The Maine Coon Cat is a large and beautiful breed of long-haired cats found in the United States. As their name indicates, the breed was established in Maine, but their origin is a bit of a mystery. These cats are known for their loyal and affectionate bonds with their humans and their extraordinary fur. Grooming is an essential step in owning a Maine Coon and is necessary. You don’t want your beloved to be matted and develop skin issues.
The Glorious Hairdos of the Maine Coon Cat
We all know someone (besides your Maine Coon) who is extra proud of their hairdo. They likely go to extreme lengths to stay fresh and are examples of perfection. Now picture that person as a giant cat; this is what having a Maine Coon can be like. Add in a ton of super long fur, shedding, matting, fleas, mites, and other possible skin issues, and you will start to understand what it is like to own a Maine Coon Cat.
Maine Coon Seasonal Shedding
At certain times of the year, shedding from your animals will pick up or slow down, depending on the outdoor temperature. Knowing before you find yourself amid the ultimate fur challenge is key to combatting the hairy issue before it gets way out of hand, as problems tend to do. If you’ve ever owned an animal with fur, you should be familiar with shedding and the times of year that the worst of it happens.
Some animals may be extra furry but not shed much because of their genetics and climate, which doesn’t have freezing weather often. Maine Coon Cats shed because their breed is meant to survive the harsh winters in Maine, where winter weather happens from December to March or sometimes April. So, you are looking at some serious shedding in April or May whenever the weather changes from winter to spring.
The Worst Months for Shedding
Maine is the farthest northeastern state in the United States and is well known for its ski resorts and epic snowfall paired with frigid temps. It’s hard to imagine any animal capable of surviving such brutal weather, but the sweet Maine Coon can. Naturally, you don’t want to keep your cat outdoors to experience the wintery mix of nastiness. Instincts program their bodies, so even if they are always indoors or in a warm state, they will still shed the thick undercoat that keeps them dry and warm, like insulation in cold weather.
From April or May until December, your Maine Coon will shed their dense winter fur and take on a much lighter coat for the other months. However, in Maine, it doesn’t get hot. The shedding will taper off after a while and not seem so jaw-dropping, but with beautiful hair like that, they need to shed to keep it healthy and shiny.
Humans aren’t innocent when it comes to shedding since we all do it unless we are without hair anywhere on our bodies. It’s just not as noticeable as clumps of cat fur floating around your house like tumbleweeds in the Wild West. However, if you have long hair and own a vacuum or broom, you are highly trained in the removal of your long, beautiful hair from every cleaning apparatus.
Taking your cat to a pet groomer is highly advised. Their professional grooming tools enable them to truly de-shed your cat. If done once a month, this will help exponentially with hair around your home and on your clothes. Now, onto some happier news.
The Best Months for Shedding
Maine Coon Cats shed the most in the spring and autumn. Planning your pet grooming appointments is crucial to making the most of those problematic and hairy months. Twice a year, Maine Coons shed their dead fur. It would be nice if it could happen simultaneously, but it is a gradual process. In the winter months, you will see far less fur floating around since that’s when they need the extra fur the most.
Indoor Maine Coon Cats are sometimes said not to shed indoors since the climate is stable. This is not entirely true. Inside or out, your Maine Coon will shed, though inside is always much safer. It is genetically set up to replace dead hair with new. During the “off-season,” you can do your research on the best at-home grooming tools for Maine Coons and be able to keep things under control in between grooming appointments. Plenty of excellent de-shedding accessories are out there, from special brushes to shampoos.
Smart Ways To Manage Maine Coon Shedding
The best way to combat your Maine Coon’s fur “tumbleweeds” is to stay on top of the issue. Brush your cat regularly to help rid it of dead fur. Make a monthly appointment with a local groomer specializing in cats, and don’t skip any months. Providing posts that naturally brush your cat’s hair when they rub up against it can help decrease the hair on your furniture.
The excitement of adopting a Maine Coon kitten can sometimes outweigh the care that will go into keeping the cat healthy and happy. Be sure to read up on Maine Coon Cats and their care before deciding to adopt. Though their care isn’t difficult or outlandish, it still takes more effort than a fish tank would. It’s essential to think carefully and decide if having a Maine Coon is the right step for you and the cat. Ultimately, everyone should be happy and understand each other’s needs. Just don’t expect to take care of you too well.
