Why Is My Maine Coon Shedding So Much?
Maine Coons are beautiful cats, and their long, luxurious fur only makes them more attractive. However, you may find yourself wondering, why is my Maine Coon shedding so much?
Maine Coons have long, thick fur that grows and sheds throughout the year. Maine Coons are considered moderate shedders, but they tend to shed more during fall and spring, as they prepare for the extreme temperatures of Winter and Summer. Some health problems can cause extreme hair loss, but in most cases, regular brushing can help reduce shedding.
Dealing with excessive shedding can be inconvenient, but there are ways to reduce the amount your cat sheds.
Are you frustrated by the amount of cat hair your Maine Coon is shedding? Then it’s time to take action!
Read on to find out what causes your Maine Coon to shed so much, as well as what you can do to reduce it.
Why Is My Maine Coon Shedding So Much?
Maine Coons are among the most gorgeous of cat breeds, with long, thick fur that forms a ruff or “mane” around their neck and shoulders.
They are also known for their tufted paws and lynx tip ears.
Read more about the ‘Maine Coon Lynx Tip‘ in this article I wrote.
Overall, the Maine Coon’s fur is one of the most striking features of this cat breed.
Unfortunately, one downside to the Maine Coon’s beautiful coat is that they shed more than shorthair cats.
Maine Coons are considered moderate shedders, but for owners who are used to small amounts of shedding from shorthair cats, the amount of fur that Maine Coons shed might seem overwhelming.
Maine Coon shedding is usually something you just need to get used to, but it’s also important to learn why your cat is shedding, as it can sometimes be affected by environmental factors.
Here are the main reasons why Maine Coons shed so much (source 1,2):
1. Seasonal Shedding
The most common (and normal) cause of shedding in cats is the change of the seasons.
Maine Coons typically shed the most during spring and fall, as they prepare for summer and winter.
2. Poor Food
Cats need a balanced diet full of protein, fats, and certain vitamins and minerals.
These are my favorite Maine Coon dry foods.
Low-quality food often contains a lot of filler content like corn, grains, or other carbs, but not enough of the nutrition your cat really needs.
This can lead to a dull, patchy-looking coat as well as excessive amounts of shedding.
3. Old Age
As cats get older, they often lose some mobility in their joints and don’t have as much energy as they used to.
As a result, many older cats groom themselves less, which means they ingest less hair and end up shedding more throughout the house.
Senior cats often need a bit of extra assistance when it comes to grooming, and may even need their fur trimmed if it becomes matted or tangled.
If you’re not sure which cat grooming tools to use, make sure you buy these five Maine Coon grooming tools. They are all you will ever need.
4. Allergies
Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from allergies! Cats can be allergic to pollen, dust, and even certain kinds of food too.
Unfortunately, one common symptom of allergies in cats is skin irritation or rashes, which can lead to hair loss.
Can owners be allergic to Maine Coon cats? Click here to find out.
5. Stress
Cats suffering from stress often end up over grooming themselves, which leads to excessive amounts of hair loss.
This is usually accompanied by bald patches of fur, particularly on the belly or base of the tail.
6. Parasites
Parasites like ringworm and fleas can cause irritation, leading to excessive grooming and hair loss.
Make sure you are applying flea treatment to your Maine Coon cat regularly.
Here’s how to do it correctly.
7. Pregnancy
Pregnant cats go through a lot of hormonal changes, which can affect how much she sheds.
Furthermore, pregnant cats will also lose much of the fur on their bellies so their kittens will be able to nurse.
Learn more about Maine Coon pregnancy, here.
8. Underlying Health Problems
A lot of different factors can affect how much your cat sheds, but it’s also possible for cats to shed more if they are suffering from underlying health conditions, such as thyroid problems.
If your cat begins shedding a lot more than usual and begins exhibiting other worrisome symptoms, then you should take your Maine Coon to the vet straight away.
This is important since it will rule out any serious health problems.
Here are the most common 7 Maine Coon health problems.
Do Maine Coons Shed A Lot?
Before getting a cat, you might want to know, how much hair do cats shed?
Most shorthair cats don’t shed as much, but Maine Coons, with their thick, long fur, shed a moderate amount.
