Four Grooming Tips For The Maine Coon Cat Owner
Posted on: 9 April 2015
You have Maine Coon cat that is your pride and joy, and you just want it to be happy and healthy. You know that part of keeping your cat healthy means properly grooming it. While it is true that cats groom themselves to one extent or another, Maine Coons can be very high-maintenance due to their large size and long fur. If you really want to keep your cat happy and healthy, then consider one of the following four grooming tips specifically for this breed.
1. Use a Fine-Toothed Comb and a Mat-Remover Brush
Some veterinarians might recommend using a wire brush on your cat, but this isn't always the best idea. While it will remove more hair than other brushes, it can sometimes hurt your cat's skin or end up pulling the hair, which in turn can cause your cat to bite you as a reaction to pain. In order to make your Maine Coon's brushing experience as stress-free as possible, consider getting a fine-toothed comb so that you can comb out the various strands of hair without hurting the cat. If you find that your cat doesn't like this comb, you might consider getting a glove brush, which looks like a rubber glove with bristles on it. Such a glove often feels like you're petting the cat, so your furry friend shouldn't object to this in any way.
Mat-remover brushes are necessities when grooming your Maine Coon cat. Their hair is so long that their frequent licking will cause hairs to stick together and clump up into mats over time. This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your cat's health, it just means that the pet is an excessive groomer. Not all Maine Coons are like this, but some are. Mat-remover brushes will remove the entire mat from the affected area of fur, so you don't have to worry about pulling the mats apart with your hands or cutting them out with scissors. These brushes eliminate pain, so grooming should be a more enjoyable experience for you and your cat.
2. Trim the Cat's Nails Every Few Weeks
While all cats need their nails trimmed regularly, Maine Coons need to have theirs trimmed every few weeks or so. This is most likely because they're a larger, more active breed, and as a result, they are using and shedding their claws more frequently than other cats. If your cat will let you trim its nails on your own, then by all means, do so. However, if you don't feel comfortable with doing this because you're afraid of hurting the cat, then consider taking the cat into a vet or a groomer to get it done by a professional.
3. Let Your Cat Wander Around When Grooming It
Some cats don't mind being held while they are groomed, but your Maine Coon may feel trapped if you hold it while grooming it. Let the cat wander around in a given area while you brush it, allowing it to rub against walls and furniture to mark its territory. If you do this, the cat will feel more secure because it will know that it can get away at any time, and as a result, you won't have to worry very much about getting bitten.
4. Don't Let the Cat Pull Out Its Fur
Maine Coons are prone to hairballs because of their long hair. If the cat starts pulling out its fur and eating it, you should try to discourage it from doing so, as this will cause hairballs. If the cat keeps up this behavior over time, then take it to a vet right away, as this could be a sign of feline hyperthyroidism.
Keeping your Maine Coon cat in perfect health doesn't have to be all that difficult, just follow the tips mentioned above. If you do so, your cat will stay happy and healthy, and its fur will look nice and shiny for quite a while.
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