Is it alright to keep a Maine Coon in a small cabin if it gets outside a lot?

I’m thinking way ahead here. I have no cabin or land yet. I plan to build a small cabin under 200 sq ft to live in while I build a house on the same property. I would not be traveling for work or any other reason much at all. I have heard people take their Maine coon’s with them on many adventures and that’s what I would like to do. I would like to take it with me most times I leave the property. I can spend most of my time with it and that’s what I’m looking for, a dog-like cat.

I grew up with cats and I absolutely love them and miss having one. It’s been a long time. I think I’ll be lonely in this cabin and it’s probably going to take a long time to build this house. I was also thinking I could find a neighbor I trust to take the cat on the rare occasion I can’t bring it with me.

It would go out with me pretty much all the time I’m outside on the property. I could build a large fenced in area around the cabin (for a garden too) where it could be outside when I’m inside(if it wants to, I know they like being around people usually). I also plan on building a shed before I would get it. I could even build a greenhouse before getting it so we have some other indoor places to go for longer periods in winter. I also may spend much of winter with my parents, which is a large enough house.

I keep hearing that Maine coons need to live in large houses. I’m wondering if all of this would make up for that. It would still be stuck inside all night I suppose.  I’m not paranoid about watching it all the time like I see a lot of Maine coon owners are. I’m more concerned about the cat’s mental health than it’s safety or fear of losing it. I think people and animals have the right to take risks to enjoy life more instead of worrying about the ‘what if’ stuff.

Does this sound like I would be treating the cat well or is there something I’m missing? I’ve never had a Maine coon, but everything I read and watch about them seems like what I’m looking for.

I have read that they are good lap cats and like to have room to play.

They also need regular brushing.

Since I have not had one I don't know how much they shed.

Our cat looks to be short-haired though she sheds a lot of long hair.

I never realized that owning a cat would make me look like I have a fur coat.

Our Maine Coon lived with us in an 8x10 tent for maybe 8 weeks or more.  The only problem was it learned how to unzip the tent to let itself out, but it would not close the zipper.

John F Dean wrote: The only problem was it learned how to unzip the tent to let itself out, but it would not close the zipper.

See, that is just rude! That is why I'm a dog guy. :)

Kevin,

I had a Main Coon for 10 years.  It was perhaps the most affectionate cat I have ever had.  It actually behaved more like a Labrador Retriever dog than a typical cat.  It loved lap-time.  Ours was fine as long as it had a scratching post and a sunny window.  Of course we let ours outside.  He was a great cat and we miss him.  I definitely recommend one and I think that you will be fine with the cabin as long as the cat gets some outside time.

Eric

Eric and John, I’m glad to know about your experience with them and that it should be ok. The tent thing is something I had considered(not the cat opening it, but living with it in a tent for several weeks).

I’m also interested in Siberian forest cats and Norwegian forest cats, which are very similar from what I read. I heard that one of them is likely the ancestor of the Maine coon. I actually like the look of the Norwegian ones the most out of all three types. Plus, they aren’t quite as big.

The Siberians are hypoallergenic and the Norwegians have an allergy count on the lower side, whereas the Maine coon is hyper allergenic. Something to consider for other people who may be around the cat. Also, with all my health issues I worry of developing new allergies. I seem to be accumulating new sensitivities as I get older.

Thanks for the approval and recommendation Eric. The idea of having one of these cats is uplifting my spirit.

Animals need love far more than they need space, within reason.  As long as the cat gets time to be outside too, it will be fine.

This isn't an anti-cat post, we have 13 ourselves with the new one we just got because some giant steaming heap of shit threw it out of a car window onto the road to be killed.  I'm just curious, why a cat rather than a dog?  As I said, we have both, but I find dogs to be far better traveling and adventure companions.  Both can, of course, be great company and great friends, just curious why you want to go cat instead of dog?

