Can You Take Maine Coons For Walks? Oh Yes- Let Me Show You

Can You Take Maine Coons For Walks? Oh Yes- Let Me Show You

Almost every cat owner will never consider walking their cat. The reason? – Cats are considered independent and resist being taken outside on a leash.

Maine Coons are considered ‘dogs of the cat world’ though, so will they happily trot alongside you?

Maine Coons are an ideal breed of cat to take for a walk.

I think it’s great to take your Maine Coon for a long walk in the park or down by the river; I’m always on the lookout for new places and friends along my journey!

Do you have a Maine Coon? Do they like to go for walks?

You may find yourself asking these questions when your furry friend starts eyeing you with an intense stare.

In this blog post, we will answer the question “can you take a Maine Coon on a walk?” and show you some great pictures of our favorite breed walking on leashes!

The ‘Dogs Of The Cat World’ Love A Walking Day Out

The reason I love my Maine Coon, is that she loves traveling to places, and really enjoys being on a lead and outside in the air.

Alita, my Maine Coon, is female and she’s now nearly three years old.

She loves traveling to places, she really enjoys being on the lead outside in the air.

I have taken her for walks down by the river and up into mountains as well!

These are some pictures of Alita taking long walks with me and our other Maine Coons; they love it.

I have been into coffee shops, traveled distances in a car, explored waterfalls, and much more.

I take Alita for long walks along the river, up into mountains where there is a fishing lake. She loves watching the fish come to the surface for thrown-in food pellets.

Reasons Maine Coons Easily Take To Walking On A Lead

I have had other breeds of cats and they seem to slink away when you put them on a lead.

Alita, my Maine Coon, despite being an indoor cat, took to it really easily, having a lead put on her, and being out in the open.

So, why is this?

Why do Maine Coons more easily take to walking on a lead and being out in the open?

The Maine Coon is a breed that was originally bred to be an outside cat. They are not just used as house cats, but they were also used for pest control (like hunting birds).

So it’s in their nature and instinct to love being out of the home at least on walks around the block.

I didn’t need to train her at all, she just instantly took to it and seemed to love it. It seems Maine Coons take to being out and about straight away.

I have no firm data on this but I think it might be because Maine Coons bond with their owners a lot easier than other breeds.

The trust is there naturally with the breed , so being out on a walk is more natural to the Maine Coon. Maine Coons love attention, and they will do anything for it- including taking walks with their owner!

This makes them one of the easiest cats to train because they don’t need treats or rewards; just some time spent bonding with their favorite person.

To illustrate what I mean I have often taken Alita on a car journey and just placed her on the ground after getting out of the car, yet she doesn’t bolt off. She stays where she is and waits for the lead to be placed on her.

When people say that Maine Coons are the ‘dogs of the cat world’ they really aren’t kidding.

Put simply, Maine Coons trust their owners more than other breeds, and perhaps that’s why they are so good at taking veterinary pills when it’s necessary.

Maine Coons are perhaps more curious than other cats as well, that’s why they might follow you around. They are genuinely interested in what you are doing.

Maine Coons it seems are naturally quite adaptive as well. They are good in new surroundings without panicking. I’ve traveled with Alita for many trips and she doesn’t seem phased by anything.

Maine Coons are one of the most interesting and lovable breeds to own, they will be your companion for life. Even when you decide to go out for a day.

Despite being so large in size, Maine Coons have an amazing temperament which makes them perfect companions on a walk to the park or down by a river or lake.

Quick Tips For Walking A Maine Coon

I have a whole article on walking with a Maine Coon, but a few tips seem appropriate.

Firstly, I’d recommend a harness rather than a lead and collar until you both get more confident with going out of the house on a trip.

Don’t be shy in asking for help. If you get nervous or anxious with your Maine Coon around people then ask a friend to come and walk too!

Thirdly, always bring water and snacks on your journey. My cats go crazy when I’m out of the house without them so this is vital if you want the same.

It’s also better to have them with you to entice them back from a particular nook or cranny should you need to.

I’d also recommend perhaps testing the kit out for a while before going out on a walk or trip. Just practice placing the harness on the Maine Coon, and give them a treat.

Try and get the harness and lead associated with positive reinforcement. Place the harness on for longer and longer periods just make them comfortable with it on.

Lastly, I’d recommend initially going to an area rather than a walk. On their first trip out the last thing you want is to have a destination in mind if you encounter a problem.

A park or a coffee shop near a lake is perfect. They can stroll and enjoy their time without a ‘path’ to follow. They can explore on the lead without.

I’d also recommend going where the cat wants to rather than pulling the cat in the direction you do. I pick up Alita and walk with her if she doesn’t seem to want to go where I need her to.

If you have never seen your cat go through this process before I would first recommend taking them out where there will be no pressure to perform, perhaps somewhere familiar.