Keeping Your Maine Coon Cat Mat Free: Longhaired Coats Need Special Care

Published: January 2, 2011 • Updated: January 08, 2026

Does your Maine Coon Cat mat even when you brush him regularly and bathe him?

That unique Maine Coon Cat fur has it's own special requirements. This is a special part of how to groom a cat.

If your Maine Coon's fur keeps matting no matter how often you brush or bathe, here's how to fix it.

How One Small Knot Can Turn Into a Big Problem Fast

It's easy to spot a small tangle in a long coat and assume it can wait. The trouble is that loose fur doesn't stay still. A small knot can seemingly turn into a pelt overnight!

Each strand has tiny barbs that catch onto neighboring hairs as an animal moves, stretches, sleeps, and grooms. Once a few hairs hook together, they begin pulling in more from the surrounding coat.

Friction speeds this up quickly. Rolling over, jumping, or even walking around creates movement that tightens the knot.

Moisture makes it worse. Saliva from grooming, humidity, or damp fur can cause hairs to cling together, allowing the tangle to compress and work its way closer to the skin.

This is why these areas seem to grow so fast. They don’t suddenly appear overnight. They quietly collect layers of fur until they become dense and difficult to manage.

Certain spots are especially prone to this, including behind the ears, under the arms, along the belly, and around the back legs. These areas move constantly and are harder to groom evenly.

Catching small tangles early usually allows for gentle removal. Waiting often turns a quick fix into a much bigger grooming challenge.

Coonies DO Tangle

Every Maine Coon Cat owner faces this particular dilemma. You know all the cat grooming tips. You get all kinds of brushes and combs, give baths and spot clean your Maine Coon, but still you find yourself snipping off or otherwise dealing with another cat mat!

I admit it! I regularly find a mat on Leo or Alice! Not as often now as I used to, though. I have learned a few things over the years.

It seems each Maine Coon Cat owner has their own personal way of dealing with the mats. Part of that is the unique texture of their fur.

A Three-Pronged Approach To Cat Mats:

Grooming a cat involves bathing, spot-cleaning, and brushing. These are the things that will keep cat mats at bay.

I'm not going to get into the lion cut, because if the cat grooming tips are followed, that won't be necessary in order to manage mats and tangles. The lion cut is for extreme cases of cat mats or hot weather.

Bathing:

The heart of Jenn's question is about what type of shampoo to use. There is more than one good brand.

We've even had success with regular baby shampoo when none other was available. One brand of pet grooming products has been standing out among the crowd, though.

The FURminator shampoo is getting great reviews. It is actually a shampoo and conditioner combination. This company is all about fur care. Getting rid of mats, detangling, and de-shedding are their specialty.

Visitor Question:

Hi Harold,
Mats in a long-haired breed like the Maine Coon often happen simply because their luxurious fur is dense and the undercoat can tangle easily.

The short answer: a shampoo alone won't reliably break up a mat. Cutting them out should be done very carefully or by a professional.

Here's what I suggest:

1. Use the right shampoo & prep first
A gentle, detangling or waterless shampoo can help loosen dirt, oils and debris that contribute to tight mats. But use it as a prep step - not the whole solution.

• For instance, a waterless spray-shampoo or low-suds shampoo can make the fur easier to work with.
• Avoid expecting it to just dissolve the knot  once hair is felted or matted it usually needs mechanical help.

2. Gently work the mat out or safely clip it

• If the mat is loose and small, you can try softening it (with conditioner diluted in water or a detangling spray), then using a wide-toothed comb or slicker brush to tease the mat out.
• If the mat is tight, close to the skin, or your cat resists grooming, it’s safest to clip or shave the area rather than risk scissors near thin cat skin.

3. Prevention is key

• Regular brushing of a Maine Coon’s coat (2-3 times/week and more during shedding) helps prevent mats.
• Pay close attention to areas that rub - under the legs, along the tail, near collars, etc.

4. When to call the pro
If the mat covers a broad area, is pulling at the skin, or your cat is tense or uncooperative - reach out to a groomer experienced with cats or your vet. Trying to force a mat out can cause pain or skin damage.

So in summary: Yes, you can use a good shampoo to help prepare the fur, but don't rely on it alone to fix heavy mats. And no, don't just start cutting without caution.

With regular grooming and prompt attention to small tangles you'll keep that glorious coat comfortable and mat-free.

Hope that helps - and thanks for looking out for your Coonie's coat!

~Carrie

Between Baths:

Waterless cat shampoo to the rescue! This is different from dry cat shampoo. It's a spray made to freshen up your pet between baths.

You wouldn't use it at brushing time (always brush a dry pet) but it is conditioning and can be helpful. We've used it on Alice and she quite enjoyed it!

Brushing:

The all-important brushing! Nothing is more important when it comes to eliminating the appearance of a mat. But which brush to use?

We've had every brush in the book (or pet store) at some point. But, I found a winner with the FURminator deshedding tool. I'm a total fan.

I've even lent it to family members who've then lent it to their neighbors! They just had to share! The way it works, and the amount of fur it removes is unbelievable. It has to be seen to be believed.

The tips above should get you well on your way to keeping your Maine Coon Cat's fur mat free.

What Else Can Affect Cat Mats?

Individual Fur Types

Just as Maine Coon Cats can be almost any color, there is much variety in the texture of their fur. Some Maines, like Leo, have a medium coat, and some have an extremely full and bushy coat.

Our Alice on the other hand, has a very, very silky coat. She gets an occasional small mat in her undercoat. But in general her fur is just the silky type. So different from her brother. (They were born in the same litter, too!)

Time Of Year

In Maine (and many other locations), winter can really bear down. That's when Maine Coons are developing their 'winter coat.'

It's thicker, fuller, and more prone to developing a cat mat. Our cats are indoors-only, so their winter coat is not as thick as a cat who goes outdoors. In fact, Leo's favorite winter activity is roasting by the fire.

For future and potential owners of this breed, don't let this deter you! Any cat can mat, and the shaggy Maine Coon coat is actually relatively low-maintenance. Maines are so gentle and affectionate, too. Many of them love to be brushed!

Every cat is different. But with the right tools, and regular attention, their fur will be beautiful and cat mat free (most of the time!)

Want to read more about grooming routines, coat care, and common challenges for long-haired cats? Head back to our Maine Coon grooming guide for a broader look.

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