I've always struggled with the indoor/outdoor debate so have had a good think this evening and have come up with this analogy..

I guess if its cruel depends on circumstance really.

For me personally I think it would be cruel to keep the cats I have in. Loadsa grass outside. They are moggies. Not many cats around the neighborhood. Also I have a house full.

However if I lived on a busy road with a persian (or even anycat!) it would be cruel to let them out.

So I guess circumstance plays a big role in your descision but I guess we already worked that one out

Maybe you could contact some other owners of maine coon cats through the main coon breeders club and see what they do with their cats?

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If I am sitting on it then it is mine.
If it is shiny then it is mine.
If I am eating it then it is mine.
If it makes an interesting sound such a tinkle or a crinkle then it is obviously mine.
If my velvet paw is on it then it is mine.
If I have scratched it, it most definatly is mine.
and finally.. if it is yours it most certainly is mine mine MINE !!
The gospel according to Nefertiti

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I would not let either of my coonies out no way!

After helping a cat (moggie) that had been hit by car and its head was bleedng fitting in my arms as the other driver drove of. With kids laughing at iti n the street.

I also know another Coonie who has been stolen recently out of a front garden.

I would not let my cat outside. Thye have no common sense and would run across the road for duss of soemone. I cant imagine ging outside and finding them hurt or worse never knowing either way. Makes me sick just thinking about it.

Remember a cat can go for miles a day he wont stay in your culdesac

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Jemahan Tinkerbell's Magic

We have three moggies that are all kept indoors as we live near a very busy main road. What we have done is to come off of our conservatory with a "cat tunnel" this runs for 23' down to their cat house and run. Their house has heating and lighting so they are perfectly happy. Having a cat house and run in your garden allows your cats to have the best of both worlds without any of the dangers of roaming free.

Grange Pet Centre

Even having indoor cats from kittens they have a curiosity and an urge to go outside.

I do have an outdoor pen for them and I do take them out on their harnesses but they will bolt for the door given the opportunity.

Some may say I'm being cruel stopping them from roaming free, I don't think so, I live on a main road not to mention other dangers.

I have two DSHs and a Ragdoll.

Sue

Ive got 17 cats including a Mainecoon boy and my garden is cat proofed as I had problems with my cats free roaming in the past(mainly shot or kicked)
It really depends how big your garden is. Mine is sectioned off one part for us and the cats and one part for the dogs which runs round the outside of the pretty bit. We have climbing poles an apple tree,pond and an outdoor scratcher

What can I say?! WOW!!!

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Enzo - Maine Coon (Jemahan Enzo)

Three of our four moggies won't even go out at this time of the year and if they do it's only for 5 minutes and they're at the back door again.

Our Bengals aren't allowed out but as has been said, as long as they have stimulation I don't consider this to be cruel.

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http://www.elmstarbengals.co.uk



Our darling Foxy is now at Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. little one, you'll always be loved.

OK

MCs are bred from farm cats. That is what their ancestors were.

As to stealing - well I suppose if you live in a neighbourhood where that is prevalent then keep them in or cat proof.

I have 2 MCs. Both adopted (but pure bred GCCF registered). Both kept in by breeder with a cat run. I have decided - after a thorough risk assessment - to let out. Both cats love it. But the environment is safe and risks minimal. I keep in during the dark hours.

You have to risk assess. If I lived in another part of my town I would cat proof. having said that, a colleague has a ped persian who goes out and they are on a busy junction (I mean the corner of) and persian is fine.

You also have to assess how you would react if your cat went missing/was killed. I think a lotof owners really cannot see themselves handling this. Therefore keep the cat as an indoor cat but don't tease it with 'outings'.