Maine Coons are revered for their medium to long-haired coat, but does a short-haired Maine Coontoo exist? let's find out
Purebred Maine Coons do not have short hair, but Maine Coon mixes often do. Maine Coon kittens sometimes have shorter hair that eventually grows longer. So if a cat looks like a short-haired Maine Coon, it's probably a Maine Coon mix or a younger Maine Coon.
A Maine Coon has a hard, patchy coat and may have short hairs on certain parts of the body. However, the medium to long coat is one of the most popular features of this large, sociable breed.
Do you know all Maine Coons langhaarig?
It isamerican forest catcan be categorized as medium to long haired cats and even cats from the same litter can have different coat lengths.
Maine Coons are not naturally shorthaired cats. If you've ever seen a short-haired purebred Maine Coon, it's probably been shaved or clipped.
You will notice some Maine Coons with significantly longer coats than others. Keep in mind that some of these cats don't develop their full coat until they are 2 to 4 years old.
If you have an adult cat and you are convinced it is a shorthaired Maine Coon, it may have some Maine Coon genes.
Can Maine Coons not be cuddly?
While all Maine Coons have medium to long hair, not all of them have to be fluffy. Some Maine Coons have long, silky coats and some have fur that resembles cotton candy!
Experience shows that the fluffier the Maine Coon's coat is, the more difficult it is to keep it free of tangles. When a Maine Coon is not as fluffy, its coat is much easier to handle.
The Maine Coon coat
Looks
A Maine Coon has a distinctive long-haired coat, consisting of long, shiny, slightly rough topcoat and medium-length, soft, silky insulating fur.
It's the shaggy roughness of the Maine Coon's coat that really sets them apart from other long-haired breeds.
On the back of the ears, on top of the head, around the wrists and ankles you will find the shortest coat on a Maine Coon.
Run along its head and you will notice that its fur grows to a medium length and the closer you get to its tail, the longer its fur becomes.
The longest coat on a Maine Coon is found around the neck, on the belly, on the back of the hind legs and along the tail.
Maine Coons have long tufts of hair between their toes, long tufts of hair on their ears, and long tufts sprouting from the tips of their ears.
These features, along with fluffy tails and frills, are characteristic of most long-haired cats.
You may also notice a specificM-Musteron the forehead, which is also seen in many tabby cats and not just Maine Coons.
The Purpose of the Maine Coon Coat
A Maine Coon has a long coat for a reason. The breed developed in the cold climate of North America.
Today, Maine Coons don't have to fight in the snow, but their long coat serves the following purposes:
Temperature control
The Maine Coon's long coat controls its body temperature and keeps it stable in all weather conditions.
Some find it hard to believe that all that fur actually helps keep the cat cool in the summer and that there's no need to trim or shave it.
sun protection
The Maine Coon's coat provides adequate protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Their ears can still be quite vulnerable where the fur is thinnest, so make sure your cat isn't snoozing in direct sunlight without specially formulated sunscreen.
Protection against dehydration
The Maine Coon's thick coat helps retain moisture, preventing the skin from drying out.
Protection from other cats
Your Maine Coon's coat protects its skin from the claws and teeth of other cats.
Even two friendly cats playing together use their teeth and claws to some extent. In a real fight, this fur coat offers the necessary protection.
Sensory data collection
A Maine Coon's skin and coat together form its largest sensory organ. Feels the slightest touch and can feel heat, cold and wetness.
mood indicator
When a cat feels scared or threatened, it may raise the hairs on the back of its neck to appear larger and more aggressive.
production of essential nutrients
A cat's fur actually produces essential nutrients like vitamin D.
Cornija Mmaintenance
personal hygiene
Many cats seem to be very good at grooming themselves, but this is not the case with Maine Coons. You cannot maintain your insulating layer without us simply licking it.
If they find a knotted section, they have a good try to pull it out, but in the end they can get out of hand and start tying, painfully pulling the skin in the process.
When you invest in an assetcleaning brushand brush your Maine Coon a few times a week to keep his coat nice and tangle-free.
