Maine Coons are known for their luxurious, beautiful coats, but improper grooming can result in matted fur. This is not only incredibly uncomfortable for cats, but it can also lead to severe health problems.
Matted Fur Explained
When a Maine Coon’s fur becomes tangled and knotted, it can form mats that are difficult or even impossible to brush out. Poor hygiene can also cause oily fur that is more likely to become matted. Matted fur must be carefully groomed and trimmed away, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious infection and even death.
The Maine Coon is one of the most beautiful and sought-after cat breeds in the world, not to mention the largest domesticated cat breed.
Their size is not the only incredible thing about them though – they also have long, luxurious coats, with majestic manes around their necks that make these cats look like miniature lions!
Their double layer of thick fur helps keep these former wild cats dry and warm, even in the coldest weather. Unfortunately, the thick fur can sometimes be hard to maintain.
Matting is a serious issue where a cat’s fur becomes so tangled that it forms an impenetrable mass of fur. Here are the potential issues that matted fur can cause..
1. Discomfort And Pain
Matted fur feels tight and itchy for cats. Eventually, the coarse mat of fur will rub against the skin, leading to inflamed skin and serious pain.
Matting can also restrict your cat’s movement if it is severe enough.
2. Infection
Mats contain fur; trapped dead skin, oils, and whatever dust and debris your cat lays in, either inside or outside.
Eventually, this horrific mass of dirt and bacteria will lead to infection, which can easily kill a cat if left untreated.
3. Intestinal Blockage
In extreme cases, mats can become so bad that they crust over important parts of your cat’s body. Mats can even encrust a cat’s entire backside, making it impossible for them to use the litter box.
This causes intestinal blockages, leading to sepsis and, ultimately, death.
Causes Of Matting
Matting is not just a cosmetic issue since it can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and even lead to skin infections if left untreated.
Understanding the causes of matting can help prevent painful knots and keep your Maine Coon’s coat healthy and smooth.
1. Lack Of Regular Grooming
Maine Coons require consistent grooming to prevent loose hairs from clumping together.
Their long, dense fur is prone to tangling, especially in high-friction areas like the armpits, chest, belly, and behind the ears.
Without regular brushing, shed fur remains trapped in the coat, leading to tight knots that can be difficult to remove.
Brush your Maine Coon at least 3–4 times a week using a high-quality comb or de-shedding tool to remove loose hair before it turns into mats.
2. Seasonal Shedding
Maine Coons have a thick double coat that changes with the seasons. During spring and autumn, they shed excessively, which increases the risk of matting.
If the loose fur isn’t brushed out, it will intertwine with the remaining coat and form dense knots.
Increase grooming sessions during shedding seasons, using an undercoat rake or slicker brush to remove excess fur.
3. Oily Or Dirty Fur
Dirt, natural skin oils, and environmental debris can cause a cat’s fur to become greasy and sticky. When this happens, the fur strands clump together, making them more prone to matting.
If a Maine Coon spends time outdoors, their fur can trap dust, pollen, and small twigs, which further contribute to tangles.
Keep your cat’s fur clean by spot-cleaning dirty areas with a damp cloth and using cat-safe wipes. Occasional baths with a mild, feline-friendly shampoo can also help maintain coat health.
4. Overweight Or Senior Cats
Cats that are overweight or elderly often struggle to groom themselves properly. Hard-to-reach areas, such as the lower back, hind legs, and belly, may develop mats because the cat cannot clean or smooth out the fur on its own.
Assist your cat with grooming, focusing on areas they have trouble reaching. If your Maine Coon is overweight, consider adjusting its diet and encouraging more exercise to improve mobility.
5. High Humidity And Damp Fur
Moisture in the air can cause a Maine Coon’s fur to curl and stick together. If a cat’s fur remains damp for too long, whether from rain, water spills, or excessive licking the strands tangle more easily, leading to stubborn mats.
Always dry your cat thoroughly after exposure to water, using a towel or low-heat blow dryer if needed. Keep your home’s humidity levels balanced to prevent excess moisture from affecting the coat.
6. Friction From Movement And Sleeping Positions
Mats often form in areas with constant friction, such as under the legs, around the collar, near the tail, and where the cat rests frequently. The repeated rubbing and compression of fur can cause strands to knot together.
