Maine Coon cats, or Maine Coons as they are affectionately called by their owners, are large, attractive, and fluffy cats that have become extremely popular as family pets over the past few decades.
However, there’s one common question about these distinctive felines that remains unanswered for many prospective Maine Coon cat owners; do Maine Coon cats shed?
It’s a little tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got the answer!
This article will clear all of your doubts about shedding and grooming so you can decide if the Maine Coon cat breed is the right fit for your lifestyle.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to minimize shedding as much as possible with proper grooming techniques and regular care.
Let’s get started!
Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
Maine Coons are known for their beautiful fur. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t shed. Cats of any breed will shed their hair to some degree.
Maine Coons shed at a different rate than other breeds due to their fur length and size.
The good news is that healthy Maine Coons shed less than other breeds and, compared to their size and the length of their fur, they do not shed much at all.
Why Do Cats Shed Hair?
Cats shed because they are naturally shedding old, dead hair. This is a natural process that helps the cat maintain a healthy coat.
The growth of new fur pushes out the old fur, which is why cats shed so much in certain seasons. There are also many other factors as to why cats may be shedding more than usual such as certain diseases.
How Often Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
Maine Coons have thicker coats than other breeds of cats and this has evolved according to the cold climate that their ancestors lived in. Maine Coons living outdoors will shed twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.
However, the pattern of indoor and domesticated Maine Coons has been disrupted as some may shed throughout the year and others never do at all. According to experts, Maine coons living indoors shed very little all year long.
Factors Affecting the Shedding of a Maine Coon Cat
The amount of hair that a Maine Coon cat sheds varies depending on the individual. There are many factors that affect a cat’s shedding, including:
- Poor diet
- Health Conditions
- Improper hygiene
- Stress and Anxiety
- Heat and humidity
1. Poor Diet
If your Maine Coon is shedding excessively, it could be due to poor nutrition. Experts in the field say that low-quality cat food is a common culprit for excessive shedding because of the lack of nutrients that can lead to health problems.
If you are concerned about your Maine Coon shedding, veterinarians recommend feeding them high-quality protein and fat sources and avoiding carbohydrates like corn and wheat if possible.
In addition, they should be fed supplements like taurine or fish oil. These pets should be given plenty of food twice a day, as well as fresh water every day.
2. Health Conditions
A sick Maine Coon can shed a lot. It’s not uncommon for them to lose their fur in patches, or have it come out as clumps. The hair will be brittle and fall out easily. They may also start scratching themselves a lot if they have an allergy.
Here are some common health conditions that can cause Maine Coons to shed:
- Sunburn
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Allergic reaction
- Food poisoning
- Viral or Bacterial Disease
- Infestation of fleas or ticks
- Fungal Infestation
- Hormonal disorders
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Medication Side effects
Take your cat to see a vet if you suspect anything from the list above. If your cat has any of these conditions and doesn’t get treatment soon enough, then it could lead to serious consequences.
3. Improper Hygiene
Cats that are prone to excessive shedding may need a boost in their grooming regimen. Poor hygiene can lead to fleas and tick infestation, which can result in skin irritation and hair loss.
Excessive shedding is an obvious sign of poor hygiene, as well as the dirt and dust that make the coat unhealthy. Regular grooming and veterinary care can help solve the problem of excessive shedding in most cases.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Even though it is very rare, cats of any breed may shed more when stressed or anxious. Whenever you are wondering if your cat’s shedding is due to stress, make sure to determine the cause of this stress and solve it.
Indications of stress in felines can be identified as:
- Constipation
- Hiding more than usual
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Scratching on furniture
- Refusing to eat
- Vigorous eating
- Hissing and pouting
- Aggressive Behavior
- Litter box problems
- Less tolerant of people
- Vocalization
5. Heat and Humidity
Maine Coons are known for their thick coat that protects them from winter’s cold temperatures and winds.
Due to the higher temperatures and high humidity in your home, your Maine Coon will shed more than usual as a result of its coat changing over to cope with the warmer temperatures.
If your Maine Coon is constantly shedding, check to make sure the temperature or humidity isn’t too high in your home or apartment.
Different Ways to Reduce Shedding from Maine Coon Cat
Your Maine Coon might be a light shedder or a more frequent one. Regardless of which type of shedding your Maine Coon has, there are ways to reduce the amount of shedding that your Maine Coon does every day!
- Brush Often
- Bathe Your Cat
- Apply Cat Wipes
- Use Deshedding Tools
- Proper Medication
1. Brush Often
It’s important to groom your cat often to reduce the amount of shedding your pet does. Regular grooming will reduce shedding and improve the health of their coat as well as prevent hairballs from forming.
You should brush them twice a week. However, more frequent brushing is required during fall and spring when your cat sheds more.
Trimming their nails and fur every few months also helps reduce the amount of shedding by keeping the coat healthy and clean.
2. Bathe Your Cat
These cats require a lot of grooming, and they need regular baths. Bathing your kitty once a week will help reduce the amount of shedding and make them smell good!
There are many different types of shampoos out there, so choose one that suits your needs and the needs of your pet.
The coat will remain healthy and shiny with regular bathing, leading to a better overall experience for you and your pet.
3. Apply Cat Wipes
If your cat does not like baths or if you do not have the time to give them a bath, there is a quick alternative that can be done in a short amount of time.
Cat wipes are designed for use on cats and will remove excess dead hair as well as dirt and grime from the fur which means less shedding for your furniture and clothes!
They are convenient for anyone who cannot give their pet a bath but still needs to get the pet clean.
4. Use Deshedding Tools
There are many tools you can use to reduce the shedding from your cat, including deshedding combs, brushes, and furminator.
If you have trouble finding the right product for your pet, talk to a professional pet groomer or veterinarian who can help find the right product for their needs!
Be very cautious about using shedding tools on your Maine Coon since these tools might pull on your cat’s skin, which could cause him/her some pain.
5. Proper Medication
Medication is an important step if the shedding is due to any health problems. Making sure your cat is fully vaccinated against viral diseases is key in reducing the amount of shedding as well.
Giving your cat a dewormer regularly will also help because it kills all worms that may be living in your pet’s digestive tract and causing excessive shedding.
Key Takeaways
- The answer to your question is yes, Maine Coon cats do shed.
- No matter the breed, all cats shed and you should expect hair around your house and in your clothes from time to time.
- The amount of shedding will depend on the environment, age, and health of the cat, as well as his/her coat type.
- Shedding can result from changes in the immune system, an allergic reaction, stress, or other factors.
- It is important to groom your cat regularly with a brush or comb and take him for regular veterinary checkups so that the shedding process doesn’t get out of hand and cause hairballs which can be hazardous for your cat’s health.
- Consult your vet about how much grooming your cat needs depending on the length and thickness of his fur, as well as what kind of food he eats.
Pro Tip:
It can be very stressful and concerning when a beloved pet is not feeling well, so it’s worth it to get pet insurance to make sure you can cover the veterinary bills.
Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a great way to protect your animal’s health. It can be hard to predict when an accident will happen, but with pet insurance, you’re covered.
There are a few different types of plans depending on your needs, and it only takes minutes to get coverage for your pet.
Some pet insurance companies will even cover 100% of veterinary expenses. So make sure to choose the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
Once you have a plan in place, vet bills will never be too high because they’ll already be covered by the policy.
It’s important that we all take care of our animals’ safety and well-being so they can enjoy their lives just as much as we do ours.
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