Removing as much loose hair as possible reduces the chances of your cat picking up fur and developing hairballs. Longhaired Maine Coons are much more likely to suffer from this problem than shorthaired cats.
As your grooming regimen progresses, you will notice knots and mats developing, which are extremely difficult and painful to remove.
This often results in a trip to the vet for a sedated groom and the need for copious amounts of fur trimmed. So he looks like a shorthaired Maine Coon until his coat recovers!
To shave
Some homeowners have their Maine Coon raspado🇧🇷 The only good reason to do this is to remove matted hair that cannot be brushed out. Otherwise, there is no need to clip a Maine Coon.
Often, clipping a cat requires safety, which poses an unnecessary risk to its health. Cats often don't like the feeling of having their fur removed suddenly and this can change their entire behavior.
Believe it or not, cats are aware of their appearance and know when they no longer conform to the norm. And, of course, all of the above purposes that a cat hair serves are removed.
cut out
Cutting the awkward knot is fine. Fixing a cat's butt can be useful for obvious reasons. But it is not necessary to cut a Maine Coon's hair very short.
Turning your cat into a short-haired Maine Coon will not decrease the amount of hair she sheds. What you're going to do is his coat isn't working the way nature intended.
Unless you have serious problems caring for a Maine Coon, I would never recommend cutting the hair short.
Baden
Some people believe that Maine Coons should be bathed regularly, but this is totally unnecessary. We have four maine coons and they hate being dipped in water so they never bathe.
They all have nice, clean coats. Contrary to popular belief, most Maine Coons do not like to besubmerged in water🇧🇷 So, unless you find that you have a cat that loves a bath, don't bother giving yours one.
Bathing a cat strips the coat of its natural oils and can leave the skin dry and scaly. Finally, a cat's coat can appear in disrepair from over-bathing.
If for some reason your cat gets really dirty and bathing is the only option, of course do it.
If not, invest in some pet wipes for the occasional cleaning job.Pogis care wipesare hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.
What a Maine Coon's Coat Reveals
poor diet
When a Maine Coon cat's diet is poor, its coat will often show signs of it. You may find that it looks a little blotchy or stringy and has lost its luster.
If you're confident your cat's diet is fine, a trip to the vet is a good idea, but often this issue can be resolved by making sure your cat is getting the right amount of protein and healthy oils. (omega-3) in your diet.
greasy and matted
One of the side effects of thyroid problems is a greasy, matted coat. There will be other symptoms such as changes in appetite, activity level and weight.
Other health conditions, such as bad teeth, diabetes, and bladder infections, can give coats this appearance. Have your Maine Coon fully examined to determine the underlying cause.
inundation
Maine Coons tend to shed year-round, with a noticeable increase in early spring and fall. If a Maine Coon has a large moulting session outside of these periods, there may be a medical cause. Again, contact your vet for advice.
super careful
Maine Coons are clean cats and like to be groomed. If you notice that his fur is grooming more suddenly, he may be stressed, especially if he starts to pull out his fur.
Stress in cats can be triggered by several reasons that are difficult to identify.
Bringing a baby home, moving, suddenly being more alone, and bringing home a new pet can all contribute to cat stress. Your vet will know the best course of action.
Can a Maine Coon have short fur? - Conclusion
Maine Coons may have small patches of short hair, but in general they have luxurious hair and
Never shave or intentionally trim a Maine Coon's coat short unless there is a medical reason. As you can see above, a cat's fur serves many purposes and can say a lot about its health.
Further reading
If you have a cat, think of it as ashort haired maine coonPerhaps you have a Maine Coon mix. Let us help you decide if your cat is aMaine Coon ou Maine Coon-Mix.
FAQs
Why do some Maine Coons have short hair? ›
While the fur length varies across the feline's body (e.g. the mane and tail are much fluffier than the underbelly), purebred Maine Coons have medium to long hair. If you have a short-haired Maine Coon, they were probably crossbred!
