5 Brushes For Maine Coons That Work!
As a proud Maine Coon cat parent, I’ve learned that regular grooming is key to keeping my three gentle giant’s long coats in tip-top shape.
These big cats are famous for their luxurious long fur and require a bit more attention than your average feline.
Over the years, I’ve tried numerous brushes and found that a few stand out from the rest, especially for Maine Coons that are prone to tangles.
Keep reading to find out which cat brushes have been my top five game-changing brushes for our beloved Maine Coons, pictured below.
Top 5 Cat Brushes Revealed!
Treat your cat to the best grooming tools! Click on the link to learn more.
What Makes These Cat Brushes Special?
Discover what makes these top 5 cat grooming brushes so great …
1. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is an effective tool for dealing with loose hair and tangles. The fine bristles are perfect for penetrating deep into the cat’s coat without irritating your feline friend’s skin.
I find this tool particularly useful when brushing Mika, my biggest Maine Coon cat since his fur is incredibly thick and dense – he looks like a snow lion!!
This slicker brush gets deep into his mass of hair and makes brushing out the loose fur before it becomes tangled an easier task.
I love time-saving gadgets, so obviously appreciate the self-cleaning feature of this cat grooming tool; just a push of a button, and the cat fur pops right off!
2. Groom Professional Matt Breaking Rake For Dogs
My husband first stumbled across this awesome grooming rake, so hands up I cannot take the credit for finding it! However, that doesn’t make it any less EPIC!
The Groom Professional matt breaker rake might be designed for dogs, yet it works like a dream on cats as well. We often mistake our cat for being a dog anyway! haha
Mika, our Maine Coon, has a long, thick coat prone to tangles. Finding the right grooming tool has been a challenge, but this de-matting rake is one of the few he accepts without fuss. His claws are sharp, so I don’t want to be attacked!
The 9-blade design helps to remove tangles and mats, making grooming his fur a breeze – something I would never have said when we first adopted him a few years back!
The unique soft-grip, non-slip handle ensures it’s comfortable to use, even during longer grooming sessions.
3. Poodle Pet Detangling Pet Comb
The Poodle Pet Detangling Pet Comb has a combination of long and short stainless steel teeth.
It has been a fantastic addition to our cat’s grooming routine, particularly for Bali who LOVES being brushed.
Bali isn’t prone to knots, except for the odd ones here and there. However, this is partly because we use the comb regularly to remove his knots and tangles before they become an issue.
I was drawn to a comb with stainless steel teeth because in my head that signals durability and even with thorough grooming the comb won’t bend!
Take a closer look at the brush I purchased, below:
4. Dual-Sided Pin Brush
Here’s a picture of my handsome Mika resting next to his brush!
We’ve bought a ton of these dual-sided combination brushes for our cats over the years since they are a solid choice when it comes to brushing cat fur.
Looking back at my Amazon orders, we’ve purchased this brush EVERY 3 YEARS, so that’s evidence they last!! We have three cats so that’s pretty good going!
The BV Dog Brush and Cat Brush is a standout grooming tool for several reasons, including its versatility and ability to remove tangles from long-haired cats.
Here are some more reasons that make it great:
- Dual-Sided Design: The two-sided brush offers both bristle and pin options. The bristle side removes shedding hair and dirt from Bali’s coat, while the pin side is perfect for detangling and reaching deeper into Mika’s thick fur.
- Comfort and Ease: The soft bristles are gentle on Bali’s skin, preventing irritation or discomfort. The ergonomic handle enables me to grip it with confidence.
- Efficient Shedding Control: Regular use of the brush helps manage shedding effectively. Bali’s coat stays smooth and free of loose hair, which means less fur around the house.
5. Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
The Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is perfect for managing our cat’s crazy shedding season!
This brush reaches through the Maine Coon’s outer guard coat to remove loose hair from their two dense undercoats, without damaging the topcoat.
It’s effective at detaching knots that form, without pulling on the cat’s skin and hurting or upsetting them.
You’d be amazed how much fur a cat has, so just imagine how much your Maine Coon is capable of shedding when the shedding seasons arrive! This tool helps limit the amount of fur droppage around your home.
If you want to see this brush in action, watch my YouTube video of Pippin being brushed with his Furminator.
Understanding The Maine Coon Coat
The Maine Coon cat boasts a luxurious, long, and thick coat that serves multiple purposes. This coat consists of three layers:
Two Dense Undercoats
- Insulation and Warmth: Provides essential protection in cold weather.
- Comfort: Keeps the cat cozy and shields it from extreme temperatures.
Softer Topcoat (Outer Coat)
- Semi-Water-Repellent: Shields a cat from moisture and helps to keep the undercoat dry.
- Protection: Maine Coon remains comfortable in various weather conditions.
Grooming Tips
Here are some tips to help keep your cat’s coat in top condition:
Regular Grooming
- Daily Brushing: Aim to brush your Maine Coon daily, or a minimum of 2-3 times a week. This helps to prevent tangles and mats from forming in their long coat. It also keeps their fur smooth and shiny by distributing natural oils. Use a soft bristle brush for daily grooming to gently remove loose hair.
- Weekly Deep Grooming Session: In addition to daily brushing, have a more thorough grooming session once a week. This involves using various brushes and tools to ensure all parts of your cat’s coat are well-maintained.
Use The Right Brushes
- Soft Bristle Brush: This brush is ideal for daily use. It’s gentle on your cat’s skin and helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat, promoting a healthy shine.
- Slicker Brush: Slicker brushes are great for removing dead hair and untangling knots. Opt for self-cleaning slicker brushes like the Hertzko, which make the grooming process easier and more efficient.
- Undercoat Rake: An undercoat rake is perfect for penetrating the dense undercoat of your Maine Coon. Use this tool weekly to remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming.
- Fine Tooth Comb: Use a fine tooth comb for detailed grooming. It’s excellent for removing fleas and working on sensitive areas where mats might develop.
- Mat Splitter: For stubborn tangles, a mat splitter can safely break up and remove mats without causing discomfort to your cat.
Handling Sensitive Skin
- Selecting A Brush: For cats with sensitive skin, opt for softer brushes like a soft slicker brush to avoid irritation.
- Be Gentle: Always brush gently, especially in sensitive areas. If your cat shows signs of discomfort, switch to a softer brush or take a break.
Professional Grooming And Special Cuts
If you’re struggling with grooming or your cat’s coat is particularly challenging, consider taking them to a professional groomer.
They can provide services and cat hairstyles like the Maine Coon Lion Cut, which you will learn more about if you click on the link.
Additional Tips
- Start Grooming Early: Begin grooming your Maine Coon as a kitten to get them used to the process. This makes grooming easier and more enjoyable.
- Create a Positive Experience: Make grooming a positive experience with treats and praise. This will help your cat associate grooming with positive feelings.
- Check for Skin Issues: During grooming, check your cat’s skin for any signs of irritation, fleas, or other health problems.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality grooming tools. Good brushes and combs will last longer and de-knot more effectively.
- Keep Tools Clean: Regularly clean your grooming tools to maintain hygiene and ensure they work effectively. Dirty tools spread bacteria and cause skin issues.
- Groom in a Quiet Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space for grooming to help your cat relax. A calm environment makes the process easier.
