You may know from personal experience that the more hair you have, the more difficult it is to manage. The longer your hair grows, the more you have to worry about tangles which means frequent brushing and more time in the shower. You won’t see your Coon volunteering to take a shower any time soon, but if you have a long haired cat like the Maine Coon, you can expect to spend a good deal of time grooming.
In this article, we’ll talk about the grooming requirements for the Maine Coon breed and provide tips for brushing and bathing your Coon. You’ll also see our top picks for the best brush for long haired cats.
The Maine Coon breed is known for its long, thick fur. These cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, each of them more stunning than the next. A Maine Coon in all its glory is certainly a sight to behold but it isn’t easy to keep this breed looking its best. With just a few days of neglect, a Maine Coon’s coat can turn into a mess of tangles that isn’t just unsightly – it can be painful for your Coon. If you plan to own a Maine Coon, you should be prepared to handle the grooming requirements of the breed.
Here’s a quick overview of grooming requirements for Maine Coons:
When it comes to grooming your Maine Coon, it’s easy to focus on how much time and effort it requires. You need to remember, however, that it’s part of your responsibility as a cat owner. More than that, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with your Coon! Start when your Coon is a kitten to ensure the process becomes as seamless as possible.
Brushing your Maine Coon is absolutely essential to keep his coat in good condition. You’ll need to brush him at least three times a week, but daily is even better. Before bathing, you’ll need to use a wide-toothed comb to detangle the coat and work through any mats you find. You may want to keep a dematting comb for long haired cats on hand as well, just in case you find a large or stubborn mat.
Once your Coon’s coat has been combed out, run a brush through it to remove excess fur. Look for a brush with long, fine teeth or bristles that can reach through the topcoat into the undercoat where dead hair tends to accumulate. The more hair you remove from your Coon’s coat before bathing, the less you’ll find in your drain after the bath is over. It will also help make sure the shampoo reaches his skin.
Here are some handy tips for bathing your Maine Coon:
Now that you have a better understanding of your Maine Coon’s grooming requirements, you’re ready to start shopping for supplies like the perfect cat brush. Read on to see our top picks for the best brushes for long haired cats like your Coon.
Every cat is different, and it will take time for you to get to know your Coon’s coat. You’ll start to get a feel for how quickly the oil from his skin starts to accumulate and how often you need to bathe him to keep it under control. The earlier you start grooming your Coon, the more he’ll get used to it and it will become less of a struggle. Keeping a pocket full of treats will be helpful as well!
Now, here are our top picks for the best Maine Coon brush:
Keeping your Maine Coon’s coat healthy is your top priority, but it doesn’t hurt if you can reduce shedding at the same time. This FURminator deShedding Edge Cat Brush is the perfect option because it is extremely effective in removing loose hair. Used regularly, this cat brush decreases shedding by 90%. It reaches deep into your Coon’s undercoat, working better than other rakes and combs, and it comes with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably and securely in your hand.
Pros: Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use, curved edge for comfort, ergonomic grip handle
Cons: May take time to learn how to use it, may tug on mats and tangles
Removing dead fur from your Coon’s coat is the key to reducing shedding and preventing mats. This Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats is an excellent tool for the job, made with fine stainless-steel pins that reach through the topcoat to the undercoat beneath. This brush is particularly unique because it has a self-cleaning feature – simply press the button to retract the pins and discard the accumulated hair. This slicker brush also has a comfort grip handle for optimal control and minimal hand fatigue.
Pros: Retractable pins for easy cleanup, gentle stainless-steel pins, comfort grip handle
Cons: Some cats dislike the feel of the pins
Every Maine Coon owner needs a good wide-toothed comb to work through mats and tangles. If you’re trying to limit the number of grooming tools you have to buy, this Pettom Pet 3-Way Multi Pet Comb is a great solution. This stainless-steel pet comb is highly durable and it features rounded teeth set at different spacings so you can choose the best one for the job at hand.
Pros: Varied spacing between the teeth, durable stainless-steel materials, long teeth
Cons: Use with caution to avoid puncturing the skin
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the burden of constantly cleaning up your Coon’s fur, this Dakpets FURblaster Deshedding Light Trimming Tool for Long Hair might be what you need. This deshedding tool reduces shedding by up to 90% by lightly trimming the undercoat and removing loose hair. It features an ergonomic handle and is easy to use, plus it has a quick-release button to remove the comb for cleaning. With a sturdy, stainless-steel blade that resists rust, it’s also highly durable.
Pros: Reduces shedding up to 90%, lightly trims the undercoat, stainless-steel rust-proof blade
Cons: May pull on tangles and mats with improper use
Why choose between a bristle brush and a wire pin brush when you can have the best of both worlds? This Hertzko Complete Cat Brush is a great option if you’re looking for a soft cat brush for everyday use. It features long plastic-tipped pins interspersed with firmer bristles to loosen tangles while removing dead fur from the undercoat. It’s an affordable and practical option for Maine Coon owners.
Pros: Incorporates pins and bristles, comfort grip handle, gentle on sensitive skin
Cons: May be difficult to remove accumulated hair
Mats are a constant battle for Maine Coon owners, so you’ll be glad to have this Hertzko Long Blade Dog & Cat Dematting Comb by your side. This dematting comb features long, rust-resistant, stainless-steel blades with rounded ends which are perfect for sensitive skin. They reach deep into your Coon’s coat, relying on the sharp edges to cut through even the toughest mats without hurting your Coon. The ergonomic handle pairs perfectly with the thumb rest for comfort and a secure grip.
Pros: Rust-resistant stainless-steel blades, ergonomic grip and thumb rest
Cons: May take time to learn how to use
Many slicker brushes are made with straight teeth which, if used incorrectly, can scratch or puncture your Coon’s skin. This Li’l Paws Coated Tips Cat Slicker Brush features flexible, plastic-tipped teeth which contour to the shape of your Coon’s body for safety and comfort. This brush massages your Coon’s skin to help distribute the natural oils evenly over his coat while removing dead and loose hair.
Pros: Plastic-tipped bristles for gentle feel, small size perfect for kittens
Cons: Some users found the small size awkward to use
A good bristle brush is a great tool for Maine Coon owners because it will help remove loose hair and restore shine to your Coon’s coat. This Safari Bristle Cat Brush is an affordable option perfect for everyday brushing. It features soft, flexible nylon bristles that contour to your Coon’s body and they aren’t too closely spaced. The handle is padded for comfort and optimal control.
Pros: Soft flexible nylon bristles, bristles aren’t too closely spaced, padded handle
Cons: May not be effective to remove tangles
The best way to keep your Coon’s coat in good condition is to brush it every day. If you take just a few minutes a day, you’ll save time struggling with mats and tangles. This combo brush from Hartz is a great everyday brush for long-haired cats because it features long wire pins on one side and closely spaced bristles on the other. Use the pins to detangle and remove loose hair and the bristle side to add shine.
Pros: Wire pin and bristle brush in one, comfort grip handle, designed for comfort and safety
Cons: May be too large for some cats
Read Also:The Best Food For Maine Coon Cats
Maintaining your Coon’s coat isn’t easy, but you’ll get the hang of it. The best thing you can do is establish a routine for daily brushing and monthly bathing. Keep a ready stock of your favorite bathing products and grooming supplies so you’ll always have them when you need them. If you’re still looking for the best cat brush for Maine Coons, check out our recommendations above!