Maine Coon Grooming Made Easy: Keep Your Cat’s Coat Mat-Free & Healthy

Maine Coons are known for their majestic manes, glorious tails, and silky-soft fur—but that beautiful coat needs some regular TLC to stay mat-free and magnificent. If you're a proud parent of this gentle giant, you're probably familiar with their flowing coat and the challenges that come with it. In this grooming guide, we’ll give you practical, easy-to-follow tips to help keep your Maine Coon happy, healthy, and fabulously fluffy.

Understanding The Maine Coon Coat

The Maine Coon cat breed has a dense, semi-long, water-resistant double coat that was built for snowy winters—but in New Zealand’s climate, it still needs special care. Their coat tends to be longer around the ruff (neck), britches (hind legs), and tail. While it’s naturally more resistant to matting compared to some long-haired breeds, tangles and knots can still crop up if grooming isn’t part of your regular routine.

Brushing Basics: Tools & Techniques

Regular brushing—ideally a few times a week—helps to keep the coat flowing freely and removes any loose fur before it can clump or cause hairballs. For best grooming results, grab the right tools:

Slicker brushes and combs for cats are great for detangling and removing loose undercoat.
Wide-tooth combs help manage any mats or knots, especially around the ruff and britches.
De-shedding tools can gently remove dead fur during seasonal moults.

Start with short sessions to help your cat get used to the process, focusing on one part of the body at a time. Treats and positive reinforcement never hurt either!

Managing Mats: Prevention And Removal

Mats most often develop in the armpits, belly, behind the ears, and around the tail base. Once mats form, they can trap dirt and moisture, increasing the risk of skin irritation.

Here’s how to prevent and deal with them:

Brush regularly to prevent tangles turning into knots.
If you spot a small mat, gently work it out with your fingers or a detangling tool.
For stubborn mats or large tangles, it’s safest to seek advice from your groomer or vet. Never use scissors near your cat’s skin.

Bath Time For Maine Coons: Is It Necessary?

Thanks to their water-resistant coat, most Maine Coons don’t need frequent baths. However, if they do get particularly grimy (especially farm or outdoor cats), a gentle cleanse can help.

Use a high-quality cat shampoo and conditioner made for long coats, and always rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Remember, never use human shampoo on cats—it can irritate their skin.

Healthy Coat From The Inside Out

A glossy, tangle-free coat often starts with good nutrition. Choose a diet that’s high in protein and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Maine Coons can benefit from:

Skin and coat health supplements like fish oil or omega boosters
Premium cat foods from brands like Royal Canin or ZIWI that are formulated with coat health in mind

Kibble that supports skin moisture and fur health can be especially helpful during seasonal changes when cats often shed more.

When To Get Professional Help

If your Maine Coon's coat becomes matted beyond what brushing can fix, or if they resist being groomed, professional groomers or your local vet can help. Groomers can do a trim (if needed), remove stubborn mats, and offer hygiene trims for older cats who may struggle with self-care. Always ensure your grooming choices align with your cat’s comfort and stress levels.

We Get Pet—And We Get Grooming!

At Petdirect, we understand that grooming your Maine Coon is a labour of love—and we’re here to make it easier. From grooming tools to coat-supporting supplements and everything in between, you’ll find what you need to pamper your cat.

Plus, don’t forget our Pet Perks loyalty programme, rewarding you with treats for keeping your cat looking and feeling their best. And with AutoDeliver options, you’ll never run out of grooming essentials again.

So grab that brush, stock up on treats, and keep that magnificent Maine Coon coat looking runway-ready!