If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a Maine Coon, then you know: these gentle giants are basically the supermodels of the cat world. With their long, flowing coats, tufted ears, and floofy tails, they strut through the living room like they own it—and, let’s be honest, they kind of do.
But behind every glossy Maine Coon is a dedicated human wielding a brush. These fabulous felines don’t stay fabulous without a little help. So if you want to groom your Maine Coon like a pro (without getting swatted or covered in fur), here’s your go-to guide, featuring tips inspired by the expert breeders at Maine Coons of Finn Manor, our cozy cattery in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1. Set the Mood (AKA Trick Them into Thinking It’s Spa Day)
Start grooming when your cat is relaxed—post-meal naps, window bird-watching time, or just before bedtime are great. Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of praise. Treats help. So do soothing voices. You’re not just brushing your cat. You’re offering a full-on luxury experience.
Optional: Play soft jazz. Cats love a vibe. Maybe make a grooming playlist so your cat will associate grooming with great tunes.
2. Choose the Right Tools
Not all brushes are created equal, especially for a Maine Coon’s dense, triple-layer coat.
- We have started using Uproot Clean products for hair, ears, and coat grooming. We especially like their rechargeable razor for hygiene cuts and those mats that you just can’t brush out.
- They also have some great couch/floor scrapers that we use regularly at Finn Manor, which work great for removing hair from cat trees.
- You’ll want a wide-toothed comb for detangling and finding hidden mats.
- And a slicker brush helps remove loose undercoat fur and keep the fluff in check.
At Maine Coons of Finn Manor, we brush our cats at least 2–3 times a week to prevent matting, especially in the neck ruff and underarms.
3. Start with the Problem Zones
Maine Coons are notorious for getting mats in certain areas:
- Behind the ears
- Under the armpits
- Around the neck ruff
- The base of the tail
- Inside their pantaloons (yes, that’s what we’re calling their rear-end fluff)
Focus on these spots gently. If you hit a mat, don’t yank! Hold the fur near the skin and work the tangle from the tip, not the root.
4. Baths? Maybe… But Tread Lightly
Some Maine Coons don’t mind water—legend says they descend from Viking cats who swam ashore—but they might be skittish. We always bathe our kittens at Maine Coons of Finn Manor, so they’ll be accustomed to the water before they find their fur-ever homes. We start with Davis Degrease Shampoo. Rinse that out, then lather up with Dukal Dawn Mist Shampoo, rinse that out, and then add more shampoo and another big rinse!
Rinsing out all grooming products is super important, so your kitty doesn’t get a mouthful of soap when grooming themselves. Plus, if all the product is rinsed out, they dry faster and stay cleaner longer!
You can dry with a towel and a low-heat blow-dryer if they tolerate it.
Most coat maintenance can be managed with regular brushing and a high-quality diet, which supports natural oil balance and reduces excessive shedding.
5. Trim the Extras
Long fur can lead to some not-so-glamorous situations (looking at you, litter-box tangles). Trimming the fur around your cat’s rear and paws can help keep them clean and comfy.
Also, check those claws every 3-4 weeks. It’s extra important for polydactyls as longer nails can poke or grow into paw pads, causing pain and exposure to infection! Clipping on a regular basis will mean less length to cut, which makes for faster mani-pedis and less drama.
6. Treat. Praise. Repeat.
Always end grooming on a high note. Whether it’s a crunchy treat, a special toy, or just extra snuggles, make your Maine Coon associate grooming time with good vibes. Over time, it might even become their favorite part of the week. (Okay, maybe not—but one can dream.)
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Floof
Grooming a Maine Coon doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right tools, timing, and attitude (plus a few well-placed treats), you’ll keep your feline friend looking like the royalty they are—and avoid fur tumbleweeds the size of small pets in the process.
Whether you’re a long-time cat parent or just welcomed one of our Maine Coons of Finn Manor kittens into your San Francisco Bay Area home, regular grooming is key to keeping your cat’s luxurious coat healthy, tangle-free, and photo-ready.
Got questions or want to share your own grooming tricks? Drop a comment below and show off your floofy friend. We love a good before-and-after brush pic!
