Grooming a Maine Coon: Keeping a Semi-Long Coat Mat-Free
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The Maine Coon carries a semi-long, dense, silky coat that is much of its charm, but that needs regular care to stay healthy. Brushing isn't just cosmetic: it limits how much hair the cat swallows while licking. A study published in BMC Veterinary Research showed that added fibre reduces hairball (trichobezoar) formation in cats, a reminder of how important it is to remove dead hair before it's swallowed. Our care benchmarks are gathered in our cat care and grooming section.
Contents · 4 sections
Brushing two to three times a week
Unlike a Persian, the Maine Coon's coat doesn't mat at the slightest chance, but its volume calls for brushing two to three times a week, daily during shedding. Work in sections, in the direction of the hair, with a wide-tooth comb followed by a brush to smooth. This rhythm prevents fluff building up under the guard coat.
Targeting mat-prone areas
Mats form mainly at friction points: the rear "britches", armpits, behind the ears, and under the belly. Inspect these at every session and gently work them out by hand or comb, without pulling. A tight mat is better cut out than torn out, to avoid injuring the skin. The general principles of long coats are detailed in our guide long-haired or short-haired cat grooming.
Hairballs and healthy skin
Regular brushing remains the best prevention against hairballs, supplemented if needed by a fibre-rich diet. Baths stay rare in a well-groomed Maine Coon; focus instead on skin condition and the absence of parasites. All our breed resources are available from the Maine Coon profile.
Frequently asked questions
Should you shave a Maine Coon in summer?
No, its coat helps with thermoregulation; help it instead with diligent brushing and free access to fresh water.
Which tool detangles without pain?
A wide-tooth metal comb and a dematting comb are enough; avoid the sharp blades of undercoat knives on tight mats.
At what age should grooming start?
From kittenhood, with short positive sessions, so the cat accepts brushing for life. Find all our guides on the cat hub.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Stainless-steel pin brush for cats (€18.90) · the whole shop
See it at Le Félin, a shop from the same family (zero commission): Arbre à chat en bois massif (from €179.99)
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
