As Maine Coons usually has longer hair than most cat breeds, helping your furry friend look after their coat is an important aspect of their care. They are bred to have a long and fluffy coat, and while this is one of their most beautiful traits, it can lead to some issues. While some cats need almost no upkeep of this kind, others require consistent combing in order to keep their coat tangle-free, and most need a claw trimming at least once. If you’re lucky, your Maine Coon will be completely fine with this. If not, then you may have to develop a few tricks.

Don’t cats groom themselves?

While it may seem like all they do is sleep and clean themselves, due to their dense fur, combing is often still necessary as their undercoat can still tangle. Maine Coons boast a double coat; the top layer protects them against the elements while the undercoat is insulation. Some Maine Coons have silky fur that almost never tangles, while some have a downy, fluffy undercoat that requires more attention. For the second type, it is best to aim to gently run a metal comb over their entire coat to keep it tangle free, using the comb to gently work out any tangles. This should be done 2-3 times a week, ideally for 10-15 minutes. Knots and mats require more combing time. We do NOT advise or recommend using scissors to remove them, as cats have very thin skin and are cut easily. A cat that is severely matted beyond the capabilities of a comb should be brought to a professional groomer. However, if you insist on cutting away a mat yourself, cut as far away from the skin as possible, perhaps even cutting it to pieces to break it up before removal. Once you remove all mats, preferably with only a comb, grooming becomes much easier, as you are just maintaining a combed coat. Giving your Maine Coon a treat during and/or afterwards will help create a positive association with grooming sessions.

How often do I have to bathe them?

Maine Coons tend to run a bit oilier than most breeds, and bathing them too much or even often will strip their bodies of their natural oils, leading to dry, irritated skin. Unless they get into something messy like a mud puddle, they simply don’t need baths.

Claw-clipping?

As kittens, its not necessary to trim their claws as they are still growing. Although, it is definitely a good idea to get your kitten used to the idea of such upkeep by regularly touching their paws and nails, so it is not a fight if you try to trim them later. (More on early socialization here: https://www.jerseycowfarms.com/socializing-your-maine-coon-kitten)
Keeping a few good scratch posts around the house is a good way to keep their nails trimmed naturally. A good scratch post is a few things, and expensive is not necessarily one of them, although you should make sure it is durable. Sisel is the best material. Aesthetic wise, its always nice to have ones that match your decor, though I doubt your Maine Coon will take notice. It should also be tall enough that your Maine Coon can stretch her body from her toes all the way to her front paws to get that good stretch, heavy enough that it won’t get knocked over, and finally, in common areas, such as the living room, so she actually uses it. Their should be a few around your home, so she’s not tempted to use the couch instead of walking across the house for the scratch post.

Cats are, not surprisingly, very good at keeping themselves presentable. Chances are, you never have to clip any nails. Sometimes you may have to go in with clippers if you feel their claws are getting to be too sharp. However, unlike combing, your chances of success with trimming your cats claws on your own are significantly lower. It’s not impossible, but most everyone has to bring them to a professional.

Here are some tips to help you out:

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  If your cat is adverse, try one day just picking him up and massaging his paws and looking at his nails, then give a treat. He will quickly associate paw touching with treats. Repeat this over a few days, and then try cutting nails. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t cut them all in one sitting. It may take a bunch of small sessions.

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  As for the actual trimming, remember that its always better to cut too long than too short. Just cut the tip of the claws.

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  It would be a very good idea for you to look at anatomy pictures of cats’ paws(such as this one), so you know where claw ends and the quick(the part of the claw containing nerves and blood vessels) begins to avoid injuring your Maine Coon.

Following this guide will ensure that your cat is the leading example of feline health. Remember, grooming your Maine Coon doesn’t have to be a chore; its a bonding experience! It’s an opportunity to build trust and strengthen the connection you both share.

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help! Sometimes things can get beyond our capabilities, that’s why professionals exist. We are happy to recommend groomers to you, or give more specific advise on this subject if you need it.

- Ava Melpignano