7 Eye-Opening Reasons Why Your Maine Coons Coat May Be Too Oily

Maine Coon cats naturally produce more skin oils than many other cat breeds. These oils help protect their thick double coats, giving the fur a glossy, slightly water-resistant quality.

So yes, Maine Coons do have a naturally oil-coated coat, but it should never look greasy, clumpy, or wet.

If your Maine Coon’s fur feels slick, looks separated, or seems to have lost its fluff, there’s probably something going wrong.

Greasy fur can be a sign that your cat is struggling to groom properly, has a health issue, or isn’t getting the nutrition they need.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes oily fur in Maine Coons and how to fix it.

1. Natural Oils: The Protective Layer All Maine Coons Have

Maine Coons have a thick, water-repellent double coat that evolved to protect them from harsh, cold climates.

To stay warm and dry, their skin produces natural oils called sebum, which coat the outer layer of fur. These oils help keep their coat soft, shiny, and tangle-resistant.

Why this matters:

A healthy amount of oil is completely normal and beneficial. However, if your cat’s grooming habits are disrupted or the skin starts to overproduce oil, it can build up and leave the coat looking greasy.

The challenge for owners is knowing the difference between healthy shine and unhealthy grease.

Tip: If your cat’s fur is visibly clumpy, especially along the spine or near the tail, it may be a sign of excess oil, not just a normal coat.

2. Poor Grooming: When Cats Can’t Reach Their Fur

Maine Coons are generally excellent self-groomers, but as they age or gain weight, they may lose flexibility and struggle to clean themselves properly.

This is particularly common in older cats, cats with arthritis, or overweight cats that can’t bend easily.

Why this matters:

When a Maine Coon can’t reach certain areas like the base of the tail or the lower back, oils begin to collect in those regions, making the coat appear oily or even matted.

Over time, this can lead to discomfort, itching, or skin infections if not addressed.

What to do:

Brush your Maine Coon at least 2-3 times a week to help distribute oils evenly and remove excess fur.

Focus on the areas they can’t reach themselves.

If grooming is difficult due to age or pain, your cat may need veterinary help or even regular grooming sessions from a professional.

3. Food Allergies Or Skin Sensitivities

Sometimes, a greasy coat is a symptom of a deeper issue, like:

• Food allergies
• Environmental sensitivities

Cats with allergies often develop irritated, inflamed skin, which can lead to increased oil production as the body tries to soothe itself.

Why this matters:

You might not notice the signs right away, but over time, you may see greasy patches, scabs, or flaky skin.

In some cases, your Maine Coon might be licking excessively or scratching, especially around the neck and ears.

What to do:

If you suspect an allergy, speak to your vet. They may recommend switching to a limited-ingredient diet, hypoallergenic food, or performing allergy testing.

Treating the cause can restore normal oil production and bring your cat’s coat back to life.

4. Inadequate Nutrition

What your Maine Coon eats directly affects the quality of their skin and coat.

A diet lacking high-quality protein or essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 can throw the skin’s oil balance out of sync.

Why this matters:

Low-grade supermarket kibble often uses fillers (corn, wheat, by-products) instead of real meat. These don’t provide the nutrients a large, active breed like the Maine Coon needs.

As a result, the skin may become dry and overcompensate by producing too much oil, or the coat may appear dull and lifeless.

What to do:

Feed a high-protein, meat-first diet. Look for food with real chicken, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient.

Adding fish oil or a vet-approved skin supplement may also help restore the coat’s natural balance over time.

5. Seborrhea: A Skin Condition That Disrupts Oil Production

Seborrhea is a medical condition that causes the skin to produce too much oil (seborrhea oleosa) or become excessively dry and flaky (seborrhea sicca).

Maine Coons can suffer from the oily type, especially if there’s an underlying health condition involved.

Why this matters:

If your cat has seborrhea, their fur may feel greasy even right after brushing. You might also notice a bad odor, yellowish flakes, or chronic earwax buildup.

Left untreated, this condition can worsen and cause hair loss or bacterial infections.

What to do:

Seborrhea should be diagnosed and managed by a veterinarian.

Treatment might include medicated shampoos, special diets, or managing the root cause (which could be hormonal, metabolic, or even parasitic).

6. Health Problems Like Obesity, Arthritis, Or Thyroid Disorders

If your cat has suddenly become greasy and isn’t grooming as usual, it might be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Cats with hypothyroidism, arthritis, hip dysplasia, or diabetes may struggle with grooming or experience skin changes that affect oil levels.

