We think any cat lover could agree that Maine Coons pose one of the most challenging coats to care for in the cat world. You’re going to have to keep up with routine grooming. What are some of the best ways to make this job easier? We have a few tips for you.
Luckily, Maine Coons are known for their ultra hygienic behavior, just like most kitties. So they take care of a lot of the hard work for you. You just have to remove any rat nests or tangles along the way.
Top 3 Maine Coon Cat Grooming Tips
1. Buy Suitable Supplies
Grooming is an expected part of cat care in general, but your Maine Coon might be a little more unique than some. Because of their luscious locks, they require a little bit more coat maintenance than normal cats.
So before you even buy your Maine Coon, it’s best to have your supplies at home, ready and waiting for your kitten’s homecoming.
If you choose to bathe your cat, this should happen every four to six weeks. The only grooming that should take place daily is brushing their coat and teeth. Before you even start this process, getting supplies that will be efficient for their coat length and overall comfort is important.
In addition to comfort, efficiency is also essential. You’re not going to want to buy a comb that will buckle and go under any pressure. Maine Coons tend to tangle easily because of their long thick fur. So, to prevent matting, it is important to get out those little tangles. If you cannot officially get the knots out because the bristles are too weak, then you might need to switch to a firmer bristle.
Types of Brushes
Different types of brushes can work in different ways. So you might find that having a variety of brushes can help give your Maine Coon the best grooming at home.
Bristle brushes
Bristle brushes can be made out of animal hair or synthetic fibers. They gently loosen any dirt and debris in the coat without pulling on your cat’s fur. These brushes are perfect for routine maintenance but aren’t as suitable for thicker tangles.
Deshedding tools
Deshedding tools are not designed for everyday use. These brushes get down to the skin, removing all dead layers of fur to create a sleek finish. If you use these tools too often, it can cause skin irritation and an overly thin haircoat.
Combs
Combs aren’t necessarily a top choice for Maine Coons, although they can be helpful to have on hand. They use a single layer of tough bristles, typically made of metal or plastic, to smooth the coat.
Slicker
When you own a Maine Coon, having a slicker brush on hand will probably be your favorite grooming tool of all. These brushes are easy to hold, and many of them have self-releasing cleaning mechanisms once you finish.
They are typically very soothing for your cat’s skin to avoid skin irritation. It’s likely to become one of your favorites.
You can find shampoos, conditioners, and brushes here. Consider it your one-stop shop for all of your cat grooming supplies.
Benefits of Routine Brushing
Routine brushing is very important for a breed like a Maine Coon. When your cat gets matts, it can not only trap dirt and debris, but they can be tough to cut out. If your cat is too terribly matted, you’ll have no choice but to take them to a professional.
If you try to cut out matts at home, you can risk serious damage your cat’s skin. Never attempt to cut out any knots yourself.
Routine brushing prevents tangles and removes any dirt and debris from the fur to keep cat coats fresh longer. This promotes an even oil distribution, helping your Maine Coon’s coat shine.
2. Start Hygiene Care Early
A suitable brush should be something you have before you even bring your main coon home. It should be on your list of supplies, along with litter boxes, quality cat food, and other supplies. The reason being is that Maine Coons, in particular, have challenging coats to maintain.
Trust us when we say that it’s much better to get into good brushing and overall hygienic habits than trying to cut out mats and tangles. Starting your cat as soon as you bring them home will help acclimate them into the routine.
Some cats really don’t like holding still for brushing, and others feel threatened by it. But the more patience you show, they will eventually come to at least tolerate it in those cases. If you start early in kittenhood, it’ll just become a regular part of their life.
3. Make a Routine
In any case, it’s best to make a routine with your cat. Having a cat like a Maine Coon, brushing once daily is a stupendous habit to form.
And don’t forget the other components of hygienic care, as well. Teeth brushing might seem a little complicated, but it’s best if you try to get the plaque off your cat’s teeth every day. This prevents build-up that leads to tartar, which may eventually cause periodontal disease.
Cleaning ears and trimming nails are two grooming tasks that aren’t needed daily, but still can be required regularly.
Consider a Visit to the Professionals
If you want to get your Maine Coon pampered, you can always take them to a professional groomer. Professional groomers help give your kitty a head-to-toe makeover. They will come home feeling fresh and clean, and you can enjoy their soft, aromatic fur.
Conclusion
If you follow these basic grooming tips, you will not have any issue keeping your Maine Coon looking their finest. Cats are master groomers, taking care of much of the job for you.
But they do need some help sometimes, especially indoor outdoor Maine Coons. The most crucial aspect of Maine Coon grooming is preventing mats and tangles from forming in their fur. As long as you keep up with basic care, you should be able to avoid this entirely.
Featured Image Credit: Olleg, Shutterstock