Check these high-friction areas regularly for small tangles and remove them before they turn into large mats. Consider using a soft, non-restrictive collar if necessary.
7. Health Issues And Poor Nutrition
Underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, dental problems, or skin infections, can make grooming difficult or painful for a Maine Coon. Additionally, a poor diet can lead to a dry, brittle coat that is more prone to tangling.
Ensure your Maine Coon is eating a high-quality diet rich in omega fatty acids to promote a healthy, glossy coat. If you notice your cat struggling to groom itself, consult a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.
8. Parasites And Skin Irritations
Fleas, mites, or skin allergies can cause excessive scratching, which leads to tangled fur. A cat that is constantly licking or biting certain areas can cause saliva buildup, which further contributes to matting.
Keep up with flea prevention treatments and check for signs of skin irritation. If your Maine Coon develops bald spots or persistent itchiness, seek veterinary advice.
How To Prevent Matting
Matting occurs when loose fur tangles and clumps together, creating knots that can pull on the skin, cause discomfort, and even lead to skin infections.
Fortunately, with the right approach, you can prevent matting and keep your Maine Coon’s coat smooth and healthy.
1. Brush Your Maine Coon Regularly
Since Maine Coons have a thick double coat, regular grooming is essential to prevent mats from forming.
Minimum: 3–4 times per week. During shedding seasons (spring and fall): Daily brushing is recommended to remove excess fur before it tangles.
Brushes to use:
Wide-Toothed Comb: Ideal for removing loose fur and preventing tangles.
Slicker Brush: Helps smooth the topcoat and remove minor knots.
Undercoat Rake: Essential for removing shed fur from the dense undercoat.
Dematting Tool: Useful for gently detangling small knots before they turn into severe mats.
Brushing technique:
Start by gently running a wide-toothed comb through your cat’s fur, focusing on high-risk areas like the armpits, belly, behind the ears, and around the tail.
Use a slicker brush to remove loose hairs and smooth the topcoat.
If you encounter small tangles, use your fingers or a de-matting tool to gently tease them apart – never yank on a knot.
Finish by running a fine-toothed comb through the fur to check for hidden knots.
A fine-tooth comb or flea comb is one of the most popular options for de-matting cats. They are fine enough to get into the dense tangles, without being too heavy or rough.
2. Bathe Your Maine Coon Occasionally
While Maine Coons don’t need frequent baths, occasional washing can help prevent dirt and oil buildup, which contributes to matting.
Use a mild, cat-safe shampoo to keep the coat clean without stripping natural oils. Bathe every 1–3 months or as needed if your cat gets particularly dirty. Always dry thoroughly after a bath—moisture can cause the fur to clump and form mats.
Use a towel and, if your cat tolerates it, a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting to dry the fur completely.
3. Keep Your Cat’s Fur Dry
Damp fur is more prone to matting, especially in humid environments or after exposure to water.
If your cat gets wet, towel dry immediately. In humid climates, use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in the air. After a bath, ensure the fur is fully dry before allowing your cat to groom itself.
4. Trim Problem Areas
If certain areas of your Maine Coon’s coat tend to mat frequently, such as under the legs, behind the ears, or on the belly, you can trim the fur slightly to prevent knots from forming.
Use rounded-tip scissors or a pet grooming clipper to trim long fur in high-friction areas. Trim small sections at a time to avoid cutting too much or accidentally nicking the skin. If you’re unsure, consider taking your cat to a professional groomer.
5. Provide A Healthy Diet
A Maine Coon’s coat health is directly influenced by its diet. Poor nutrition can lead to dry, brittle fur that mats easily.
Key nutrients for a healthy coat:
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (found in fish oil or high-quality cat food) keep fur soft and tangle-free.
High-protein diet supports strong, healthy hair growth.
Proper hydration ensures skin and fur remain moisturized, reducing the risk of matting.
Look for cat food with real meat as the first ingredient and minimal fillers like corn or wheat.
6. Manage Shedding During Seasonal Changes
Maine Coons shed more heavily in the spring and fall as they transition between winter and summer coats. If you don’t remove this shed fur, it can quickly turn into mats.
Increase brushing frequency during peak shedding months. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur from the thick undercoat. Consider adding a small amount of fish oil to your cat’s diet to reduce excessive shedding.