How big do short-haired Maine Coon cats get? ›The size of a typical Maine coon comes in at 10–16 inches tall and up to an impressive 40 inches in length. These sturdily built felines usually weigh 8–18 pounds and have muscular bodies with wide chests and solid legs.
Why is my Maine Coon not fluffy? ›In short, yes, all purebred Maine Coons are fluffy. What is this? Breeders are held to a strict standard, and only breed Maine Coons of pure lineage, which does not include short-haired cats. If you see a Maine Coon that is not fluffy, that means it is either a mixed breed, or it isn't a Maine Coon at all!
How can you tell if you have a Maine Coon mix? ›Analyze the cat's size, eyes, tail, fur, paws, personality, body frame, and ear tufts, for clues, the cat is a Maine Coon mix. Genetic testing is the only foolproof method of identifying if you own a mixed Maine Coon, or not.
What is the most distinguishing feature of Maine Coon cats? ›The most striking characteristic of the Maine Coon cats is their one-of-a-kind ears which have adorable tufts on the edges. This provides Maine Coons a lovable look. They have a slight dip under their eyes and possess thick strong legs. These cats have large paws with tufts on the edge.
What is the rarest color of a Maine Coon cat? ›Typical Maine Coon colours are brown tabby, black, white, blue, and cream. The two rarest Maine Coon colours are gold and silver.
What age do Maine Coons grow their mane? ›What is this? The distinctive Maine Coon's mane will generally begin to fill in and grow at about nine months of age. Sometimes though it can take up to four years for it to develop.
Is my cat a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest cat? ›Physical traits are the most reliable way to tell these cats apart. One simple one is their face and head shape. Norwegian Forest cats have snouts that come down from their head in a singular line, while the Maine Coon's snout curves outward near their eyes.
Do Maine Coons get fluffier with age? ›When will my Maine coon get fluffy? Maine coon kittens begin to develop a fluffy coat around eight weeks old. Your Maine coon's fluffiness will gradually continue to develop until your cat is four years old. Ear tufts will become prominent only after a couple of months.
What 2 breeds make a Maine Coon? ›Genetic testing suggests the Maine Coon is a descendant of both the Norwegian Forest cat and a mysterious extinct domestic breed, so it's likely the Vikings are responsible.
Do all Maine Coons have an M on their forehead? ›
When answering the question 'do all Maine Coons have an M on their forehead? ', it is safe to say that they do not. What is this? Instead, this striking marking is only visible on tabby patterned Maine Coon cats.
How long does it take for a Maine Coon to reach full size? ›Maine Coon growth stages
Once your feline is nine months old, their growth will slow down, but it won't stop. Maine Coons grow longer than other breeds and reach their full size when they're four or five years old.
The Maine Coon breed was rare in the 1950s when they went out of style and almost went extinct. However, after the breed became the official state cat of Maine, its popularity soared, and it made a comeback in 1985. Today, Maine Coons are so popular that they are no longer considered rare.
Do all Maine Coons have ear tufts? ›All purebred Maine Coon cats have ear tufts that grow out of their inner ears, offering protection to the cat's sensitive ear organ. Ear tufts are not necessarily present on part Maine Coons, or mixed Maine Coons though since their mixed genetics are likely to have influenced their overall physical looks.
Is my kitten a Maine Coon? ›A Maine Coon cat is large. They are large as kittens and large as adults. They have rectangular bodies and they take about 4 years to reach full maturity. They have a “ruff” around the neck that is discernible, and they have large paws as well.
How can you tell a Maine Coon cat from a regular cat? ›Maine Coon cats also have manes, slightly longer fur around the neck. This fur is not as pronounced as a lion's mane, but it will be noticeable. Of course, these are absent on regular cats, but the presence of a mane helps determine if a cat is a Maine Coon or simply another large breed.
Are Maine Coon cats long or short hair? ›Do All Maine Coons Have Long Hair? Yes, most purebred cats have long hair. However, cats that were mixed with other species might have shorter hair.
