Maine coon cat, what age to let him out?

Question

how old should i let my cat get b4 i start to let him out? thanks.

Answer 1

The following advice is taken from the Blue Cross animal charity web site. (Cats Protection offer similar advice).

"Your kitten should not be allowed outside until at least a week after finishing the first course of vaccinations (at 13 to 14 weeks old, depending on the vaccine). Choose a dry day (if possible) and a quiet time and accompany your kitten outside, allowing your pet to explore their new environment. Continue to accompany your kitten until they are used to your garden and can find their way back to the house without difficulty. Do not leave your kitten alone outside until after neutering at about five or six months old.

Cats like to come and go as they please, and a cat flap allows them to do this. You can teach your kitten to use a cat flap by propping it open initially and enticing your kitten through with food. Gradually close it so that the kitten learns to push the flap. If you already own a cat which is using the flap, be aware that the kitten may watch and learn to let itself out before you are ready. Kittens learn quickly by watching other cats.

To prevent neighbourhood cats from coming into your house, you can buy a cat flap that is operated by magnetic or electronic keys on your cat’s collar and will only open for your cat."

Letting him outside on an empty stomach, also helps ensure that he won't roam too far, as he won't want to miss out on his next meal. Be sure to keep him in over-night, as that's when road traffic accidents are most likely to occur.

Answer 2

I have a nine month old Maine Coon and I would only let him out if I was with him and watching. Mainly, he stays indoors. Dangers of letting him out include:

1) He could be stolen

2) He could be injured or killed

3) He could go missing.

He's happy indoors with loads of space to run and a huge exercise tower. Please keep yours safe inside ;)

Answer 3

Why are you so anxious to send your cat outside? Don't you like him? Cats are much safer indoors. Outdoors they catch diseases, get injured or killed by cars or abusive people.

In the old days, it was acceptable to let cats roam outside. This is when people were ignorant. In today's environment, it is almost considered inhumane treatment to throw a cat outside unsupervised. I have a 3 y/o maine coon cat and there is no way I would send her outside to fend for herself - I love her too much.

Answer 4

i dont know anything about main coons, i have always had mutts.

if it is a purebred , you probably shouldnt ever let him out, purebreds are bred for show and lose survival instincts.

with other house cats, if mom is still around, and she is inside/outside, she will introduce him to the outside.

if mom is not around, as soon as he can walk, you can bring him outside, supervised. cant be alone until about 1 year old.

he will slowly explore, and learn dangers. needs to learn to use his claws to climb trees and defend himself.

soon, he will be bringing you presents of dead things.

Answer 5

Leaving aside the indoor/outdoor debate (it's really up to you to weigh up how safe your area is and it is also a cultural preference), he should have had his vaccinations before you let him out.  I wouldn't let a cat outdoors that is under 3 months old.

Make sure he has some form of identification - collar, tattoo, microchip etc.

Answer 6

Cats that live indoors live longer, healthier lives. Statistically, the life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas it is only about four years for the outdoor cat. More than 1 million outdoor cats are killed each year by dogs, traffic, and exposure to disease. In the long run, keeping your cat indoors will also save you money in vet bills.

There are many risks that come with letting your cats roam free outside:

- They have a much higher chance of catching diseases and other illnesses such as: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), rabies, tapeworm, ringworm, heart worm, hypothermia and urinary tract infection

- Ingesting chemicals or poisons such as pesticides, home garden products and car/motor products

- Getting fleas or ticks

- Injury/death due to dangerous traffic

- Eating poisonous spiders, insects or plants

- Injury/death due to cruel humans, hunters or neighbors

- Attacks from dogs, other cats or wild animals

- Other accidental injuries

- Getting lost or stolen

Answer 7

Are you talking about letting him outside? Why would you want to? He's safer and just as happy indoors as long as you give him lots of attention.