Indoor Maine Coons Who Still Want Out

How do Maine Coon owners balance keeping their cats indoors with their desire to explore outside?

Keeping a Maine Coon indoors doesn't mean every Coonie feels the same way about the great outdoors.

Some are perfectly content watching the world through a window, while others seem determined to investigate what's on the other side of the door.

Over the years, readers have shared all kinds of ways they handle that balance, from catios and screened porches to leash time, secure outdoor spaces and plenty of indoor room to run.

Here are some of their experiences with keeping adventurous Coonies safe while still giving them interesting ways to explore.

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Too Friendly for the Great Outdoors

Two tuxedo brothers, by Darleen Saunders in Sacramento, CA

two black and white tuxedo kitties in baskets.

Our two Maine Coon brothers are definitely indoor boys. We saw early on that they were more lovers than fighters when they never even bothered to flee when strange dogs came into our house for a visit.

two tuxedo cats cuddled up together on a table.

These trusting kitties would sit still and allow any animal to sniff them and not move to higher ground like a normal cat, or better yet retreat under the farthest bed.

So when they would meander outside if a door was left open accidentally we quickly found the nearest garden hose and gave them a slight spray. If they were out of range I would call them and always give them a treat once inside.

I always train my cats to come when called with treats so that I can be sure they are in, or if I need to bring them to the vet. Chumming is way better than chasing!

We have coyotes in our neighborhood and we see sad postings from other neighbors whose cats go “missing” way too often. So our friendly boys have been grounded to the house only.

But not to worry we have loads of room for them and they make use of our long hallways to get their exercise daily.

Editor's note: Darleen's treat recall trick is a gentle way to get cats back inside, and it keeps going out the door from turning into a scary experience. If you have an escape artist at home, start practicing with their favorite treat!

Night Air, Safely Caged in a Catio

Two Coonies, by Donna in Portland, OR

Our two Coonies love their catio! It is built strong enough so that they can be out in the middle of the night - we do not have cougars or bears.

Check out the Cats Safe at Home Catio Tour in Portland, Oregon, held every September by the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and Bird Alliance of Oregon. It is worth a look. Good luck!

Still Plotting Her Escape at 10

Penney's story, by Monica in Central PA

I don't think they "outgrow" the desire to be outside. My Maine Coon is 10 years old and still tries to escape every time she's near when someone opens the door!

Recently Penney got out and was very fast about her getaway. She must've been planning it for a while because it was like she knew exactly how to get around me and out the door! lol

I tried going after her but she was off and running, and we didn't see her again until the next day...

And she didn't come home alone. She brought fleas, and she was kind enough to share them with her doggie brothers!

The flea treatment I'd been using didn't work, so this time I went with Frontline Plus for Cats. That stuff worked great! By the very next day she had no more fleas, thank goodness. She's on the mend now and much happier.

I bet this won't stop her from trying to escape again! 😆

My plan is to set up our giant dog crate on our deck so she can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine but stay safe with us.

Our deck is up very high, so predators won't be coming to get her, and it's right off our kitchen, which is busy all day with family, so she won't be left alone.

Fingers crossed this helps her accept that staying indoors is safer for her and that I'm not being mean by not letting her out! lol

I look forward to reading what others have to say on this subject.

The Escape Artist Under the House

Tink's story, by Sandy in Picayune, MS

tabby with white cat wearing a chewy bandana.

I have a Maine Coon (Tink) that escaped yesterday & went under the house. We had just moved into the house & I was mowing the yard.

Both he & my other cat escaped by pushing open the front door. Of course, Tink led the way & Jenny (my other non Maine Coon cat), followed. I was able to get Jenny in by calling to her.

But Tink (Maine Coon) stayed forever under the house, scared by the mowers. When he finally came out I tried to pick him up, but he was so overwhelmed that he growled & tried to bite me. So I had to let him go.

Finally he came in through a door that I left open. He is very stubborn and doesn’t come when called.

I was so relieved he finally came inside I cried. This is not the first time he’s escaped… I call him an escape artist!

But since we’ve just moved he needs to stay inside, too many other feral cats in the neighborhood!

Lizard Patrol at the Porch Door

Lexy's story, by Sally in Ormond Beach, FL

brown tabby in a decorative canvas basket.

My Coonie, Lexy is not a very friendly girl. She doesn't like other cats or people.

She was a rescue. I got her at 4 months from a lady with large dogs. She is 6 yrs old now. She will not allow me to hold her for more than about a minute and that is a stretch. I have tried.

She loves to be petted by me only. She hisses at everyone else. I just started opening the porch door about a foot. She sits inside and runs in and out after lizards. I live in Florida.

She never goes far. I let her do it about once a day for a while. She loves it. Whenever someone or a car pulls up she comes running in to me. She has a doggie door. She is quite a character. I love her so much.

Comments:
All Cat Lover
by: Donna Riese

All cats have their own personality and do what they please. I had a Maine Coon for 13 years, the most perfect cat we ever owned. They are very smart, lovable and will never let you forget them, even after they've gone.

I live in Ormond By The Sea, and we have a screened-in porch. Our newly rescued male always wants to go out, but I limit his visits unless I'm with him. He loves lizards, which are not good for them.

Wish you the best of luck with Lexy. I'm sure she will one day jump on your lap for affection.


What are your thoughts?

Everyone's experience is different! What works for you? Does your cat care about being outside? Do you have any tips or tricks to share regarding leash training or outdoor enclosures?

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MCCN has been online since 2010, following the breed through kittenhood, growth spurts, coat changes, health questions, and everything in between.

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