Maine Coon Shedding & Mats: The Battle Against the Fluff#

If you own a Maine Coon, you don’t just own a cat; you own a mobile fur factory. I often joke that Atticus sheds enough hair to create a second kitten every week.

But shedding isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a health issue. Because Maine Coons have a dense, weather-resistant double coat, dead hair doesn’t always fall off the cat—it gets trapped inside the coat. If you don’t brush it out, it twists into tight, painful mats close to the skin.

I learned this the hard way. Early on, I thought petting Atticus was enough “grooming.” Then I found a hard lump behind his ear. It was a mat so tight it was pulling his skin. Since then, I’ve perfected my grooming routine. Here is how to survive the shedding season without shaving your cat.

Understanding the “Double Coat”#

To groom them, you have to understand what you are brushing.

1. The Guard Hairs: Long, silky, water-resistant hairs on top. This is the color you see.
2. The Undercoat: A soft, woolly, downy layer underneath that provides insulation.

• The Problem: The undercoat sheds constantly, but the long guard hairs trap it. This trapped wool is what causes mats.

The “Do Not Buy” List (Save Your Money)#

Most generic cat brushes are useless on Maine Coons.

• ❌ Slicker Brushes (The Wire Ones): They only brush the top layer. They don’t reach the skin. You think you’re grooming, but mats are forming underneath.
• ❌ The Furminator: NEVER use this. It is a blade that cuts the coat. It ruins the guard hairs and damages the texture of the Maine Coon’s tail.

The “Amelia” Toolkit: What Actually Works#

I use three tools. That’s it.

1. The Greyhound Comb (Metal Butter Comb): This is the holy grail. It has wide teeth on one end and narrow on the other. You need to be able to get this comb all the way to the skin. If it gets stuck, you found a mat.
2. The Undercoat Rake: Looks like a little garden rake. Great for “raking” out the loose wool from their back and flanks during shedding season.
3. Mat Splitter / Seam Ripper: A tiny blade used only to slice through a tough mat so you can comb it out.

How to Remove a Mat (Without Getting Clawed)#

If you find a mat (usually behind the ears, in the armpits, or on the “pantaloons”), do not just yank it.

1. The Cornstarch Hack: Rub a little cornstarch into the mat. It helps the hairs slide apart.
2. Pick, Don’t Pull: Use the tip of your metal comb to pick at the edge of the mat, working your way in.
3. The Scissor Rule: If you must cut it, never point scissors at the skin. Slide a comb between the skin and the mat, and cut on the mat side of the comb. Maine Coon skin is paper-thin and cuts easily.

Seasonal Shedding: “The Blow”#

Twice a year (Spring and Autumn), your cat will “blow their coat.”

• Spring: They dump the heavy winter wool to prepare for heat. This is Matting Season. You need to brush daily during this week.
• Autumn: They shed the lighter summer coat to grow the winter parka.
• My Routine: During a “coat blow,” I give them a bath and a high-velocity blow dry (more on that in the bathing guide) to blast out the dead hair.

Conclusion#

You cannot stop the shedding, but you can manage it. If you find “tumbleweeds” of hair in your hallway, congratulations—you have a healthy Maine Coon. Invest in a good vacuum (I recommend a Shark or Dyson Animal), buy a metal comb, and make grooming a bonding time, not a battle.

Resources & Further Reading#

• NCBI: Feline Dermatological Maintenance.
• Maine Coon Cat Club: Grooming Standards and Coat Care.
• Professional Cat Groomers Association: Safe Mat Removal Techniques.