Are you looking for Maine Coon grooming tips? You are not alone! It’s one of the things that you don’t think about much until you actually have the Maine Coon in your home. One of the most distinguishing Maine Coon characteristics is their luxurious coat. You may even read online (on other places that this) that the coat of a Maine Coon is “low maintenance” and doesn’t require a lot of brushing. That’s just simply not true.
There are different types of coats on a Maine Coon. There are those that are very silky and smooth. This keeps Maine Coon fur matting to a minimum. Some are thick and dense and require a lot of upkeep. Then there are those that have “cottony” coats. Those guys have the highest level of maintenance.
In addition to different coat types, let’s also mention that some cats are better groomers than others. Once may constantly groom, and keep the loose hairs under control. Others just don’t care much about maintaining a nice coat and may not even care about bootie hygiene. ASK ME HOW I KNOW ABOUT THIS! 😀
How to Maintain a Gorgeous Maine Coon Coat
Developing a routine for your Maine Coon will be the easiest way to integrate this into your life. It will become second nature, and any time you see the stainless steel comb laying around, just pick it up and tap it on the table. Eventually, your cat will come right over and enjoy his beauty time. Start by combing around the head and mane. Then work the sides of the body, belly, and back of the legs.
There are several things you can do and tools you can use to keep your Maine Coon’s coat in great condition. Let’s discuss:
Regular Bath, Blow Dry and Comb Outs
Starting when your Maine Coon kitten is young, give them regular baths and blow drys. A regular schedule would be about once a month, just to get them used to being in the sink/tub, getting wet, and being shampooed and handled. before giving your Maine Coon a bath, always trim their nails so that if they decide to escape with claws out, they don’t slice you with their murder mittens quite as bad. They can certainly escape from the tub sometimes.
As the cat gets older, you can extend the length of time between baths. As an adult, if your cat has a thick greasy coat, then shampoo and blow-dry once every other month will work wonders. This will keep their coats squeaky clean and help remove loose hairs. This will be particularly helpful in the summer months when Maine Coon shedding kicks up a notch.
Never use a shampoo made for humans on your cat. Use a shampoo made specifically for cats. If you really want to get spiffy, use a degreaser on the coat before the shampoo. These are the products I use for your kitten’s grooming feature right before he goes home.
Most cats don’t like the sound of the blow dryer. That’s what makes them afraid more than anything. You can buy a cool little device called a “happy hoodie”. Put it on their head and cover their ears before you blow-dry them. This will reduce the loud sounds and wind blowing into their ears during the blow-dry process.
Dry your cat completely, and then comb their coat out with a stainless steel comb. This is the best tool for reaching the entire length of the hair strands and down to the skin. The combing will remove any loose hair and tangles. Your kitty will look gorgeous when you’re done.
This 7.5″ Stainless Steel comb is the best tool for getting through the total length of the hair shaft!
Daily Combing of your Maine Coon
Daily combing is an integral part of maintaining a beautiful coat. Just like humans, your cat’s coat needs maintenance. It needs to be combed every day to remove tangles and make it look nice and smooth.
It only takes a couple of minutes each day to comb your cat’s coat. Begin when they’re kittens and offer a treat or two during grooming time. Pay attention to the areas of the cat that tend to get matted more frequently which are under the arms, the back of the legs (aka the “britches”, and the tummy.
If you happen to find a tangle or a small mat during the daily combing, carefully remove it with your comb. You can also use a dematting tool that helps if the mats have become too tight. Never use scissors to try and remove a mat. Your cat’s skin is ultra-thin and scissors will cut through it like butter. Use the proper tools to prevent harming your cat’s delicate skin.
If your Maine Coon gets severe mats, then you can consider giving him a lion cut.
Grooming Spray for Maine Coons
Grooming spray, or a leave-in conditioner for cats, is an awesome way to help reduce tangles and mats in between baths. Some of them smell really nice, and they keep the coat in tip-top shape.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many health benefits for your cat. One of them is that it offers healthy skin and hair! This can mean less hairballs.
Start by offering your cat some organic coconut oil on your fingers. Just a tiny bit will do. If he licks it off and enjoys it, then wah-lah!
Gradually increase the amount every couple of days until you’re up to 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of cat. It’s a very small amount that can add so much to the healthy coat of your Maine Coon. After several months, you’ll see a noticeable difference in their coat.
Sassy Koonz Maine Coon Cattery is located in Jacksonville, Florida but offers beautiful Maine Coon kittens all over the United States. Personalized delivery (our signature service is referred to as white glove delivery) is available to those who are looking for Maine Coon Kittens in Texas, California, Colorado, Arizona, Louisiana and any of the states in the Continental USA. Check our map to see where our Sassy Babies live now in their new homes.
Thank you for all the very helpful information. Ruka (Izzy) attacks the comb every time I try to comb her. I try to catch her when she’s cat napping so she’s not in such a playful mood but it doesn’t work most of the time. How do you use the treats to help in the grooming?
I have a question: My 14 month old MC is having problems with her coat. She has started scratching around her neck and has pulled out much of the longer hair around her neck. She has a cottony coat and it seems she has also become somewhat compulsive about grooming, which se is doing non-stop. I’m not sure what the problem is…Overwhelmed with all the new fur??? Stressed?
Vet prescribed a medicated shampoo and 2x week bath for a month. She’s gonna hate it. Any advice?
My first inclination is stress. Also Could be allergies.