| Popular in the 1800's, Maine Coon cats were | | | | of fresh water and unfrozen food. Try to find a |
| known as great hunters. The breed evolved with | | | | warm and dry environment. Check your garage |
| characteristics to adapt to harsh winters. Even | | | | for dangerous substances like antifreeze. Kittens |
| Coon kittens have a thick, bushy tail, which is at | | | | may become thirsty and drink the poisonous liquid. |
| least as long as its body; it can create extra | | | | Since kittens look for warm places, they could be |
| warmth by wrapping its tail along its body and | | | | hiding under or near your car's engine, a |
| around its neck. The cats have large paws, which | | | | dangerous hiding place. |
| can be compared to snowshoes. Its coat has two | | | | In the summer, cats need to be monitored for |
| layers and does not sink into snow. With its | | | | skin conditions (which could develop into cancer). |
| appropriate characteristics, the cat could live | | | | Watch your kitten or cat for signs of heat stroke |
| outside. However, most breeders and Maine Coon | | | | or exhaustion. The outdoor environment may |
| Cat associations recommend the cats be raised | | | | seem favorable for a cat to play, but you |
| as indoor cats. | | | | shouldn't leave your kitten or cat in a closed car. |
| It may seem natural or less trouble to raise an | | | | They may develop heat stroke and could die. |
| outdoor cat, but outdoor coon kittens have a | | | | If you would like your Maine Coon cat to go |
| hard and usually shorter life than their indoor | | | | outside, you can always leash train them at a |
| cousins. Living outside, cats must deal with a | | | | young age. Coon kittens will accept a leash and will |
| variety of obstacles and problems, such as | | | | enjoy "hunting" and taking walks. A leash will also |
| exposure to harsh climates, snake bites, car | | | | give them supervision and protection from other |
| accidents, disease from other animals, and people | | | | animals, accidents, or getting lost. |
| who harm outdoor cats. The possibility of rabies | | | | Think about your cat's health and safety, and |
| should be taken seriously, as it threatens the cat's | | | | then decide on whether it should be an outdoor or |
| health and can be transmitted to owners. | | | | inside cat. One advantage is that indoor kittens |
| If you insist on raising your cat outdoors, you | | | | are healthier and live longer. You can provide |
| should take several precautions. To be a | | | | better protection by kitten-proofing the house, |
| responsible pet owner, you should make sure | | | | than allowing the cat to run wild, getting lost, and |
| they are spayed or neutered. Besides the pet | | | | becoming pregnant or injured. |
| overpopulation, unaltered pets tend to fight with | | | | Once you realize the many dangers of outdoor |
| other animals. They are more likely to be injured | | | | living, you'll probably agree that Coon kittens are |
| due to fights with other cats during mating | | | | better if raised as an indoor cat. If your heart is |
| season. They could also become lost when | | | | set on them being outside, make sure you |
| traveling great distances to find a mate. | | | | provide as much protection as possible. |
| If your kitten is outdoors, it needs a stable supple | | | | |