Maine Coon cat grooming guide — coat care, routine, products, and finding a groomer
Maine Coon.
Gentle giant with a majestic coat
Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed, and their semi-long, water-resistant coat is built for harsh New England winters. While their fur is less prone to matting than a Persian's, their sheer size means there is a lot of coat to maintain. Regular professional grooming keeps these gentle giants comfortable and looking their best.
Last updated May 30, 2026 by Cat Grooming Directory
Maine Coons are easier to groom than Persians thanks to their silkier coat texture, but they should not be underestimated. Their large size (males can exceed 20 pounds) means grooming takes longer, and their belly and britches are prone to tangling if neglected. Regular brushing 2-3 times per week prevents mats from forming.
Professional groomers experienced with Maine Coons know how to handle their size and work through the dense undercoat without causing discomfort. A thorough groom includes deshedding the undercoat, trimming the sanitary area, cleaning the ear tufts, and trimming the fur between their large, tufted paw pads to prevent litter tracking.
During spring shedding season, many Maine Coon owners increase grooming frequency. A professional deshedding treatment can remove a remarkable amount of loose undercoat and reduce hairballs significantly.
Your At-Home Routine.
4 steps total4 steps. Daily commitment.
Quick Body Brush
Wide-tooth comb through the full body, focus on belly, britches, and ruff.
Mat Check
Run fingers through belly, armpits, behind ears, and between back legs.
Ear Check
Tufted ears can trap debris. Check for wax buildup.
Nail Trim
Large paws with toe tufts — trim both nails and excess fur between paw pads.
Maine Coons' water-resistant coat makes them easier to bathe — many even enjoy water. Use a degreasing shampoo first. Drying takes 20–30 minutes.
Understanding the Maine Coon Coat.
The Maine Coon coat has a unique texture — silky, slightly oily, and water-resistant with longer fur on the belly, ruff (chest), and britches (back legs). The coat is shorter on the shoulders and longer toward the tail. They have a dense undercoat that thickens in winter and sheds heavily in spring. Their large tufted paws and ear furnishings also need regular attention.
Trouble Spots.
Where Maine Coon mats form. Check these.
| Area | Why | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Belly | Longest fur on the body, constant compression | Every other day |
| Britches (back legs) | Long fur + movement + hygiene | Every other day |
| Chest ruff | Dense, long fur that tangles with activity | 2–3x/week |
| Behind ears | Fine fur that mats easily | 2–3x/week |
| Armpits | Friction point with movement | 2–3x/week |
What a Pro Will Do.
The services Maine Coon cats typically need.
Special Considerations.
The Maine Coon-specific things groomers wish you knew.
Large size requires extra time and a groomer comfortable handling big cats
Dense undercoat sheds heavily in spring — deshedding treatments are highly beneficial
Paw pad fur grows long and traps litter — regular trimming recommended
Ear tufts need cleaning to prevent wax buildup and debris
Generally tolerant of grooming but may become restless due to session length
Maine Coon Toolkit.
4 picks for this coat. Groomer-tested. Amazon affiliate.
Furminator deShedding Tool for Cats
The gold standard for deshedding. Reaches through the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the skin.
View on AmazonGreyhound Metal Comb for Cats
Professional-grade stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth. Essential for detecting mats close to the skin.
View on AmazonSafari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Gentle slicker brush that removes mats, tangles, and loose fur. Retractable bristle feature makes cleanup effortless.
View on AmazonEarthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Cat Shampoo
Soap-free formula that combats dry, itchy skin with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera.
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Find a Maine Coon Groomer Near You.
Cities with active Maine Coon specialists — tap to see local pros.