Why this matters:

When medical issues interfere with a cat’s ability to clean themselves or alter how their skin functions, greasy fur can be one of the first signs. These conditions are often accompanied by changes in energy levels, weight, appetite, or behavior.

What to do:
Don’t ignore greasy fur if it appears suddenly or doesn’t improve with brushing. Book a veterinary check-up to rule out any hidden medical causes.

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7. Greasy Residue from Flea Treatments or Topical Products

If the greasy fur appears mostly in one area—usually between the shoulder blades—it could be the result of a recent flea treatment or topical medication. These spot-on treatments contain oily carriers that can cling to the coat for days.

Why this matters:
While most topical flea products are safe and effective, they can sometimes irritate the skin or create a greasy patch, especially in long-haired breeds like the Maine Coon.

What to do:
If the greasy patch lingers more than a few days or your cat seems irritated, consult your vet. They may suggest an alternative treatment method or product better suited for long-haired cats.

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✅ Final Thoughts: What to Do If Your Maine Coon Has Oily Fur

A slight natural sheen is completely normal for a Maine Coon—but noticeable greasiness, clumps, or odor is not. Greasy fur is often your first clue that something isn’t quite right, whether it’s a grooming issue, diet problem, allergy, or a health condition.

To help keep your Maine Coon’s coat clean and balanced:

• Brush them regularly, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• Feed a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet with healthy fats.
• Monitor for signs of illness, like changes in grooming, weight, or energy.
• Avoid overbathing, which can dry the skin and cause more oil production.
• Use gentle grooming tools and cat-safe shampoos only when needed.

If in doubt, ask your vet for advice. With the right care, your Maine Coon’s majestic coat can stay fluffy, soft, and beautifully balanced—never greasy.

Do Maine Coons Have Oily Fur?

Maine Coons have a naturally oily coat, which makes their fur semi-water-resistant. However, if a Maine Coon’s coat is exceptionally oily, especially on the face or at the base of the tail, it could be due to underlying skin conditions, or other health problems.

Maine Coons are longhaired, intelligent cats that are famous for their enormous size and wide range of colorings. They have a thick, double-coat, which helps insulate them against cold weather.

Their fur changes in length across their body and they are famous for the ruff or mane around their neck making them look like mini lions! They also have long fur on their paws, belly, and hind legs.

They have thick fur in the winter, but their summer coat is much lighter due to shedding. These cats shed seasonally, typically in the fall and spring, so their coat can protect them from extreme temperatures.

Maine Coon Oily Coat

While the Maine Coon’s thick, shaggy coat is one of the most famous traits of this breed, some owners worry that these cats have oily fur.

If this is one of your worries, keep in mind that all cats secrete oils from their skin which then coats their fur and keeps it moist and glossy, just like human hair.

So can cat fur get greasy?

The simple answer to this is that whilst the oil cats secrete adds shine and moisture to their coat, their fur should never be visibly greasy.

However, cats can develop oily coats if they begin to produce too many oils, which has often been caused by:

• Skin Irritation
• Allergies
• Other Health Problems

If you are worried that your Maine Coon has oily fur, please keep in mind that Maine Coons have more oily fur than most cats because their skin oils make their coats semi-water resistant.

Whilst this adaptation was a huge advantage many centuries ago when Maine Coons lived wild in the frigid, snowy state of Maine, it is less relevant in today’s world.

This is because in modern-day life most Maine Coon cats are now domesticated, living in lovely warm dry homes.

Maine Coon Fur

Have you ever wondered, do Maine Coons have hair or fur?

Whilst this might sound like a silly question, it is actually a valid query that many people like to ask. This is what I tell them …

Cats, like all mammals, have hair. However, the term “fur” is often used to describe thick hair that coats an animal’s entire body.

Therefore, while cat fur is similar in structure to human hair, it is typically finer, softer, and grows more densely than the hair of a human.

So, do Maine Coons have soft fur?

Despite their somewhat oily coats, Maine Coon soft fur is still very common. In fact, the Maine Coon’s extra thick coat means their coat is far softer to touch than many other cat breeds.

Fluffy Maine Coons

If you have a Maine Coon kitten, you might be wondering, when do Maine Coons get fluffy?

Most Maine Coons start becoming fluffy when they are about two months old, but it can take up to four years for their full coat to develop.

13 Causes Of Greasy Fur

While some level of oil is important for protecting your cat’s coat and providing moisture, there might also be an underlying cause.