How do you know if my cat is Persian or Maine Coon? ›Many Maine Coons have longer fur around their paws as well as around their shoulders and chest, which makes them look like a lion. Persian cats have long, silky fur that is even in length throughout the body, except its ruff, which is usually longer.
What is the average price for a Maine Coon cat? ›Purebred Main Coon kittens will cost anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000. The high price makes choosing the right breeder essential. Meet the breeder before the official purchase to ask questions. Don't be afraid to inquire about the cats and their personalities.
Do all Maine Coons have blue eyes? ›Purebred Maine Coons have large, gold or green wide-set eyes that are slightly oblique shaped. White Maine Coon eyes can be blue, or odd-eye (blue, with gold or green). Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes that change color as they age.
Can Maine Coon cats be left alone all day? ›
Can Maine Coons Be Left Alone? If you are looking to buy a Maine Coon, please make sure that an adult Maine Coon (2 years or older) can be left alone for a maximum of 12 hours at a time. Kittens, on the other hand, should never be left alone for more than 8 hours.
Why doesn't my Maine Coon have lynx tips? ›Whilst many Maine Coon kittens start developing the desired lynx tips by roughly two weeks of age, some Maine Coons will not develop tips until two years of age when their fur has fully grown in. Alternatively, some Maine Coons never develop lynx tips at all.
What cats are mistaken for Maine Coons? ›If you are wondering what cats look like a Maine Coon, then the Norwegian Forest Cat is the closest you will ever get. These two cat breeds look so similar, you might even be wondering if there are different breeds of Maine Coon.
What color eyes do Maine Coons have? ›Maine Coons have large, beautiful eyes that typically have a slight slant. Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes, with the color transitioning through development. Purebred Maine Coon cats typically have gold/yellow or green eyes.
What cat is bigger than a Maine Coon? ›However, there is one cat larger than a Maine Coon: the Savannah. A hybrid of wild cats like servals and domestic housecats, Savannah cats can grow to be 17 inches tall and weigh more than 25 pounds.
How do I know if my Maine Coon kitten is big? ›It is not possible to predict how big a Maine Coon kitten will grow. The cat's genetics will obviously play a huge part in their final Maine Coon size, however, the cat's genetics could include recessive genes that cause them to be far smaller (or bigger) than their parents are.
Are Maine Coon kittens clingy? ›While the Maine Coon is curious and enjoys human company, it is able to amuse itself and is not considered needy or clingy. They enjoy physical affection and play, though they are not considered lap cats. The Maine Coon is a robust animal that is not easily rattled by the bustle and noise of a busy household.
At what age do Maine Coon kittens calm down? ›Maine Coon kittens will typically calm down by the time they reach six months of age. But Maine Coon cats are known to be a very playful breed and won't completely grow out of it. Spaying or neutering you Maine Coon can help calm them down and avoid any spraying or aggressiveness towards other cats.
Are Maine Coon cats a one person cat? ›1. Maine Coon cats are extremely loyal. Maine coon cats decide, early on in their kitty lives, that they have a “person.” They are 100% dedicated to their chosen person, following them from room to room, being distraught if they leave the house, and always choosing to spend time with their person above all other people ...
Are Maine Coons half bobcat? ›1. Are Maine Coons Related To Bobcats? Maine Coon cats are not related to bobcats, despite the physical similarities between these two species i.e. their large paws, big build, and tufted ears.
Are Maine Coon cats inside cats? ›
Due to the Maine Coons fairly laid back personality, they can be kept as either indoor or outdoor cats. Many Maine Coon owners prefer to keep them indoors however, as they are a very coveted breed and they have been known to get stolen when left to go outside alone.
Do Maine Coons meow or chirp? ›Maine Coon Talking
Maine Coon cats are well known for being a very vocal cat breed that enjoys conversing with their owners on a regular basis. They are often considered somewhat unique, since they do not meow like other cats, but instead chirp and trill.
