Take Care of Your Long Haired Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the oldest, natural breeds of cat in the USA. They can be hard to take care of with their long-hair if you neglect daily brushing or combing through. Proper maintenance is very important; a happy kitty, a happy you!

Steps

 * 1) Brush your Maine Coon cat daily to prevent the hairballs that you have to pick. Use a wire brush to clear fur down to the skin to avoid matted areas -- long haired cats are prone to hairballs. Try to wash them once every 2 weeks to give them a glossy coat. Maine Coons generally have a lion cut, yet their back and belly are still very furred. Never ever let your cat go without grooming for a long period of time, as this leads to skin problems and dandruff. If you do not groom your cat mats form. If the mats are hard to pick out, take your cat in for a professional groom so you do not accidentally hurt your cat. Do not leave de-tangler on the mats as it greases it up and it can be painful and cause irritated areas underneath the mats.]
 * 2) Some cats dislike their hind legs and bum areas being touched by humans, so if this is the case invest in some protective gloves and hold the cat down to groom there. Large matted areas here cause extreme discomfort, so your cat will thank you!
 * 3) Feed with a high quality cat food. This will maintain the health of your Maine Coon cat, as well as providing a source of luster to the cat's coat. Feed your cat both dry food and wet food -- both in high-fibre/light formulas as Maine Coons are prone to excess weight gain and digestive problems related to ingesting their long fur while grooming. Do not overfeed; Maine Coons are prone to putting on weight a little too well if given the opportunity.
 * 4) Encourage adequate fluid intake. Keep several bowls of water around the house and ensure they are always filled with fresh, clean water (wash the bowls!!). Alternatively, you could buy a pet water fountain (remember to clean it regularly!).
 * 5) Train your Maine Coon to take a leash. These cats are docile in temperament and comfortable with being trained this way.
 * 6) Make sure your Maine Coon has plenty of opportunity to play and interact with you, children, and other cats or animals that are safe. They seem to thrive when given opportunities to socialize.
 * 7) Understand that it is normal for your Maine Coon to "help out" when you are doing a project or working on the floor, table or bed. They are very curious and will frequently need to investigate whatever you are doing.

Tips

 * If your cat does develop matted clumps of fur, consider taking him/her to a groomer to have the areas trimmed up. You can cut the mats out but be extremely careful not to cut into the skin which can happen more easily than you would think as the mats are usually tight against the skin.
 * It can also be helpful to use a dry wash shampoo as Main Coon's are big cats and may decide to fight you if you wash them in water. This can end up as an un-washed-dry-cat-and-scratched-up-owner-situation.
 * Consider buying a cat hairball gel; it helps prevent hairballs.
 * Don't worry about a bath unless your cat has fleas. Cats can usually wash themselves with their tongues.

Warnings

 * It is strongly suggested that you trim your cat's claws prior to bathing him/her. By acting calm and speaking in a soothing voice, you can reassure your cat. If you need more personal advice, consider visiting a cat show and talking to people who are showing beautiful well groomed Maine Coons.

Things You'll Need

 * Nail trimmers
 * Cat brush - a nice round bristled one that will soothe your cat
 * Comb with wide and narrow spaced teeth
 * Cat shampoo - or baby shampoo