Here are 13 of the most likely causes (source 1):

1. Natural Oils

For a longhaired cat, oily fur behind the ears is relatively common. The fur behind a cat’s ears is softer and finer, which means it can be more easily affected by oils.

Furthermore, cats often have an especially difficult time reaching these spots.

2. Allergies

Allergies to food, dust, pollen, and other allergens can result in skin irritation, increasing oil production.

Discover the 12 most common Maine Coon allergies in my article.

3. Old Age

As cats age, they may become too tired, stiff, or achy to properly groom themselves.

Senior cat greasy fur is unfortunately common.

4. Arthritis

Similar to old age, cats with arthritis will lose some flexibility and might be unable to groom themselves as well as they once did.

Other painful conditions like hip dysplasia or osteoporosis might also have the same impact on your cat’s grooming abilities.

Watch out for these common signs of hip dysplasia.

5. Diet

Oily fur can be caused by a poor diet.

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to increased production of oils and other sebum, and will often also result in:

• Dull-Looking Fur
• Lethargy
• Other Symptoms

Keep your Maine Coons fur in great condition by feeding them these Maine Coon dry foods.

Alternatively, if a Maine Coon raw food diet is your preference then make sure you read this article first.

6. Obesity

Obese cats often lose their flexibility and have a difficult time accessing every part of their coat while grooming.

7. Primary Seborrhea

Primary seborrhea is a rare skin condition that causes cats to produce more oils than necessary, resulting in a greasy coat, as well as clumped or uneven fur.

8. Secondary Seborrhea

Secondary seborrhea often results in the same symptoms as primary seborrhea but is due to an underlying cause rather than genetics.

Secondary seborrhea can be caused by:

• Worms
• Fleas
• Allergies
• Various Infections

9. Stud Tail

Stud tail, most common in males, can result in an oily patch on the cat’s back.

The stud tail is most common in unneutered male cats and is the result of overactive oil production at the base of the tail.

Maine Coon stud tail is often accompanied by:

• Crusty Buildup
• Distinctive Bad Odor

10. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism increases a cat’s metabolism, often resulting in:

• Fur Loss
• Weight Loss
• Increased Appetite

Some Maine Coon cats with hyperthyroidism might also overproduce sebum and other skin oils, resulting in a greasy coat.

If you are wondering, why is my cat’s fur greasy and falling out then keep in mind that hyperthyroidism is a possible culprit.

11. Diabetes Mellitus

For a diabetic cat, oily fur is another possible symptom.

Some cats with diabetes might develop a dull greasy coat, as well as dandruff.

12. Mouth And Dental Diseases

Mouth and dental diseases can cause pain while grooming.

Cats with periodontal disease and similar conditions often show a decrease in appetite, as well.

Learn more about this potentially fatal teeth disease in my article ‘Maine Coon Teeth: Important Facts To Know‘.

13. Other Underlying Conditions

It is possible for a cat’s coat to become greasy due to several underlying health conditions, such as these common Maine Coon health problems.

Therefore, if you are worried about your cat’s oily fur, make sure to schedule a vet appointment to rule out any dangerous health problems.

Treating Oily Cat Fur

Oily fur is more than your cat’s appearance since it is almost always a sign of poor hygiene or underlying conditions.

Below are 7 great ways of treating your cat’s oily fur (source 1,2):

1. Grooming

Greasy coats are often the result of poor hygiene habits. Many cats are unable to properly care for themselves due to:

• Arthritis
• Old Age
• Obesity
• Other Medical Problems

Maine Coons should be brushed at least two or three times a week, and possibly more during shedding season. To enable successful grooming, make sure you have these six grooming brushes handy.

2. Bathing

It is no secret that most cats hate water, but Maine Coons are unique because they usually love the water because of these reasons.

If your Maine Coon hates baths, keep your cat clean by gently wiping the Maine Coons fur with a damp washcloth. Alternatively, try one of these methods.

If your cat’s fur looks separated, then your cat may have a buildup of grease and dirt in its fur, causing it to clump and separate. In such cases, thoroughly bathe your cat’s coat and remove this buildup.

Always use a pet-safe, vet-approved degreasing shampoo to safely remove your cat’s oily buildup. These are my favorite cat shampoos.

3. Coat Trimming

The Maine Coon’s long fur may look beautiful, but it can become dirty, matted, and greasy if it is not managed properly.

Sick or senior cats may develop clumps of excrement near their bottoms if it becomes tangled in their fur. Learn more about this issue.

If you notice any clumps or tangles on your cat’s body, it might be time to trim away some of the excess furs to maintain your cat’s hygiene.

