7 Reasons Why Your Maine Coons Fur Has Become 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

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: 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 may exhibit excessive licking or scratching, particularly around the neck and ears.

What to do:

If you suspect an allergy, consult your veterinarian. 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

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
• 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.

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.

Final Thoughts

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:

• Grooming issue
• Diet problem
• Allergy
• 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.