem to want to go any further - they're both wimps!

I think it would be irresponsible under the circumstances to allow her to roam freely outside. You have listed several reasons why it would be dangerous.

I'd definitely talk to one of the cat proofing companies about a catio, they have all kinds of solutions that could work with your windows etc.

I have 3 maine coons and a moggy. They are mainly indoor cats but when we are in the garden in the summer they come out and sit with us. My boy likes to like sit on the front to get attention from local kids!
My maine coons are 9, 10 and 12 though so not up for roaming anymore but they have always been homebodies. They just like keeping us company in the garden. I dont let them out on their own though. One would def get pinched (silver tabby), one would prob be shot by local farmers as a wildcat (hes huge) and the other isnt very bright so would get lost!

I had a Maine coon, I only ever let her out supervised, she was the best cat I've ever had, I miss her so much :(

I have a small garden. About 15ft wide by about 30ft long. I used Katzecure to cat proof it. Isn't unsightly and they can work around trees to prevent escape.

DIY install too if you want. Best thing I ever did

I have a enclosure for my fella and I also let him in the garden when I can keep an eye on him

folly Katzecure does indeed look ok - not the concentration camp look at all! Does it really work to keep your cats in?

She would probably be fine with spending time in the garden with you. MCs are so easy going I'd be surprised if she protested.

Great to hear she's doing well OP. I've been wondering how she's been doing. I still think of her owner often.

She's an absolute poppet Toddler, and very well loved. How are your brood?