4. Diet Change

Sometimes, a dull, greasy coat is due to a nutritional imbalance, or obesity. Obese cats cannot reach every part of themselves and should eat a vet-approved diet.

Cats with nutritional imbalances should be fed high-quality food with:

• High amounts of protein
• Moderate amounts of fat
• Low amounts of carbohydrates
• Low levels of grains and filler content

5. Pain Relief

Cats suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other painful conditions often cannot groom themselves as they once did.

Alongside grooming and bathing your cat more frequently, you should also consult with your vet about pain management.

The following can also help relieve your Maine Coons pain:

• Pain Relievers
• Decreased Exercise
• Accessible Furniture (to prevent excess climbing and jumping)

6. Medication

Sometimes, cats develop oily fur due to underlying parasites or infections.

Your vet will be able to prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or any other necessary medications to help your cat get better.

7. Schedule A Vet Appointment

Ultimately, a greasy coat should be a cause for concern for any cat owner.

Take your cat to the vet immediately if its oily fur persists for several days, particularly if you notice other symptoms such as lethargy or itching.

Maine Coon Grooming Tips

Cats are fastidious groomers, but even the cleanest of cats need a little help from their owners from time to time. It is important to establish a grooming routine to regulate your cat’s hygiene.

1. Brushing

Brushing is an essential part of caring for any cat, but this is especially true for Maine Coons since these longhaired cats are prone to tangles and matting. If you do not brush your cat enough they might swallow a lot of hair while grooming.

Do not overbrush as daily brushing can irritate your cat’s fur and even result in bald patches!

Maine Coon should be brushed at least two or three times a week with a slicker brush which is effective at removing the dead hairs from your cat’s thick undercoat.

Maine Coons have long, thick coats in the winter, and shorter, thinner coats in the summer so they can better adapt to temperature changes.

Between seasons, Maine Coons shed a lot and will need some extra grooming to remove excess fur.

Therefore, it is important to remember that during the spring and fall you will likely have to increase your cat’s brushing schedule due to their increased hair shedding cycle.

2. Clean Your Cat’s Face

Cats often produce a lot of oils on their faces and ears, and some might even develop acne as a result. To help avoid this use a damp cloth to gently wipe your cat’s face, particularly around the eyes, lips, and chin.

For more information on Maine Coon acne make sure you read this complete guide.

When it comes to cleaning your cat’s ears, only use a cloth or cotton ball to avoid damage to your cat’s precious ears. You should also only clean their ears once every two or three months to avoid irritation.

However, if your cat regularly has oily ears, or ears that are filled with debris, then it is likely suffering from some underlying condition and should be taken to the vet.

3. Bathing Your Cat

Maine Coon cats do not usually need to bathe, however, if they are really dirty then bathing is an option but should not be done more often than once a month.

If your cat hates baths and becomes quite stressed by it, stop immediately. Alternatively, if your Maine Coon loves water then it might be a good idea to set up a regular bathing schedule for them.

Here are a few bathing tips:

1. Before starting the bathing process for your cat, make sure that you brush them beforehand to remove your cat’s dead hair.
2. For cats that dislike baths, it is usually a good idea to make sure your cat is calm and tired when bathing. This is because a cat that is full of energy is more likely to put up a fight during bathtime!
3. You should also make sure you have placed a rubber mat or towel in the bottom of your bathtub so that your cat has something safe to grip whilst being bathed.
4. Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water and place your cat in the tub.
5. Instead of submerging your cat entirely underwater, use a cup, container, or gentle water sprayer to get your cat wet.
6. Then, massage the cat shampoo into your cat’s fur. Make sure you only use cat-safe shampoos like these or consult a trained vet who can recommend ideal cat shampoos based on your pet’s individual needs. For example, cats with particularly oily coats often need a degreasing shampoo to remove excess buildup.
7. Rinse your cat’s fur with water.
8. Afterward, gently dry your cat with a warm towel and give it a few treats to make bathtime a more positive experience.

Trimming Your Cat’s Fur

Since Maine Coons are long-haired cats, they are more prone to tangles and mats. The long fur around their paws and hind legs is especially prone to matting. Senior, obese, and outdoor cats are all more likely to have dirty or tangled fur.

While bathing and brushing can help prevent this, it is also a good idea to trim excess fur when necessary.

If your cat has a lot of mats it can be dangerous to groom your cat yourself; sometimes, it is nearly impossible to remove a mat without cutting into your cat’s skin by accident.

Should you not feel comfortable grooming your cat by yourself, find a reputable groomer who you trust.