7. Check For Mats Regularly
Even with the best grooming routine, small tangles can still form. Catching them early prevents them from becoming painful mats.
Check for mats:
Behind the ears
Under the armpits
Around the neck (especially if your cat wears a collar)
On the belly and chest
Near the base of the tail
Run your fingers through your cat’s fur every few days to check for small knots. If you find any, gently detangle them with your fingers or a de-matting comb.
8. Keep Your Maine Coon Active
Cats that are overweight or have mobility issues struggle to groom themselves properly, leading to matting in hard-to-reach areas.
Encourage movement by:
Providing cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys.
Engaging in daily play sessions to keep your cat active and flexible.
If your cat is overweight, consult a vet about a weight management plan.
9. Address Any Health Issues
If your Maine Coon is suddenly developing more mats than usual, it could be due to an underlying health condition such as:
Arthritis, which makes self-grooming difficult.
Dental problems can reduce grooming behavior.
Skin conditions may cause excessive licking and tangled fur.
If you notice changes in your cat’s grooming habits, consult a vet to rule out any medical concerns.
10. Consider Professional Grooming
If your Maine Coon struggles with severe matting or dislikes being brushed, taking them to a professional groomer every few months can help. Groomers can:
Remove stubborn tangles without hurting your cat.
Trim high-risk areas to prevent future matting.
Advice on the best grooming techniques for your specific cat.
How To Remove Mats
Here are the steps you can take to remove mats (source 1):
1. Prepare Your Supplies
To properly de-mat your cat, you will first need to find a fine-toothed comb and blunt-end scissors.
It is also a good idea to get some of the following products to help untangle the mats:
Cat-Safe Conditioner
Cornstarch
Talcum Powder
Other Home Remedies
2. De-Mat At The Right Time
You should begin the de-matting process when your cat is feeling calm and secure.
If your Maine Coon cat displays any of the following traits, wait until it is in a more peaceful mood, as this will make the grooming process run more smoothly:
Anxious
Playful
Energetic
Upset
If you are having trouble, though, learning how to calm a Maine Coon cat can help a lot. The key points to remember are that you need to use treats and talk in a gentle voice.
Also, never try to de-mat your cat right after bathing it as bathing will make it much harder to find the mats in your cat’s fur.
3. Prepare The Affected Area
When learning how to get knots out of Maine Coon fur, it is always important to be as gentle as possible.
Start by using talcum powder, cornstarch, or another safe home remedy.
Massage the talcum powder or cornstarch into your cat’s matted fur, gently separating the mats from the rest of your cat’s fur.
Then, using your fingers, find the matted areas of your cat’s fur and gently pull the matted lump apart until it is free from your cat’s fur and skin.
4. Gentle Brushing
The best grooming tool for mats is a fine-tooth comb.
Hold your cat’s fur below the base of the mat, so that any brushing will not tug your cat’s fur or skin. Then, start at the tip of the mat and gently brush through the tangle.
If you are having trouble, take a break and try massaging some more talcum powder or cornstarch into the mat.
5. Trimming
Unfortunately, mats can be incredibly stubborn, and brushing does not always do the trick. If this is the case, you will need to trim your Maine Coon’s mats.
You can use the following gadgets to carefully trim the mat off:
Blunt Nose Scissors
Trimmers
Razors
However, you have to be incredibly careful not to cut your cat’s skin.
If you are nervous about trimming your cat’s mats, you should take your Maine Coon to the vet or groomer instead.
It is usually safest to let a professional cut through particularly troublesome mats.
Home Remedies For Cat Mats
Here are some popular home remedies you might want to consider:
1. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is one of the most popular home remedies for cat mats. Gently massaging the talcum powder into your cat’s fur will make it easier for the mat to break apart.
2. Baby Powder
You might also want to consider using baby powder for cat mats. Baby powder works much the same as talcum powder, especially since most baby powders contain talcum powder.
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a safe option that is easily found in most homes, and just massaging a little into your cat’s matted fur can help make the de-matting process much easier!
4. Olive Oil
Massage olive oil into the cat’s fur will naturally untangle the mat after a few days! This oil will stain but is quite helpful in severe cases.
If you notice any mats on your cat, you need to get rid of the matting straight away. Leaving it alone will only make the situation worse.
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