Maine Coon Cats Going Outside

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

What do you think about Maine Coon cats going outside? What about dangers such as getting lost or stolen? These are common concerns.

Here are our community questions and answers related to cats going outside. Just scroll down to read more about:

• "Is It Ok To Let Him Outside?"
• "Is my Maine Coon Cat happy to be a house cat?"
• "Can I let my Maine Coon go outside?"
• "Help! Do Maine Coons Go Off For A Few Days?"
• "I am considering getting a Maine Coon...If I choose to Not let it outside will it hurt this breed?"

Is It Ok To Let Him Outside?

by: Brady
(Ohio)

Hello my Maine Coon is about 7 to 8 months old and every time I or my girlfriend open the door he tries to run out.

Is it okay to let him out and run around or will he get lost and not come back?

Reply:
Hi Brady,

Have you read our page on letting cats outside?

Essentially it's your decision. I can't tell you whether or not your boy will get lost (or worse), but it is of course possible.

Many Maine Coon owners opt to leash train their cat. The Lupine Harnesses are popular among Coonie owners for their adjustable size, quality, and cute designs.

Or, you could look into an outdoor cat enclosure (catio).

A third product that brings peace of mind for cats going outside is a Pet Loc8tor. It has some terrific reviews.

Most, if not all, Maine Coon breeders are firm in their stand that the kittens they place must be kept indoors. Personally, I am planning to enjoy many more years with my two.

I never worry that they may go out and not return. We live in a wooded area, and our Coonies are totally dependent on us for their security.

Just remember that most youngsters will try to slip out like you described. It may last a couple of years, but they do give up!

Although the official stand is that Maine Coons should be indoor cats, it is a cat owners choice. There are also cat owners who do let their cats out.

They feel, based on their location, circumstances, cat's personality, and other factors that Maine Coon cats going outside is all right in their situation.

All The Best,
Carrie

Comments:

Cat Outdoors?
by: Dale
We ordered and installed a 'Cat Fence-In System' 10 years ago and now wonder how we ever let our cats run at-large. The cat enclosures offered on this site are also good choices.

Before we 'got smart' about our cat's safety we lost 2 wonderful pets to road deaths.

Don't let your beloved pet run loose...it counts on you as an intelligent owner/parent to do what's best for it's safety.

Comment about pet enclosures
by: Sharon
I live in coastal ME and there is plenty of wildlife that would find a coon cat a very pleasant meal even in the village of our little town of 900.

Many of the commercial cat enclosures will only keep them enclosed ... not protect them from wildlife like fox, fisher, coyote, bear and birds of prey.

We opted for a chain link 10 x 10 x 6' kennel that has a reinforced shade cloth cable tied over the top.

A predator could not get through the chain link and the shade cloth protects them from birds of prey and from the sun. We would never consider anything less substantial.

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Is my Maine Coon Cat Lenny happy to be a house cat?

by: David Houlis
(England)

We have started letting Lenny out in our back yard because we thought he was unhappy because he had excess energy the he couldn't burn off.

He started of tentatively but he has now become braver & we are afraid that he may wander off. Do you know if he is happy to be kept in, he does purr a lot & sleeps in comfort a lot.

Thank you
David

Reply:
Hi David,

I think Lenny is perfectly happy in the house. Now that he has been exposed to the outdoors, though, you can expect him to crave it even more.

If he hasn't already, he'll be meowing at the door to be let out at all hours. The question above yours has some suggestions for cats going outside safely.

But to answer your particular question about happiness: Maine Coons (and any cat actually!) can live a very full, fulfilled, and happy life indoors. They don't need to go out to be happy.

All The Best,
Carrie

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Maine Coon Cats Going Outside?

Are Maine Coons at risk of being stolen if their let out? Are they supposed to be let outside?

Reply:
Hi there,

Good question. Cats going outside is always a hot topic, and the subject of a Maine Coon being stolen adds a whole new element to it.

To answer your first question, technically anything of value, when left unattended, is at risk of being stolen.

When I had one of my first conversations with our cats breeder, over the phone, he brought up the fact that we would be expected to always keep our Maine Coons as indoor cats.

To this day, we've honored the agreement. I just figured he knew what's best, and of course since then I've learned a lot about the dangers of cats going outside.

