Do Maine Coons Have Oily Fur?

Maine Coons look exceptionally gorgeous, but a dull, oily coat can take away from your cat’s natural beauty, as well as indicate underlying health problems.

Read on to find out how you can keep your Maine Coon’s coat in perfect condition!

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.