Maine Coon cats are known for their large size, fluffy coats, and friendly personalities. However, their long fur requires regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grooming Maine Coon cat.
Let’s start with some background information! All cats are not created equal, which is why it can be tricky deciding what kind of cat to adopt as a pet.
There are three major types of domestic felines: shorthair, longhair, and American or Maine coons. A lot of people get confused about the term “long haired” because they believe that all cats have long hair.
However, only certain breeds of cats are characterized by having very long fur- this includes things like Siberian huskies and Scottish terriers!
Maine coons are probably one of the most popular cat varieties in America. They typically weigh around 5–8 pounds when adult and were originally bred for practical purposes – to survive winter.
Provide Maine Coon Plenty of Fresh, Warm Water
One of the most important things you can do for your Maine Coon cat Grooming is to provide them with adequate access to water. This applies not only to drinking water, but also to bathing!
Maine coons are natural hunters so they will require additional time spent grooming themselves than other types of cats. They spend lots of time exploring outdoors so they need to wash off all of the dirt and poufy fur that gets stuck in the process.
Making sure your cat has access to clean water at all times is an essential part of their grooming routine. A large, shallow bowl is ideal since it can be easily manipulated while washing!
Grooming a Maine Coon is a repeated process so don’t make it difficult by having trouble supplying this basic requirement.
Let your cat sleep in their favorite spot
As we discussed before, most cats need at least eight hours of rest each day so they can recover from the night before. This is why most agree that it is best to let your cat sleep in their favorite place around the house.
This may not be possible if you want to take pictures or do anything with your hands, but otherwise? Leave them alone!
Most owners make the mistake of letting their cats sleep somewhere else when they are gone for an extended amount of time. When they return home, their beautiful fur has been stuck to all sorts of things while they were away!
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent this. First, use a crate instead of a bed-like surface where your cat can relax.
Use grooming products with low concentrations of ingredients your cat is likely to lick
Unfortunately, many feline-focused brands use too much chemical content in their products which can be harmful for them.
Many companies feature flashy packaging or animal rights logos that appeal to people who are passionate about protecting animals. But we as humans should be aware of what chemicals are being put onto our pets so that we can make educated choices.
For example, one common ingredient in most shampoo formulations is sodium laureth sulfate (SLS). This chemical has been linked to health issues like skin inflammation and dry eye syndrome in dogs and cats.
Another potential risk comes from ingesting SLS-contaminated liquid or food. Since lathering up your pet takes a while, some may eat more than they normally would and drink more water, causing weight gain.
This could potentially push your dog or cat into the category of “picky eater” or “watery pooch/cat. If you want to know more about Maine Coon then check your other article.
Trim your Maine Coon cat regularly
When grooming your cat, do not let them get away with anything! Never brush a cat’s fur using a hand held comb or tool, instead use either of our suggested methods: use a soft-haired brush designed for cats, or use an electric hairdryer.
Never pull, push, rake, or twist any of their hair; this could cause pain or damage to the hairs that are already in place.
Instead, use a gentle motion to remove all of the loose hair. If you must take it off completely, use a professional quality clipper.
Never pull out individual hairs by hand as they can be painfully sensitive. Also, never try to wet down a longer coat like a Maine coon cat’s, because water may get trapped inside the fur and cause mats!
When washing your cat at home, make sure to wash them in bowls or areas where there is no carpet. This will help prevent matting due to water being retained in the fur. As mentioned before, avoid pulling or tugging on their fur when drying, as this may hurt them.
Keep their nails trimmed
Many people choose to get rid of all trace of natural fur by shaving, clipping or even crushing the hair off completely. This is not a good idea for many reasons!
Maine coons are born with very thick, long hairs that grow rapidly. Because they breed true, your cat will have similarly thick, beautiful hairs forever! Trimming away this protective layer can be disastrous to his health.
Not only does fur help protect cats from heat loss in cold weather, but it also helps them regulate the temperature in hot environments. Cats spend more time outside during warm seasons, so grooming is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy!
If you must clip the coat, try to do it when the Maine coon cat is young to ensure it has enough time to develop its own layers. Also, make sure to take extra care around the face as thicker coats require longer clips which could hurt or scratch your cat.
Give them a back scrub
A nice, gentle back wash is a great way to start off any grooming session with your Maine coon cat. Most cats are groomed starting with their paws first and working up from there, but most cats need some additional TLC when it comes to washing their backs!
As we mentioned before, keeping your cat warm and comfortable during grooming is important. Because many Maine coons have long fur that gets tangled, they may require more thorough back washes than other breeds.
However, too much wet fur can cause matting which can be difficult to remove without damaging the coat or leaving hair balls behind. So, how do you know if your Maine coon cat needs a longer back wash?
If your cat seems uncomfortable while being groomed, he/she may need a shorter back wash next time. Also, make sure your cat does not seem overly stressed out or anxious while under the shower- this will only help surface level layers of fur come away.
Something else to consider is whether your cat loves having his/her back washed or if they prefer getting dried off with just a little water.
Some very interactive cats may enjoy being licked and stroked in the process, so if yours falls into this category try delaying the back wash until later.
Use flea and tick products
While some people believe that natural oils are enough to keep your cat clean, most require additional treatments to work properly. Luckily, there are many different types of flea and tick drops available for us to choose from!
Many of these contain ingredients such as taurine, iron, or vitamin D3 which help promote strong hair growth. Many also include omega-3 fats which contribute to healthy skin and fur.
However, not all cats respond well to every product, so it is important to do research before choosing one over the other. Some may even have serious side effects. As with any new health intervention, more expensive does not always mean better!
We can learn about potential benefits and risks through direct comparisons between brands.
Check your cat for ticks after they have been outside
After going out for a walk, most cats will need some time to relax or play before being allowed back in their home. Unfortunately, this does not always work for every owner.
Some owners feel that their cat is too busy looking around and exploring to be let into the house so they keep them separate.
This can sometimes cause stress for your pet because they are not able to access the shelter or the food bowls. If this happens, your cat may become hungry and thirsty more quickly which could put them in an uncomfortable position.
Ticks are one of the major issues that face dogs and cats in outdoor environments. Since both animals grow at a fast rate, it is very common to find a young tick attached to their skin. Fortunately, there are simple ways to check yourself and your pets for these pests.
Steps include checking each area twice per foot as well as performing a full body examination once you get home.
Conclusion
Grooming your Maine Coon cat is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. By brushing, combing, bathing, and trimming their nails regularly, you can help keep your Maine Coon looking and feeling their best.
With a little patience and practice, grooming your Maine Coon can be a bonding experience that you both enjoy.