At the time of our conversation, our breeder explained to me that our kittens would be at risk of many dangers, from getting lost, to being in a cat or dog fight, to being attacked by a wild animal, getting hit by a car, catching a disease, or even being stolen!

I was shocked. I hadn't thought of that one. He assured me that it does happen, though.

They are valuable, and friendly to strangers. Someone might just be tempted to keep such a beauty.

When our cats were little they went to get spayed and neutered. The vet recommended they be micro-chipped as well.

This would provide proof that they were mine if they were ever lost or stolen. So, it does happen.

I would think that the risk, realistically, is not huge. I'm the type who tends to have faith in human nature, and I trust that most folks are honest.

But it can happen. That, along with all the other risks and dangers, is enough for me to keep my two in the house. They are totally happy and healthy.

To answer your second question, no, Maine Coon cats do not have to go outside. On the contrary, indoor cats lead longer, healthier lives by far.

Those other dangers with cats going outside that we touched on are very common and reason enough to keep cats indoors.

It is much more likely that a Maine Coon will succumb to one of the other common dangers outside than be stolen.

For more on the subject, check out our page on letting cats outside.

Thanks for bring up an interesting thought when it comes to Maine Coon cats going outside.

~Carrie

Reader Comments:

Maine Coon cats going outside?
It depends on where you live. I live two blocks from a busy street so I'm not worried about my cat being struck. Also, my neighbors adore my cat.

It also depends on the disposition of your neighbors. Do they like cats? Are there any kids nearby who may bring harm to your cat? Do you live in the woods?

Are there wild animals who may attack your cat? A lot of people don't realize that owls have a habit of snatching small animals, especially kittens.

I live on a half acre in a suburb and there is not much traffic on our street.

Also, I have a special "cat door" on my rear kitchen window so my cat can come and go as she pleases.

Finally, my cat is trained to stay off the road and tends to visit our neighbor's cat during dusk and dawn. Other times, she just sleeps inside my home.

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Help! Do Maine Coons Go Off For A Few Days Without Coming Home?

Hi, haven't seen my male Maine Coon for five days now and just wondered if they were prone to going off hunting or something for a few days.

He is one year old neutered nocturnal cat. Sleeps inside all day and goes out every night always the same routine.

We live in a very secluded location and he would have to travel one and a half kilometers to get to the nearest road which is a quiet one. Thanks

Reply
Hi,

No, Maine Coons are not prone to leaving for a few days and returning, I'm sorry.

I've heard a few stories in the past of cats going outside, disappearing for weeks and coming home, thinner. They can get lost, or stuck in a garage, etc.

In the city, dangers include cars & streets, fighting with other cats or dogs, and even being stolen for their good looks.

In a rural area like yours and mine, risks to cats going outsideinclude predators in the woods, as well as the possibility of getting lost. My relatives who let their cats outdoors always make sure they come in at dusk/dinnertime.

I do hope he comes back, it is possible. Make sure to call a few rescue centers in your area. Someone might have found him and taken him there.

Best Wishes,
Carrie

Reader Comments:

Wanderlust & Microchipping
by: Gail (Quincy, MA, USA)
I'm hoping your precious little one also comes back home, but I am hoping (for kitty's sake) that he/she has been microchipped.

In the event the cat is found by someone with a scanner(animal control, vet, shelters, etc.), they will scan the cat looking for the microchip.

They will then call the owner to let them know they've got the cat.

In the event of theft, if the cat's chipped and the thief tries to pass the cat off as their own, they will be caught or at the very least, will be investigated as to why the chip belongs to someone else.

Coming Home
by: Kim
Try hanging stuff around your yard that has your scent on them. Perhaps your cat will pick it up.

Thanks, stilll no sign
Thanks for all your comments. Still no sign. Contacted all local vets and rescue centres a couple days after he went off. Yes he is microchipped.

To me personally cats should not be kept inside. A lot of owners seem to make excuses and saying that their cats have lots of toys and stuff but to me its wrong.

I would rather let my cats out knowing that harm may come to them than keeping them trapped in.

We may fool ourselves into believing that our pets are people and just want to be with us and watch tele and stuff but this is wrong.