This tends to be in clumps though, rather than lots of separate hairs like you will find a short-haired cat leaves on your clothes.
The level of shedding is also affected by the individual cat in question.
This is because some cats might shed more or less than the average Maine Coon, and some only shed during certain times of the year.
Finally, a coat in good condition will likely shed less than a coat that is in poor condition.
When Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
Let’s take a look at the Maine Coon shedding pattern in greater detail.
Shedding is typically seasonal in cats, and this is especially true in Maine Coons, who developed a long, thick coat to survive harsh winters in Maine.
There is a striking difference between the Maine Coon Summer Vs Winter coat.
In fact, many Maine Coons lose their distinctive ruffs before the summer, as well as some of the long, tufted fur on their paws and other areas.
Do Maine Coons shed in the summer?
Typically, Maine Coons actually shed during the spring and fall, in preparation for the summer and winter, although this can vary from cat to cat.
How To Stop Maine Coon Cat From Shedding
Shedding is a natural part of owning a cat, but there are ways you can help reduce the amount that your cat sheds.
Keep reading to learn how to reduce shedding in cats!
Here are some steps you can take to keep your cat from shedding all over the house!
1. Regular Brushing
The best way to reduce shedding in cats is to provide regular grooming.
Use a fine-tooth comb or brush to gently remove dead hair at least twice a week, and more during the shedding seasons.
That way, your cat’s dead hair ends up in the garbage can instead of all over the furniture!
After much trial and error, I have concluded that these are my all-time favorite Maine Coon cat brushes.
In my experience, all five brushes are beneficial for your treasured Maine Coon, though you are likely to use the slicker or pin brush most frequently.
2. Bathing
Bathing isn’t necessary for Maine Coons, but some owners find it an easier way of removing dead hair.
If you have an outdoor cat or a cat that is prone to getting dirty, it can also be a great way to keep your Maine Coon’s fur tidy.
Since many Maine Coons love water, it can also be an enjoyable experience for your cat.
Have you ever wondered why Maine Coon cats love water so much though? … read the secrets behind this bizarre Maine Coon fascination?
3. High Quality Food
Finally, consider changing your Maine Coon to a high-quality diet.
Poor nutrition is often a common reason behind poor coat conditions.
If your Maine Coon is shedding a lot and has a dull, unkempt-looking coat, consider switching to a more expensive kind of food that contains all the nutrients your cat needs.
What is the best cat food for shedding?
The best Maine Coon feline diet requires high levels of protein. This means you should only purchase cat food with over 50% proteins.
Since Maine Coons are obligate carnivores, it is vital that owners provide their gentle giant with nutrients that come from meat, rather than dairy proteins or plant proteins.
This is because a cat’s body is hardwired to absorb the nutrients from the organs and flesh of animals.
Whereas daily products can cause stomach upset, and lead to a sensitive Maine Coon stomach.
It is also important that you feed your Maine Coon cat roughly 20% fats.
Feeding your Maine Coon the best diet will ensure their body stays fit and healthy, and their fur coat shiny and healthy looking.
What Is The Best Brush For A Maine Coon Cat?
There are a lot of different brushes out there for cat grooming, but what’s the best for caring for a Maine Coon?
Here are some of the different brushes you might consider using for your cat.
| Maine Coon Brush | Description |
|---|---|
| Pin Brush | Pin brushes are a popular option for pet owners. Special versions of these brushes are very fine to help remove dead hair and dirt. Just be sure to brush gently, so you don’t accidentally hurt your cat’s skin! |
| Glove Brush | If your Maine Coon loves to be petted but isn’t exactly a fan of grooming time, then the glove a brush might be a good option for you. These brushes are simply gloves that contain plastic pins like a brush, so you can pet your cat and collect dead hair at the same time |
| Fine Tooth Comb | It’s important to use combs with fine bristles so that you can be sure to pick up your cat’s dead fur |
| Bristle Brush | Bristle brushes won’t work to remove dead hair from the Maine Coon’s long coat, but they’re great to use at the end of a grooming session. They give your Maine Coon’s coat a nice, lustrous shine! |
Maine Coon Grooming Requirements
There’s more to keeping a Maine Coon than just brushing!
