Do Maine Coons Shed? What It’s Really Like Living With All That Fluff
Having a cat with lots of fur can feel a little scary at first — especially if it’s your first time. Maine Coons have big, fluffy coats, and many people worry they won’t have enough time to take care of it. That’s totally normal.
Let’s talk about the truth when it comes to grooming a Maine Coon — and how to make it work for you.
🐱 How I Groom My Maine Coons
I have a lot of Maine Coons, and no — I don’t brush each one for an hour every day. Some people online say you need to, but let’s be real: most cats don’t sit still that long anyway!
Here’s what I actually do:
🛁 Monthly baths — These are special “show” baths where I also use a blow dryer (it takes time but helps a lot!)
🪮 Brushing when they want to — Some of my cats let me brush them for a few minutes each day. Others only sit still once or twice a week. Because they’re clean and tangle-free from the bath, it works just fine!
🧍♀️ But You’re Raising a Pet — Not a Cattery
When you bring home your kitten, the rules are a little different. You’re not running a cattery — you’re raising your baby.
If you search online, you’ll find lots of different answers:
“Brush 2–3 times per week”
“Bathe once a month”
“Go to the groomer every 2–3 months”
“Use a comb every day”
“Get a professional groom every month”
The truth? There’s no one right way to do it. Every cat is different. Every owner is different. So here’s what really matters:
🧒 Start When They’re Kittens
When your Maine Coon is still little, try to brush or comb them often. Even if they don’t need it yet, it teaches them to sit still and enjoy grooming later on. It makes everything easier as they grow up.
❗ It’s Not Your Fault If They Get a Knot
Maine Coons can get mats (tangled fur) really fast, even overnight. That doesn’t mean you did something wrong.
Even great breeders have to de-mat their cats sometimes. If it happens to you — don’t feel bad. Just try again next time with what you’ve learned.
🧵 Watch Your Cat’s Coat
Every Maine Coon has a different type of fur:
Some need a bath once a month and barely any brushing.
Some get knots if you miss even one day.
Some don’t need brushing at all except after a bath!
You can also ask your breeder what the kitten’s parents are like — but you’ll figure it out as you go.
📅 Forget the Perfect Schedule
Lots of people make very strict grooming schedules. That’s great — but not always realistic.
Kittens usually don’t need much grooming at first. Their coats are soft and don’t shed much. As they grow, their fur might get longer and fluffier — or stay sleek and simple. Some cats will need brushing every day. Some won’t.
The best thing you can do? Learn all your options, and then do what works for you.
✂️ What About Shaving?
Some people ask if it’s bad to shave a Maine Coon. The truth is — it’s not harmful, but there are things to know.
Yes, they look a little silly after a shave. But it doesn’t hurt them or embarrass them.
Some breeders shave parts of their cats in summer to help them stay cool or stop mats. Some shave their bellies while they’re nursing babies, or trim the back end to help with hygiene.
But before you shave, keep in mind:
❄️ Their fur keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer — without it, they can get too cold or too hot
☀️ Their skin can burn in the sun without fur to protect it
🌀 Hair might grow back weird — patchy, rough, or uneven
Shaving should never be the first step. Try brushing more or changing their diet first. You can always ask your breeder or a groomer for help!
💛 You’re Not Alone
Grooming a Maine Coon doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for you and your cat.
Your breeder should be there to help you figure it out — no judgment, just support. Whether you brush every day or just once in a while, what matters most is that your cat feels safe, loved, and clean.