7 Proven Strategies To Prevent Matted Fur In Maine Coons

Maine Coons are famous for their long, luxurious coats, but their thick double fur can easily become matted without proper grooming.

Mats do not just affect appearance; they can also cause pain, limit movement, and even lead to infection.

Ultimate Guide To Maine Coon Matting

Below are 7 key strategies to stop matting in its tracks and keep your Maine Coon healthy, happy, and beautifully fluffy.

1. Understand What Matting Is, And Why It Happens

Matting occurs when dead or loose hair becomes trapped in your cat’s coat and tangles into dense, compacted clumps.

The thick, semi-water-resistant fur of a Maine Coon includes a soft undercoat and a longer, coarse topcoat. When these layers rub together or get damp, they can knot, especially in areas with frequent friction.

Common causes of matting in Maine Coons include:

• Infrequent grooming
• Moisture (from licking, rain, or litter boxes)
• Shedding season
• Lack of movement in overweight or elderly cats
• Collars or harnesses rubbing against the neck

Because Maine Coons have such dense fur, their coats are more prone to matting than short-haired breeds. Left untreated, mats can become painful and pull at the skin.

2. Know The Risks Of Matted Fur

Mats are more than a cosmetic issue; they can seriously affect your cat’s well-being.

As mats grow tighter, they:

• Pull on the skin, causing irritation, redness, and pain
• Trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection
• Hide parasites like fleas or ticks
• Restrict movement, especially if they form under the legs or tail
• Interfere with grooming, especially in elderly or less flexible cats

Severe matting can result in open sores, scabbing, or inflammation, especially in sensitive areas like behind the ears, under the arms, and around the groin.

3. Groom Regularly And Use The Right Tools

The best way to prevent matting is through regular grooming with the proper equipment.

For Maine Coons, brushing should happen at least 2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding seasons (spring and autumn).

Recommended tools include:

• Undercoat rake: Removes dead fur from the dense undercoat
• Slicker brush: Detangles and smooths the topcoat
• Wide-tooth comb: Ideal for working gently through smaller knots
• Dematting tool or mat splitter: For advanced, stubborn mats (use with care)

Never use scissors near the skin unless you’re experienced, as one slip could result in injury. Instead, use a comb to lift mats away from the skin before cutting.

4. Focus On High-Risk Areas

Certain areas are more prone to matting, so give them extra attention:

• Behind the ears
• Under the armpits
• Along the back legs and tail
• Around the neck where collars sit
• Under the belly

These are friction points where hair is compressed when the cat walks, sits, or grooms. Brushing here, even for just a few minutes each session, can prevent major matting.

5. Remove Mats Gently And Safely

If your Maine Coon already has mats, follow this pain-free approach:

1. Stay calm and choose a quiet, low-stress time. Offer treats to relax your cat.
2. Apply a detangler spray or a mix of conditioner and water to the matted area.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the fur.
4. Start combing from the outside of the mat, working inward slowly. Hold the base of the mat to avoid tugging the skin.
5. Use a mat splitter only when brushing fails, and always keep the blade away from the cat’s skin.
6. If the mat is very tight, do not try to cut it – book an appointment with a professional groomer or vet.

Painful mats should never be yanked out or shaved at home without training, as this can traumatize your cat or cause wounds.

6. Prevent Matting With Healthy Habits

Matting can also be prevented through smart daily practices:

• Wipe your cat’s fur after outdoor time or messy litter box use
• Keep your home humidified, especially in dry seasons, to prevent static and hair dryness
• Provide a healthy diet rich in omega-3s and high-quality protein to keep the coat soft and glossy
• Trim excess fur around high-friction areas if mats form repeatedly (have a groomer help)

A well-maintained coat is less prone to tangling, so overall health and grooming frequency are key.

7. Know When To Call In The Professionals

Call in the professionals if:

• The mats are close to the skin
• Your cat resists brushing and becomes distressed
• You see red, raw, or bleeding skin
• The matting covers large areas of the body

A professional groomer or veterinarian can safely sedate or restrain your cat if necessary and remove the mats with minimal discomfort.

Regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can also help manage long fur in aging or grooming-averse Maine Coons.

Home Remedies For Cat Mats

Here’s a list of safe, vet-approved home remedies to help remove or loosen matted fur on your Maine Coon cat.

These remedies work best on mild to moderate cases. For severe matting, always consult a groomer or vet to avoid injury.

Cornstarch Or Baby Powder (Unscented)

Lightly dust the matted area with unscented baby powder or cornstarch. These powders reduce friction and moisture, helping you gently tease the mat apart without tugging the skin.

How to apply:

• Sprinkle a small amount directly onto the mat
• Massage it in with your fingers
• Use a wide-tooth comb to gently work from the edges inward
• Repeat as needed until the mat breaks apart

Tip: Only use unscented, talc-free powders.

Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil (Small Amounts Only)

These natural oils lubricate the fur, loosening the tangle and allowing the comb to slide through more easily. They also nourish dry fur and skin.

How to apply:

• Use a pea-sized amount
• Rub it gently between your fingers, then apply it to the mat
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes
• Comb gently from the outside of the mat inward

Caution:
Don’t overuse, as oily fur attracts dust and may require bathing afterward.

DIY Conditioner Spray (Water + Cat Conditioner)

A 5:1 mix of lukewarm water and cat-safe conditioner can soften tight fur tangles. Never use human conditioner; always choose feline-safe brands.

How to apply:

• Mix in a clean spray bottle: 1 part conditioner to 5 parts warm water
• Spray lightly on the matted area
• Let it soak for a few minutes
• Gently comb out the mat with a wide-toothed comb

Bonus: Add 1-2 drops of cat-safe argan or jojoba oil for extra slip.

Warm Damp Cloth And Gentle Massage

Moist heat softens the hair and helps loosen clumps – ideal for newer mats or sensitive skin areas.

How to apply:

• Wet a soft cloth with warm (not hot) water
• Wring out excess water and gently press it onto the mat for 3–5 minutes
• Use your fingers to carefully separate strands
• Follow up with a detangling comb

Do not soak your cat or pull the mat while wet, as this could worsen irritation.

Brushing In Short, Gentle Sessions

Trying to remove a mat in one sitting can cause your Maine Coon stress. Instead, break grooming into multiple 5-10 minute sessions using:

• Wide-tooth comb
• Slicker brush
• Mat breaker (if needed, very carefully)

Reward with treats and affection to build positive grooming habits.

What NOT To Use For Home Remedies

• Pet clippers near sensitive skin without proper technique
• Scissors (risk of cutting skin)
• Human conditioner or hair products
• Matted fur shavers without training
• Vinegar, alcohol, or baking soda