Cat Grooming Issues: Dull, Dry, Greasy, or Hard to Manage Fur

Updated: April 30, 2026

Dealing with cat grooming issues can be frustrating, especially when something just doesn't seem right and you can't quite figure out why.

Maybe the coat looks dull or feels dry. Maybe brushing isn't doing much, or suddenly there are mats where there weren't any before.

Sometimes there's a smell you can't quite place, or a cat who wants nothing to do with being groomed at all.

We picture that beautiful, full coat - and assume regular brushing will keep it that way. But in reality, it's not always that simple.

Sometimes it's something as straightforward as undercoat buildup. Other times, it takes a bit of troubleshooting to sort out what's behind the problem, whether it's matting, bathing, or coat condition that just isn't coming together.

Let's sort through those common grooming problems, figure out what's going on, and get things back on track.

Brushing & Coat Problems

Why Some Coats Never Get Silky - Even With Brushing

Not every coat improves with more brushing - and that's where things get frustrating.

If your cat still looks a little rough, dull, or "puffy" no matter how often you brush, there's usually something else going on.

Sometimes it's the undercoat. A thick, packed underlayer can sit there even after brushing, especially if the tool isn’t reaching it. It looks fine on the surface, but underneath, things are building up.

Other times, it's a mismatch between grooming and diet. Coat condition starts from the inside, and if something is off nutritionally, brushing alone won’t fix it.

Overbathing can also backfire. It seems like a good idea, but too much can strip natural oils and leave the coat looking dry instead of silky.

And then there are the tools. Some brushes glide over the top and don't really do much. Others pull and make the whole experience unpleasant, so it never becomes a consistent routine.

If brushing doesn't seem to be working, the issue often lies elsewhere -something in the routine or condition of the coat needs adjusting.

Does your feline friend hate being brushed? Georgina’s mom shared a great tip - since her girl hates brushes, she grooms her with finger-combing and lets her play with a spare brush as a distraction. It’s little tricks like these that make grooming work for everyone!

Heavier cats may need help keeping clean, especially around the hips and back. See our weight and growth guide for why size matters when grooming a Coonie.

Bathtime

Bathe a Cat? Yes!

Maine Coons are laid-back and adaptable. They will never really like a bath, but they can be trained to tolerate one.

With all that fur, a Maine Coon sometimes needs a little help keeping clean! Read on for tips on how to bathe a cat.

Cat Care Includes Brushing Teeth!

True, most cat owners don't do this. But if you want to, there are special toothbrushes and toothpaste made just for cats. It couldn't hurt!

Gingivitis can actually be a problem for cats, and brushing their teeth is beneficial. Taking care of a cat's mouth and gums is actually quite important for their overall health.

Claw Control

We've been trimming the cats claws since they were kittens. It's one of the easiest cat grooming tips. They can be very active, running full speed around the house, using those claws for traction.

It is a natural alternative to cat declawing. You should be able to find special clippers at the pet store. They work great.

It's really very easy to do. Just squeeze the paw until the claw reveals itself. Press it all the way out. Then clip.

If the cat is light in color you'll be able to see the flesh, or quick, beneath. If the cat is dark, just clip off a little bit, until you get used to it.

One of the newer cat grooming tips out there involves cat claw covers. These ingenious little caps slide right over a cats claws, turning them into "soft claws."

Here is our page all about the very popular Soft Paws Cat Claw Covers.

Hopefully this page of our top Maine Coon Cat grooming tips will get you (and your cat) on the way to being lovely and well-groomed!

Cat grooming is definitely a huge part of Maine Coon cat care!

Grooming Guide: Our Member's Download Center has an extensive Grooming Guide - you can download it to read offline later, save, or print 🐾

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