Maine Coons are intelligent, curious, and naturally interested in the world around them. It’s completely understandable to question whether outdoor access is right for your cat — particularly with such a large, confident, and people-focused breed.

At Townhill Maine Coons, our kittens are raised indoors from birth and are contracted to live indoors for life, with two carefully considered exceptions:

• a fully secure catio or enclosed outdoor run

• professionally installed Protect-a-Pet fencing, correctly fitted and maintained

This approach allows our cats to enjoy fresh air and enrichment without exposure to unnecessary and avoidable risk.

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Why We Do Not Support Free-Roaming

Our stance is rooted in welfare evidence, longevity data, and well-documented risks associated with outdoor access.

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Road Traffic Accidents and Trauma

Outdoor cats are far more likely to encounter traffic, which is one of the leading causes of death in pet cats. In the UK the most common cause of mortality for cats up to 8 years old is road traffic accidents — accounting for over 45 % of deaths in that age group in a major study. Road traffic incidents can occur in quiet suburban streets — not just on busy roads — and often result in serious or fatal injuries.  Phys.org

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Reduced Lifespan

Cats with unrestricted outdoor access face significantly more hazards that shorten life expectancy. Veterinary sources estimate that cats living indoors in controlled environments can live 10–18 years or more, whereas outdoor-exposed cats tend to have a much shorter average life span due to increased risk of trauma, disease, and predator encounters.

Additionally, UK studies show the average life expectancy of companion cats overall is around 11.7 years, emphasising that safety and care throughout life are key determinants of longevity. 

Source: Forest Hill Animal Hospital — Indoor vs outdoor cat lifespan comparison Forest Hill Animal Hospital

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Prevalence of Outdoor Risks

Surveys of cat owners reveal that safety concerns — especially traffic — are a major reason people choose indoor-only lifestyles. In a global survey of over 5,000 owners, 59 % cited traffic risk as the primary motivation for keeping cats indoors, and 85 % mentioned safety concerns overall.

Even beyond vehicles, outdoor cats are more exposed to:

• collisions with other animals

• attacks from dogs or wildlife

• diseases carried by wild animals or roaming cats 

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Disease and Parasite Exposure

Unrestricted outdoor access greatly increases a cat’s contact with parasites and infectious agents. Outdoor cats have more opportunities to encounter:

• fleas and ticks

• worm infestations

• infectious diseases such as FeLV (feline leukaemia virus) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)
  which indoor cats are far less exposed to. 

Source: PubMed Central — Disease and risk exposure in free-roaming cats  PubMed Central

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Is Indoor Living Unfair?

Not when done with enrichment and structure.

Cats do not need unrestricted outdoor access to live fulfilled lives. What they do need is:

• play and stimulation

• vertical space

• predictable routines

• security and companionship

Maine Coons are deeply people-oriented, and thrive when engaged in a secure, enriched home environment.

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​Secure Catios and Enclosed Runs

A well-designed catio can provide all the benefits of fresh air and sights without the unpredictability of the outside world.

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Protect-a-Pet Fencing

When installed correctly around the entire usable outdoor space, cat-proof fencing can offer safe garden access. However, gaps, gates, and poor installation remain the most common causes of escapes — which is why proper setup is essential.  Protect-a-pet Fencing

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Indoor Living Is Now the Responsible Norm

Keeping cats safely indoors is increasingly common in the UK. Recent welfare data shows 31 % of cats now live indoors only, up from previous years, with many owners choosing safe outdoor enrichment solutions such as catios or cat-proofed gardens.

Sources:  UK cat lifestyle and welfare statistics - PDSA PAW Report  

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Our Outdoor Policy

To protect the kittens we have raised with care, our contract requires:

✔ Indoor living
✔ Secure catio or Protect-a-Pet fencing if outdoor access is provided
✔ Optional supervised harness time once trained 

✖ No free roaming
✖ No unsupervised garden access
✖ No occasional outdoor wandering

This policy is designed to reduce preventable harm and support long, healthy lives.

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A Welfare-Led Decision

Indoor living with secure outdoor enrichment is not restrictive — it is protective.

It significantly reduces the risks of:

• accidental injury or death

• disease and parasite exposure

• theft or permanent loss

At Townhill Maine Coons, our responsibility does not end when a kitten leaves our home. This policy reflects our long-term commitment to every cat we breed and place.

It is written into our contract, but more importantly, it reflects a shared value with our families:

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Safety first. Always.