They will be fine.  Cats are very adaptable.  Had Maine Coons for 2 decades.  More peace loving,  Less lap cats and more want to sit right beside you and hold basically "hold hands"  They really want companionship but because of the quality fur coat don't like the heat that goes with things.

Trace Oswald wrote:Animals need love far more than they need space, within reason.  As long as the cat gets time to be outside too, it will be fine.

This isn't an anti-cat post, we have 13 ourselves with the new one we just got because some giant steaming heap of shit threw it out of a car window onto the road to be killed.  I'm just curious, why a cat rather than a dog?  As I said, we have both, but I find dogs to be far better traveling and adventure companions.  Both can, of course, be great company and great friends, just curious why you want to go cat instead of dog?

I was waiting for someone to ask this…
1) I simply love cats and desperately miss having one

2) I’d like a dog also, eventually. However, I’ve never had one. We didn’t have them growing up. The idea of getting one intimidates me a bit. I’d like to start with something familiar since it’s been a long time since I’ve had a pet.

3) I started deer hunting a few years ago, but shortly after I became so ill that I haven’t hunted since. I loved it. I really want to try upland and waterfowl hunting. See which(if not both) appeals to me. Then get the dog for the job. Or, maybe neither will appeal to me strongly enough to get a dog for hunting.

4) I don’t know if I’ll want some kind of farm dog yet. Maybe I’ll want a dog to protect livestock. I’m not sure what I even want to grow yet because my diet fluctuates wildly the last few years due to experimentations for my health. Whatever diet I settle on will determine what I grow, what kind of animals I may have, etc. For example, I said I loved hunting. But I’d give up hunting in a heartbeat if a vegan diet fixed my health issues.

C. Letellier, nice to know you and Trace also think my plan is alright. Thanks to both of you for your input.

Once you finally make the decision to get a dog, I hear blue heeler's are the best breed for the kind of activities you are into!....

:-)

The picture above indirectly creates some concern.  I notice the OP refers to a Maine Coon and not a Maine Coon Cat.

I’m not sure about a blue heeler…especially the one that photo. I may want poultry instead of livestock. All depends on my diet. But I’m thinking at the moment ducks and geese. And for a dog, a golden retriever.

Hi, Kevin! Only as an fyi - poultry are considered livestock - just 'small livestock'. Still very much worth protecting.

Kevin David wrote:

Trace Oswald wrote:Animals need love far more than they need space, within reason.  As long as the cat gets time to be outside too, it will be fine.

This isn't an anti-cat post, we have 13 ourselves with the new one we just got because some giant steaming heap of shit threw it out of a car window onto the road to be killed.  I'm just curious, why a cat rather than a dog?  As I said, we have both, but I find dogs to be far better traveling and adventure companions.  Both can, of course, be great company and great friends, just curious why you want to go cat instead of dog?

I was waiting for someone to ask this…
1) I simply love cats and desperately miss having one

2) I’d like a dog also, eventually. However, I’ve never had one. We didn’t have them growing up. The idea of getting one intimidates me a bit. I’d like to start with something familiar since it’s been a long time since I’ve had a pet.

3) I started deer hunting a few years ago, but shortly after I became so ill that I haven’t hunted since. I loved it. I really want to try upland and waterfowl hunting. See which(if not both) appeals to me. Then get the dog for the job. Or, maybe neither will appeal to me strongly enough to get a dog for hunting.

4) I don’t know if I’ll want some kind of farm dog yet. Maybe I’ll want a dog to protect livestock. I’m not sure what I even want to grow yet because my diet fluctuates wildly the last few years due to experimentations for my health. Whatever diet I settle on will determine what I grow, what kind of animals I may have, etc. For example, I said I loved hunting. But I’d give up hunting in a heartbeat if a vegan diet fixed my health issues.

C. Letellier, nice to know you and Trace also think my plan is alright. Thanks to both of you for your input.

I would recommend looking at Forks Over Knives, which can be found online. The way of eating it shows helps with so many health issues, I have been vegan over ten years, most of those with this way I found to be really healthy.