Maine Coon cats, or Maine Coons as they are affectionately called by their owners, are large, attractive, and fluffy cats that have become extremely popular as family pets over the past few decades.
However, there’s one common question about these distinctive felines that remains unanswered for many prospective Maine Coon cat owners; do Maine Coon cats shed?
It’s a little tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got the answer!
This article will clear all of your doubts about shedding and grooming so you can decide if the Maine Coon cat breed is the right fit for your lifestyle.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to minimize shedding as much as possible with proper grooming techniques and regular care.
Let’s get started!
Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
Maine Coons are known for their beautiful fur. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t shed. Cats of any breed will shed their hair to some degree.
Maine Coons shed at a different rate than other breeds due to their fur length and size.
The good news is that healthy Maine Coons shed less than other breeds and, compared to their size and the length of their fur, they do not shed much at all.
Why Do Cats Shed Hair?
Cats shed because they are naturally shedding old, dead hair. This is a natural process that helps the cat maintain a healthy coat.
The growth of new fur pushes out the old fur, which is why cats shed so much in certain seasons. There are also many other factors as to why cats may be shedding more than usual such as certain diseases.
How Often Do Maine Coon Cats Shed?
Maine Coons have thicker coats than other breeds of cats and this has evolved according to the cold climate that their ancestors lived in. Maine Coons living outdoors will shed twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.
However, the pattern of indoor and domesticated Maine Coons has been disrupted as some may shed throughout the year and others never do at all. According to experts, Maine coons living indoors shed very little all year long.
Factors Affecting the Shedding of a Maine Coon Cat
The amount of hair that a Maine Coon cat sheds varies depending on the individual. There are many factors that affect a cat’s shedding, including:
