Maine Coons have arguably one of the most beautiful coats in the feline world. Tousled, long and full, these lion-like cats truly have a presence—but how do you take care of all that hair?
If you regularly upkeep the coat, it’s really not that complicated. So, owners of any experience level can maintain a Maine Coon coat with ease. Find out how.
Maine Coon Grooming Requirements
Maine Coons have thick, lush coats. It’s probably one of the reasons why you love them so much. Because they have such dense fur distribution, they require a little extra care. This is especially true if you have a long-haired Maine Coon outdoors.
- Bathing
- Brushing
- Nail clipping
- Tooth brushing
- Ear cleaning
Everyone loves getting all dressed up and fresh. Your cat is no exception. So, keep up with care to pamper your long-haired beauty.
The 10 Tips & Tricks for Maine Coon Cat Grooming
1. Acclimate Your Maine Coon to Grooming Practices Early
The earlier you can get your main coon accustomed to grooming, the more it will work out in your favor. If you start early at the juvenile stages, this will become second nature to your cat, and they won’t put up much of a fight.
If you have a rescue, it can definitely take longer for them to get used to it, and some might never love it. But it is a regular part of Maine Coon maintenance.
2. Make a Routine Out of It
To get your Maine Coon used to grooming, it’s best to do it regularly. Frequency can depend on several factors, but it’s usually something that you can eyeball. You won’t want to wait long times in between, as debris and dander build up on the skin.
Keep up with it as much as you deem necessary for your cat.
3. Use the Right Brush for the Job
Using the wrong brush can actually create more tangles and hassle for you. To successfully comb your Maine Coon’s coat, you should get a tangle-free brushing option that is easy to clean out.
There are several to choose from on the market, but the most common are slicker brushes. The slicker brush allows you to comb your Maine Coon’s coat and most of them have an automatic release button on the top to discard used-up dead hair.
There are also other options, like soft-bristled brushes. These brushes might not be the best at getting out severe tangles, but they are excellent for daily maintenance.
4. Make Sure to Keep Your Maine Coon Calm
The entire concept of grooming should be an effortless experience for your cat. Granted, most of it takes time. But when it’s time, no matter your kitty’s reaction, they should be in a relaxed environment. They should be as calm as they can be without trying to escape.
Some Maine Coons might really love grooming because it gives them a chance to spend time with their humans, and it feels really good sometimes. So once your kitty knows they’re going to get lots of snuggles and a thorough rub down, they might change their tune.
5. Give Your Fluffy Cat Rewards
Every cat is different. Some are very picky about what they eat, and some will make you question their judgment, eating the inedible. If your cat loves a tasty reward, you can give them their favorite treats.
Offering your Maine Coon snacks builds trust and gives them something to look forward to. If every time they deal with grooming, they are rewarded, they are much more likely to play along.
6. Have a Helper
If your cat is a little rambunctious, you might need a helper on hand. Someone can hold and calm the kitty while the other does all the dirty work! Sometimes this isn’t necessary, but with specific grooming tasks (like bathing or nail trimming,) having another person might be a must.
Use your best judgment and never do anything you feel uncomfortable with. If you need a helping hand, professional options always exist.
Aspects of Grooming Care for Maine Coons
When you think of grooming a Maine Coon, you might only think of giving them baths and brushing their hair. But that’s not all! There are several other aspects of Maine Coon care that you need to take into consideration. Here are a few.
Remember Nail Trimming
Nail trimming isn’t always necessary, as some cats take care of this for you. If you offer adequate scratching posts and surfaces, they will naturally shed the dead outer layer of their claws, leaving a shiny new texture underneath.
But every once in a while, your Maine Coon might need a little help. It’s best to get nail clippers that are specifically designed for cats so you can cut their nails appropriately without snags.
Tooth Brushing
Brushing your cat’s teeth should be an essential part of routine care. On top of diet, brushing removes plaque and prevents tartar.
Some cats will really put up a lot of resistance when you try to do this. The best thing you can do is start them as early as possible and try to aim for brushing every day.
This will become a routine part of your cat’s life, and they will stop making so much fuss about it.
Bathing
We know that cats really don’t care for water most of the time. So, it makes sense that they might protest against baths. Getting your Maine Coon used to bathing early is a surefire way to keep a steady bathing routine.
If you can, ensure your kitten gets a bath every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent debris in the fur and dander buildup. If you were adopting an adult Maine Coon, getting them acclimated to baths is still entirely possible. It just might take a little extra time. No cat may ever fully trust baths, but they should get easier to handle with time.
Professional Cat Grooming
Sometimes people prefer to take their pets to a professional groomer, while it’s a rare occurrence for others. You should do whatever you feel comfortable with. Just keep in mind that there are tons of facilities that specialize in this very field.
Groomer rates vary depending on your location and the facility that you choose. They can remove your Maine Coon’s tangles and mats, leaving them bathed, fresh, and ready to party.
Why Does Matting Matter?
It might not seem like that big of a deal that your cat develops mats and tangles. However, these massive tangles can retain debris and bacteria. Plus, it can get caught on an object and cause your cat discomfort. Additionally, mats prevent the cat’s grooming and evaporative cooling system from functioning optimally, putting your cat at a higher risk of overheating.
Since Maine Coons have classically long coats, it’s easier for them to get tangles than traditional short-coated cats.
Sometimes mats and tangles might get so bad that they require a professional groomer. If you attempt to cut it out at home, you could seriously injure your cat by breaking the skin. Also, groomers have the appropriate help, whereas you might lose control of your cat trying to do it at home, and someone could get hurt.
Conclusion
Grooming your Maine Coon doesn’t have to be a challenge, but it might be a process. Regardless, grooming can be a seamless adventure every few weeks if you find the right brush and get your cat on board. Make sure to be gentle but consistent to avoid matting. Matting can be dangerous and unhealthy for your pet.
Featured Image Credit: Sergey Fatin, Shutterstock
