Maine Coon Coat Care

The Maine Coon's coat is one of the breed's main features. It is long and thick, with a dense undercoat and water-repellent guard hairs. Despite its length, a Maine Coon's coat does not mat as heavily as a Persian cat's when cared for properly, but regular grooming is still mandatory.

How often to brush

It is recommended to brush a Maine Coon 2–3 times a week, and almost every day during the shedding season. Special attention should be paid to the:

• collar (mane),
• "pants" on the hind legs,
• belly,
• armpits,
• area behind the ears.

These are the exact spots where mats form most frequently.

What tools to use

It is best to use a combination of several tools:

• a metal comb with wide teeth,
• a metal comb with fine teeth,
• a slicker brush,
• a natural bristle brush (for the finishing touch).

Important: always use the metal comb first, followed by the slicker brush, not the other way around.

Bathing a Maine Coon

Maine Coons are bathed approximately once every 1–3 months or before a cat show. Since their coat is partially water-repellent, getting it thoroughly wet isn't always easy, so:

• First, wet the coat well with warm water.
• Apply a shampoo designed for long-haired cats.
• Rinse the coat longer than usual.
• Use a conditioner.
• Make sure to dry the coat thoroughly (otherwise, mats will appear).

An important point

The golden rule of Maine Coon care: It is better to brush for 10 minutes 2–3 times a week than to spend 2 hours untangling mats.

With regular care, a Maine Coon's coat looks luxurious, rarely mats, and causes practically no trouble.