I believe that if any cat is given the choice it will go outside. I thinks it's awful how people keep birds like parrots e.g. in cages.

This is wrong and they make the excuse that they have toys like mirrors.

To me keeping a cat side is practically the same. Would love to know how others feel about this. Sorry for the spelling.

Still praying to see him again and am more than happy with the life I provided. Would do it again. Thanks. Please comment.

We Disagree
by: Gail (Quincy, MA, USA)
Here is where we disagree. Although most cats love to roam, people have domesticated them to the point where they evolved enough that they are dependent on us - feral cats notwithstanding.

As previously mentioned, rural areas have their own dangers for cats going outside- wild animals like hawks, bear, fox...any number of predators.

Aside from rural areas, a cat could also fall victim to eating/drinking something poisonous like antifreeze, poison vegetation, traps, being run over or even cruelty from sick people.

I don't understand what almost sounds like a callous attitude: "..I would rather let my cats out knowing that harm may come to them than keeping them trapped in.."

If your area is rural, a 'catio' could be constructed so the cat can roam freely but within protected boundaries.

If you'd rather harm come to your cat, please do not get another one, for the safety of future cats.

Try getting a dog instead - at least they come when called. (Don't let them roam unchecked either.)

I live in a suburban area, so different dangers exist. My cat is indoor only; however, she loves being on a cat harness/retractable leash and we go outside together.

When I'm on the back porch with the door wide open, she has no desire to go outside. She just watches what I'm doing and follows me everywhere inside the house.

We spend quality time together, be it brushing that gorgeous fur, playing together, watching TV together or even napping together.

She just loves being around me. She's got loads of room inside and toys and could care less about going out.

She originally came from our no-kill shelter and I adopted her when she was returned twice before.

She knows what it's like being on her own outside and chooses me instead.

I pray that your cat comes back, but if he never does, you may want to re-think your stance on allowing a cat to roam unchecked outside.

Snap! Lily does this too!
by: Jackie
I have just posted about this very thing on the comments section of my page about my cat called Snuffleupagus.

Lily (Snuffleupagus' daughter) disappears for about 4 or 5 days on a regular basis and she always comes back.

She never seems to be overly hungry or stressed so I think she must have another family that she spends that time with.

I would LOVE to know where she goes, it's certainly a mystery, but as long as she continues to come home then I just have to accept it's part of who she is.

It's a while since you posted this, so I can only hope that your kitty has returned to you safe and sound :)

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I am considering getting a Maine Coon...If I choose to Not let it outside will it hurt this breed?

The Maine Coon is one of the breeds I am considering getting. I adore cats, and I like what I read about this breed.

But, I am not much of a fan of letting my cat outdoors for different reasons. I really need to know if this will be harmful to this breed in any way.

Reply:
Hi!

It's great that you ask this! I applaud you for thinking ahead of your future cat's safety and lifestyle. So, here is your answer regarding Maine Coon cats going outside:

Your Maine Coon Cat does not need to go outdoors. On the contrary, he will live a longer, healthier live in the house with you.

Nearly all veterinarians and Maine Coon cat breeders are taking this position, too!

It's a myth that these cats (though they are robust!) are more "wild" or "hunters" etc, and need to go outdoors due to their breed being big and evolving outdoors many generations ago.

If you get a kitten from a breeder, he will ask for your word, perhaps in writing, that you will not let your Maine Coon outdoors, and that you will not declaw your Maine Coon.

I hope that puts your mind at rest! If you do get a Maine Coon, he should be an indoor cat!

Good luck with whatever breed you choose!
~Carrie

Comments:

Getting a Maine Coon
Hi, there just want to say i have two Maine Coons that live happily in doors as long as you keep them active.

I invested in a floor to ceiling cat tower and plenty of interactive toys and plenty or tlc.

They are a cat that think their a dog and interested in everything you do please do you home work on the breeder as there is a recognized problem hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

We sadly lost our first just before his 2nd birthday and will never get over this. It was such a shock.

My breeder was fantastic had the parents tested and we now have a brother and sister from two negatives just had their yearly test and jabs and all A ok.

Hope this as helped and not scared you they really are a wonder and add great value to all the family. All the best

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