One of the most common reasons a cat is not affectionate towards its owner is that it does not feel its boundaries are being respected. Cats are very picky about their personal space, and won't stand for constant poking, prodding, or cuddling when it does not want to be touched.
Do Maine Coon cats meow? ›Maine Coons are a very vocal cat breed. They chirp and trill to get an owner's attention, but rarely meow. These highly intelligent felines use a selection of Maine Coon sounds to communicate their needs. However, a Maine Coon will meow excessively if taught to, in pain, feeling lonely or hungry.
How many times a day should you feed a Maine Coon? ›Maine Coon cats should be fed at least twice every day. If your cat isn't fed every twelve hours, it can lead to serious nausea. Many owners opt to purchase a food dispenser, which is a great tool to provide their cats with dry food.
How often should you walk a Maine Coon? ›Outdoor cats naturally get plenty of exercise and therefore won't need much human intervention. Indoor Maine Coons, on the other hand, should get about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every day.
How often should you bathe a Maine Coon? ›Generally, bathing your Maine Coon once a month will help control shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy. What is this? The only exception when you should wash your Maine Coon more than once a month is when it covers itself with something it should not lick off, like paint or oil (source 1).
How can you tell if a Maine Coon is purebred? ›One way is by looking at its physical features like its large size, shaggy fur, tapered tail and ears, and large eyes. Since Maine Coons are outgoing and friendly, you can also identify them by observing their behavior and personalities. As a last resort, contact your vet to get a DNA test.
Do all Maine Coon cats have an M on their forehead? ›When answering the question 'do all Maine Coons have an M on their forehead? ', it is safe to say that they do not. What is this? Instead, this striking marking is only visible on tabby patterned Maine Coon cats.
How can you tell if your kitten is a Maine Coon cat? ›Maine Coon kittens have a rectangular body shape, with a square muzzle. Their medium-long thick fur, large ears and paws, and lynx-like ear tufts make them easy to identify. They have large expressive eyes with big personalities.
Should you cut a Maine Coons hair? ›
Maine Coons' fur protects them from the outside world, so it's better not to shave it. If their coat has become so matted that it cannot be untangled with a brush, you should turn to alternative de-matting methods, such as shaving.
Is my cat Maine Coon or Siberian? ›The Maine Coon has a square head, with high and prominent cheekbones. The muzzle is square. The Siberian has a softly rounded head. The muzzle is short and rounded.
Is my cat a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat? ›Physical traits are the most reliable way to tell these cats apart. One simple one is their face and head shape. Norwegian Forest cats have snouts that come down from their head in a singular line, while the Maine Coon's snout curves outward near their eyes.
Are purebred Maine Coons rare? ›The Maine Coon breed was rare in the 1950s when they went out of style and almost went extinct. However, after the breed became the official state cat of Maine, its popularity soared, and it made a comeback in 1985. Today, Maine Coons are so popular that they are no longer considered rare.
Do Maine Coons have short hair as kittens? ›Known for their medium to long hair, can a Maine Coon have short hair? Purebred Maine Coon cats do not have short hair. Mixed Maine Coons might though, since they are genetically different to purebreds, being a combination of two different cat breeds.
At what age is a Maine Coon cat fully grown? ›Maine Coon growth stages
Once your feline is nine months old, their growth will slow down, but it won't stop. Maine Coons grow longer than other breeds and reach their full size when they're four or five years old.
Maine Coons have large, beautiful eyes that typically have a slight slant. Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes, with the color transitioning through development. Purebred Maine Coon cats typically have gold/yellow or green eyes.
What are the cons of Maine Coons? ›- Expensive. ...
- Health Problems. ...
- Space Needs. ...
- Grooming Requirements. ...
- Needy / Clingy. ...
- Require High Levels Of Exercise. ...
- Greater risk Of Theft. ...
- Their Toys Are More Expensive.
The Maine Coon comb cut is where the cat's hair is trimmed to between 1/2 inch, to 1 inch in length. This is often considered a good halfway house, between not trimming a cat's fur at all, and the Maine Coon lion cut.