Fur coat. The Maine Coon is a long- or medium-haired cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. The length is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks, with some cats having a leonine ruff around their neck.
Other ways to maintain a Maine Coon’s fur
Along with frequent grooming sessions, Maine Coons also need:
- Hairball control
- Well–balanced meals
Long, thick furred purebred Maine Coons frequently suffer from an overabundance of hairballs. The long-haired cats swallow a lot of loose hairs during grooming, which later clumps together in their digestive tract. The hairs may ball up into a sizable ball that is difficult to regurgitate, causing moderate to severe upset stomach symptoms.
It is not uncommon for shorthair Maine Coon cats to experience gastrointestinal distress due to hair accumulation. To avoid any potential problems, make sure the cat receives:
- Moisture—Moisture assists digestion and can help break down hairballs. Fortunately, water fascinates Maine Coons, so getting them to drink it shouldn’t be too tough. For best results, cats should drink about 100 milliliters of fluid for every two kilograms of body weight.
- Fiber: A small amount of fiber in a Maine Coon’s diet helps reduce hairballs. Some fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and broccoli, contain soluble fiber that strengthens the stomach lining of cats and encourages the growth of good bacteria.
- Exercise: Consistent exercise is good for a cat’s digestive system, particularly in terms of bowel movement. Because Maine Coons are playful by nature, regular exercise will improve their mood as well as their gastrointestinal system.
- Cat grass—not to be confused with catnip—helps facilitate the breakdown of hairballs. It can also relieve nausea and has a calming effect on the stomach of cats.
Long- or short-haired, a well-fed cat is a healthy cat!
A cat’s skin and coat are reflections of what’s going on inside their body. A Maine Coon’s dull or dry fur is most likely caused by malnutrition.
Maine Coons, whether purebred or mixed, require a diet rich in nutrients.
- Animal protein: In order to keep their bodies in good condition and their coats shiny, cats need animal protein. Being obligate carnivores, they are unable to obtain essential nutrients from plants alone, including taurine.
- Fatty acids: The skin of cats is nourished by the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardine), poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), and seafood (shrimp, prawns, and similar). Healthy fats also enable wound regeneration .
Obesity is another nutrition-related reason for poor fur quality. Maine coons are big by nature and have a tendency to put on weight quickly. They may experience skin irritation if they overeat and gain weight. For instance, dandruff may appear near the base of the tail or along the middle of the back.
Are All Maine Coons Fluffy?
All purebred Maine Coon cats have the breeds signature fluffiness. Texture-wise, it feels silky, despite its unkempt appearance. Reputable breeders prioritize meeting breed standards when producing quality litters.
A Maine Coon’s tail, mane, and inner ears are among its fluffiest body parts. However, due to age, some cats may have longer hair than others. Coat lengths can vary from medium to long.
Maine Coon kittens typically begin growing out their coats and manes at the age of nine months, but due to the breed’s large stature, it may take them up to two or four years to reach their full length of fur.
When do Maine Coons get their fur?
A Maine Coon’s fur takes time to grow; the fluffy cats do not have their characteristic shaggy appearance from birth. When the kittens are two to three months old, the ear tufts appear for the first time, and around nine months, the hair ruffs start to thicken.
Because of this breed’s magnificent mane, which grows for years, encountering a “shorthair” Maine Coon kitten is common. Some Maine Coons don’t reach adulthood until they are four years old!
Remember that your short-haired Maine Coon cat is mixed breed if they lack other essential features like a large frame, big paws, or a bushy tail.
FAQ
Are there any short haired Maine Coon cats?
What 2 breeds make a Maine Coon?
How do you tell if a cat is a Maine Coon?
What cats are mistaken for Maine Coons?