The Catio: Why Your Maine Coon Needs Outdoor Access (Safely)#

The debate rages on: Should Maine Coons be allowed outside?

The “Free Roam” Camp: “It’s natural! They are barn cats!”
The “Indoor Only” Camp: “Cars! Coyotes! Theft!”

I fall firmly in the middle: Controlled Outdoor Access. Maine Coons are expensive, distinct-looking, and friendly. This makes them a prime target for theft. If you let a $2,500 cat roam the neighborhood, someone will pick it up. Plus, their large size does not protect them from cars or loose dogs.

The solution? The Catio (Cat Patio).

What is a Catio?#

It is a screened-in enclosure (like a chicken coop for cats) attached to a window or door.

Enrichment: It gives them the smells, sounds, and breeze of the outdoors without the risk of death.
Bird Watching: It is “Cat TV” in 4K resolution.

A Maine Coon relaxing in a custom built outdoor catio enclosure — A Catio provides the sensory enrichment of the outdoors with zero risk of theft or injury.

Why Maine Coons Specifically Need This#

Overheating: My house gets hot. The Catio allows them to lay on cool concrete or in the shade.
Boredom: A bored Maine Coon destroys furniture. 30 minutes in a Catio watching squirrels resets their brain.
Space: They are big animals. A Catio adds vertical square footage to your home.

DIY vs. Buying#

The DIY Route: If you are handy, you can build one with 2x4s and “hardware cloth” (wire mesh). Note: Do not use chicken wire; a determined raccoon can chew through it.
The “Pre-Fab” Route: You can buy large dog kennels or wooden chicken coops and adapt them.
Window Boxes: If you live in an apartment, a small window-box extension is enough to let them sniff the air.

Safety Check#

Roofing: It must have a roof. Maine Coons are climbers. They will scale the mesh and escape if it’s open-top.
Flooring: Ensure the ground is secure so nothing can dig in (like a coyote or fox).
Locks: Put a padlock on the door. Again—cat theft is real.

Conclusion#

Building a Catio was the best investment I ever made for Atticus and Penelope. They spend 4-5 hours a day out there when the weather is nice. They are safe, they are happy, and my furniture is safe from bored claws.

Resources & Further Reading#

Catio Spaces: DIY Plans and Inspiration.
The Humane Society: Catios and Outdoor Safety.