The Maine Coon’s Coat

The fluffy fur of a Maine Coon is one of their much-loved physical traits, so let’s delve deeper into the subject of how many fur coats the Maine Coon cat has.

Double-Layered Coat

Purebred Maine Coon cats usually have a double-layered coat, split into an undercoat and a top layer. The top layer, known as the guard layer is oily with semi-water-repellant properties that repel water and dirt. Their undercoat is very dense and formed by two shorter dense layers that trap air, providing insulation against cold weather.

Maine Coon cats are thought to have originated in Maine where they developed long, thick fur, to help them survive the frigid winter climate of this cold state.

Today, all purebred Maine Coons have a thick, double-layered coat that is well suited for harsh climatic conditions, with a silky texture that reduces the likelihood of matting.

Their coat should be glossy, not greasy or oily. A greasy coat can be a sign that your cat is suffering from one of these underlying health issues or nutrient deficiencies.

Undercoat

The undercoat consists of fine downy hairs covered by a layer of longer hairs. It is dense and very soft, providing insulation against cold weather.

Outer Layer

The outer layer develops as the Maine Coon grows out of the kitten phase. It is:

• Thicker
• Coarser
• Gets Considerably Long

The outer coat of a Maine Coon is glossy and semi-water-resistant. It is hypothesized that Maine Coons developed this long shaggy coat when first introduced to North America.

The guard hairs play a key role in helping the Maine Coon survive the harsh winters and winds of Maine, US. The hairs repel:

• Water
• Snow
• Dirt

Maine Coon Neck Ruff

Maine Coons are well known for the lion-like mane around their neck. This mane is also referred to as a ‘ruff’ and predominates the front and lower sides. It goes all around to their back.

During the summer months, a Maine Coons mane will become less dense. However, it will never shed off completely, leaving the cat’s neck maneless.

Some owners like to emphasize the lion look of a Maine Coon, by giving their cat a Maine Coon lion cut. Read more about this emotive subject matter.

Summer And Winter Coats

Maine Coons are known for their long, luscious coat of fur, which makes grooming an essential aspect of your cat’s daily life.

If you compare the Maine Coons summer coat vs. winter coat, you will notice they are different. Most notably, their summer coat is far less dense than the winter coat.

These large cats shed a lot of fur during the summer months to help regulate their body temperatures when the weather is too hot. You will also notice the ruff of hair around their neck and chest becoming less dense during the hotter weather.

However, during the fall season, they start to grow a thick winter coat that enables them to stay warm and functions as an insulator to the cat’s body, protecting them against extreme cold conditions.

Your cat’s outer semi-water-repellent coat will also grow considerably longer during the wintertime, to help keep your feline dry (source 1).

As the season shifts to spring, your Maine Coon will shed a lot of fur, preparing their body for the hot approaching summer season.

The Maine Coons summer coat protects them from the hot sun rays because their fur protects them against potentially harmful sunlight (source 1).

Grooming Tips

Here are some grooming tips that will assist you when caring for your feline’s coat:

1. Use Detangling Detergent

Sprinkle a detangling detergent on your cat’s fur, then use a cat comb to gently try and detangle your cat’s knotted fur.

You can also use a wide-toothed comb and gently attempt to detach the mats from your cat’s thick fur.

2. Use Clippers On The Matted Fur

Clipping matted fur is one of the easiest ways to remove troublesome mats from your cat’s thick dense fur, without hurting them.

Never use scissors to cut the matted hair because you may accidentally cut your cat.

3. Groom Your Cat Regularly

Grooming your cat regularly is by far the most reliable way to prevent matting in Maine Coons cats.

Grooming is also an excellent way to keep your Maine Coon cat clean.

If your Maine Coon already has mats though, remove them carefully and then stay on top of your cat’s grooming needs to prevent future matting.