Grooming for Maine Coon cats

I am sure that when you have looked at your Maine Coon Cat, and seen all that fur, you probably wondered “How will I possibly groom and trim my cat”! Now the answer to that may depend on whether or not you intend to “show” your cat or just have a well-groomed cat at home.

For owners of Maine cats, grooming might seem like a daunting task. But with the right tools and tips, this beloved breed can have a soft and shiny coat that’s as luxurious as they come. Here are four essential tips to help you groom your Maine cat with ease. If showing your cat is not part of your future plans, then life will be a lot easier for you because Maine Coons are easy to groom and care for, especially if you are keeping them for personal use. Maine Coon cats are actually very good at self-grooming and they usually do a very good job taking care of themselves.

Grooming Sessions for your Maine Coon cat

Assuming you are not planning to show your Maine Coon, there are just only four things that you really need to do on a weekly basis. The first and most important of these is good brushing. This will be a key help to your kitty because self-grooming (licking their hair) will be easier, and you will greatly reduce the chance of hairballs with your cat.

Maine cats have long and fluffy fur, so it’s important to brush them regularly. Doing this every other day is recommended for optimal care, as the brushing will help remove tangles and keep the coat clean. Make sure you invest in a good cat brush or comb that can penetrate the dense fur. Be gentle while brushing your Maine cat so it won’t get stressed out.

Use the Proper Cleaner and Conditioner during grooming

Make sure you get a proper shampoo and conditioner made specifically for cats. A regular human shampoo can strip away natural oils in the fur, so avoid that. When purchasing your cat’s grooming products, look for something that is free of dyes and harsh chemicals. Check the label to make sure it’s appropriate for their age, coat type, and skin condition. After bathing them, apply the conditioner and let them air dry, or use a blow dryer on low heat if needed.

Pay attention to your Maine Coon cat’s Ears and Teeth

Secondly, you need to be aware of the health of your Maine Coon’s teeth. Be sure and keep a weekly check on his teeth and gums, and if you see any signs of a problem then you must go and see your veterinarian immediately. Gum disease, just like in humans, can be serious in all pets and should not be ignored. Maine cats require careful monitoring of their ears and teeth. Clean your cat’s ears regularly with a gentle ear cleanser, then remove any dirt or wax build-up with a damp cloth. Invest in toothpaste and brush that are specifically designed for cats, as human toothpaste can be toxic to your pet. Brush their teeth at least once or twice a week and monitor them for signs of plaque or tartar buildup. Daily breath checks can also help detect other potential health problems such as gum infection or gingivitis.

Watch your cat closely if it goes outside

Third, if you allow your cat to run outside un-monitored (hopefully not since that is a dangerous habit and creates a real risk to your cat) you will check for fleas and ticks. Fleas can spread not only on your cat but in your house and getting rid of them requires a lot of work.

Also Trim Your Maine Coon cat’s Nails while grooming

And fourth, you might want to keep your Maine Coons claws trimmed. This will make the ends of the claws a bit blunter and therefore less lethal. You will find that you don’t get scratched as often, and even that your furniture fairs better! Make sure that your kitty has a scratching post to help smooth the ends after you clip his nails. Trimming your Maine cat’s nails regularly can help them feel more comfortable and avoid painful snags and scratches. Use nail clippers designed for cats and only trim the white tip of their nails, avoiding the pink sensitive parts. If your cat is not used to having their nails trimmed, start off slowly by introducing practice runs with just one paw at a time. With consistent training and positive rewards, you can teach your Maine cat to enjoy this part of grooming!

Now, if you are planning to show your Maine Coon see below for even more that you will need to do, but in most cases, this is only in preparation for the show and is not a daily need.

Groom your Maine Coon Cat with Love and Patience

Regular daily grooming will help your Maine cat maintain a healthy coat and feel comfortable. Start by brushing their fur from the back of their neck down to the tail with a soft, slicker brush or matching comb for long-haired cats. Long-haired cats, such as the Maine Coon, need more frequent brushing than shorthaired cats to prevent tangles and matting. Gently brush the legs and face last as these areas tend to be quite sensitive. If you come across any mats use your fingers to gently loosen them before using a comb or scissors to trim them away. Talk softly to your furry friend throughout the process, letting them know that you’re taking care of them with love and patience.

If you are “showing” your Maine Coon Cat

Before a show, your Maine Coon will need a bath. Maine Coon showers have various bathing techniques, all designed to make the fur look clean, well-groomed, and healthy. Maine Coon cats are very laidback and can be trained to easily tolerate a bath.  Of course, the Maine Coon will be clean, well-groomed, and healthy without a bath but if you want to really stand out at a cat show you really must bathe your cat. After bathing, the Maine Coon is then blown dry with a hair dryer, have his nails clipped, and his face wiped. He should be gently brushed and have his ears cleaned since the judges at a cat show will look closely at all the physical features of your most precious cat.  After all this, you will be on your way to an outstanding groomed Maine Coon cat!

Again, unless you are going to show your Maine Coon Cat, you don’t have to spend much time at all grooming them other than the four general tasks mentioned above. Your Maine Coon will take perfect hygienic care of himself.

For more about keeping your Maine Coon healthy check this article on techniques to keep your Maine Coon happy and healthy!

Let us know below what steps you take to keep your Maine Coon cat nicely groomed.  How frequently do you bathe them (if at all)?  Do they tolerate it well?  Maybe you could even share some tips or pointers with other owners that are looking to start showing their cats in cat shows!  Good luck with your grooming and cat shows!