While it’s important to brush at least twice a week, there are other steps you should take to keep your Maine Coon in the healthiest condition possible.
You should trim your Maine Coon’s claws once every few weeks. It’s also a good idea to gently wipe their ears and eyes with damp, clean cloths to remove oily buildup or deposits.
Finally, you should brush your cat’s teeth once a day to encourage good dental hygiene!
Read our complete guide to keeping a Maine Coon clean.
Why Is My Cat Shedding So Much All Of A Sudden
It’s normal for cats to shed about the same amount from year to year.
So, if your cat suddenly begins to shed more than you’ve ever noticed before, it might be indicative of an underlying health problem.
If you’re wondering, why is my Maine Coon losing hair, then here are some possible reasons why your Maine Coon might suddenly be experiencing fur problems:
1. Stress
Big changes like moving or bringing home a new pet can cause your cat to become stressed and over groom itself, leading to hair loss.
2. Parasites
Parasites like fleas, ringworm, and more can all lead to skin irritation and result in hair loss.
3. Pregnancy
Pregnant cats experience hormonal changes that lead to fur loss, which might be the reason behind a sudden increase in shedding.
4. Allergies
If you recently switched foods or moved to a new location, your cat might be losing fur as a result of allergies.
5. Other Health Problems
Sadly, underlying health conditions like thyroid problems can result in hair loss.
Keep an eye on your cat’s fur and take it to the vet straight away if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Furminator For Maine Coon Cat
A newer brush design for cats and dogs alike is the Furminator.
The Furminator is specially designed to remove dead hair from your cat’s coat, and a small button at the top makes it easy to remove all the fur it’s collected!
Many owners prefer the Furminator to other brushes, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Do Maine Coons Shed A Lot When Sick?
Healthy Maine Coon cats shed at normal rates, as detailed above.
Ultimately though, shedding levels are dependent upon the climate you live in, the season of the year, or how hot your home is.
If your Maine Coons coat quality is looking pretty poor, you might notice your Maine Coon shedding a lot more, since is a direct indicator of the cat’s overall health level.
For example, a sick Maine Coon cat might shed excessively, or have an unusually dull coat.
Here are the key health problems Maine Coons experience, that could cause excessive Maine Coon hair shedding.
The following issues might also be causing your Maine Coon to shed a lot more than normal, so make sure you keep a close eye on your cat:
- Flea or tick infestation
- Cancer
- Medication
- Diabetes
- Maine Coon food allergies
- Food Poisoning
- Various diseases
Maine Coon cat owners should NEVER feed their cats these harmful foods.
Do Cats Shed Because Of Stress?
Cat specialists confirm that cats will shed more if they are feeling stressed, or anxious.
In most cases, this excessive Maine Coon cat shedding will only be short-term and is often referred to as off-season shedding.
However, if an owner sees other health issues in their Maine Coon cat it is best to visit a vet as soon as possible to check for other underlying health problems.
If you are not sure how to tell if your Maine Coon cat is stressed, look for the following signs, and make sure you read our complete guide to stress in Maine Coons:
- Hissing
- Change of behavior
- Hiding
- Over eating / Under eating
- Aggressive behavior
- Change in cats bowel movements
Below are some factors that might stress your Maine Coon cat, resulting in a temporarily increased shedding level:
- Change of food
- Altering the cats routine
- Loneliness
- Moving home
- Introducing a new baby to the home
Conclusion
The Maine Coon’s long, luxurious coat often has owners wondering, why is my Maine Coon shedding so much?
It’s natural for Maine Coons to shed a moderate amount, particularly during the spring and summer.
If you notice rapid amounts of hair loss, however, it could be due to an underlying health problem such as parasites, allergies, or thyroid problems.
Related Questions
Do Maine Coon Cats Scratch Furniture?
Maine Coons scratch furniture to stretch and to remove the dead sheathe of their growing claws. Placing a variety of cat scratchers near the furniture should greatly reduce this behavior.
How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Cost?
The Maine Coon is a popular cat breed, but they are also expensive. If you are purchasing from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $2,000.
