Do Maine Coon Cats Need Baths?
Learn about the bathing needs of these gentle giants, and whether these former wild cats need to be washed!
Do Maine Coon Cats Need Baths?
Bathing Maine Coon cats is a great way to help your feline keep its long thick fur clean and healthy. Washing removes excess dander, dead hair trapped within the Maine Coon coat, controls shedding, and reduces allergy sufferers’ symptoms. Bathing is optional and only necessary if a cat struggles to keep its fur coat clean.
The Maine Coons long, thick fur keeps them warm in the winter and cool during the summertime. They have a semi-water-repellant fur coat that keeps them dry, even whilst playing with water, swimming, or taking baths!
These fastidious self-cleaners regularly groom themselves so bathing is not necessary unless the cat is dirty or struggling to keep their fur clean.
Bathing is a great way to get rid of excess dander and dead hair, however, must be limited to once a month and incorporated into a routine to ensure your cat accepts bathing again!
If you plan to bathe and wash your Maine Coon you should introduce this concept whilst they are still kittens. Older Maine Coons, particularly the male of the species, are more stubborn and set in their way so are not likely to be interested in bathing!
The only exception when you should wash your Maine Coon more than once a month is when it covers itself with something it should not lick off, like paint or oil (source 1).
Benefits Of Bathing
Here are the pros and cons to consider:
Removes Loose Fur
Bathing helps to detach loose dead hair caught within the cat’s thick dense fur, thereby reducing shedding and matting.
Removes Excess Dander
Bathing a Maine Coon helps remove the cat’s dander, significantly reducing allergy sufferers’ symptoms.
Improves Dry Skin Conditions
Dry skin can be an unfortunate cat health condition, and one of the ways to help the condition is by bathing your cat regularly (or as advised by your veterinarian).
Helps Cat Feel Cooler During Summer
Bathing helps cool your cat by removing excess fur.
Cleaner, Shinier, And Healthier Fur
Great way to make your cat’s coat and skin healthier, shinier, and mat and tangle-free.
Helps Reduce Or Eliminate Fleas
Bathing a cat with flea-control shampoo helps stop fleas and other skin parasites. Learn more about Maine Coon flea treatment.
Maine Coons Like Water
They have semi-water-resistant fur so enjoy playing with water, or bathing!
Downsides Of Bathing
Make sure you consider the following cons of bathing a Maine Coon cat:
Difficulty
Introducing Maine Coon kittens and cats to bathing can be very difficult. Older Maine Coons will potentially be harder to bathe.
Emotional Stress
Bathing can potentially cause undue emotional stress to your cat.
How To Bathe A Maine Coon
Below are the steps on how to bathe a Maine Coon kitten or cat:
1. Groom
Grooming your Maine Coon before bathing is important since it helps detach easily removable dirt, dander, and dead hair.
2. Preparation
Before beginning the bathing process make sure you gather everything needed. Keep the items within reach so you do not have to leave the cat alone in the tub.
Place a mat down in the tub for safety and comfort, then fill the bath with just a few inches of water. The water should be at lukewarm temperatures.
3. Getting Soaked
Place your Maine Coon into the tub, and use your hands to soak their thick coat with the water from the tub. Soaking is harder than it sounds since these cats have considerably thick fur!
Whilst soaking your kitten or cat avoid getting water in your cat’s ears and eyes.
If you are just introducing your Maine Coon to bathing, you should close the bathroom door before beginning the process, to minimize the chances of your cat escaping.
4. Shampooing
Once fully wet carefully apply cat shampoo to your cat’s fur by pouring a little cat shampoo into the palms of your hands and gently massaging the shampoo into their fur.
Be careful not to use a lot of shampoo around the cat’s facial area.
5. Rinse Fur Thoroughly
Set your shower head to a lukewarm temperature, on a low-pressure setting.
Allow the water spray to run for a bit before bringing it close to your Maine Coon because it allows your cat time to get used to the noise and sight of water spraying near them. Spraying your cat immediately might frighten them.
As you rinse your cat use a brush or fingers to get in deep and get all the shampoo out of their thick fur. For the cat’s face, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe the cat shampoo off.
6. Repeat Steps
If necessary, repeat steps 4 and 5 as many times as you want to ensure that your Maine Coons thick dense fur is fully clean.
7. Dry Your Cat
Use your hands to remove excess water from your cat’s fur before drying them with a towel. Do this gently so as not to hurt the cat’s skin. Alternatively, wrap your cat in a towel and set it gently on another towel.
Save time by using highly absorbent towels or a blow dryer (if your cat permits this!).
8. Release Your Cat And Treat Them
Set your Maine Coon free and watch it strut around with a freshly bathed coat! Remember to comfort the cat with her treats afterward.
Best Cat Shampoo
Always use cat shampoos that have been exclusively designed and formulated to be used on cats, not ordinary human shampoos because human shampoos can severely hurt your Maine Coons fur and skin.
Soap Free
The best shampoos are designed and formulated to be used on cats and are soap-free. They contain natural ingredients that help moisturize your cat’s sensitive skin.
Deodorizing Properties
It is not uncommon for a Maine Coon cat to emit an unpleasant odor from time to time (here’s why). Thankfully, most cat shampoos smell great, which helps deodorize unwanted cat odors.
Anti-Itch
Cat shampoos have anti-itch properties.
Biodegradable
Cat shampoos are biodegradable.
Alternatives To Bathing A Cat
If you did not introduce your Maine Coon to bathing during kittenhood, the good news is that there are alternative ways to keep your Maine Coon cat clean.
Here are some great ways to keep a Maine Coon clean:
1. Dry Cleaning With Wipes
Wet wipes designed for cats can help clean your cat in no time. They often come with dandruff control or extra shine properties, which help improve your cat’s skin and fur.
2. Brushing
Brushing is a reliable way of ensuring your Maine Coon’s fur does not get matted or tangled. If bathing is not your Maine Coon’s thing, brushing will help keep the coat clean and healthy.
Just make sure to only buy the ‘Best Maine Coon Brushes‘.
3. Dry Shampoo
Cat dry shampoos are no-rinse waterless shampoos that allow owners to clean their cats without using any water.
For the complete guide to keeping your Maine Coon cat clean, make sure you read this article I wrote.
