Care for the coat
What truly reflects the well-being of your feline companion and your attentive care? Undoubtedly, it's the condition of their coat! The Maine Coon's fur, when given proper attention, endows this breed with a unique and untamed allure—a look reminiscent of a wild and captivating creature. Moreover, this coat serves a functional purpose, adeptly equipped to shield the animal from both cold and overheating.
The fur of Maine Coons stands out as a primary distinguishing feature of the breed. Each hair grows individually from a dedicated hair follicle connected to a muscle. Contractions of this muscle contribute to the graceful movement of the hairs, resulting in the Maine Coon's coat achieving exceptional volume, especially in chilly weather. The coat, typical of Maine Coons and many other breeds, comprises three hair types: robust awn hairs, coarse tactile hairs known as vibrissae, and delicate undercoat hairs. The color and texture of feline fur vary, with males boasting more vivid and saturated colors, albeit accompanied by a sturdier and denser coat compared to their female counterparts.
Continuous fur growth characterizes Maine Coons. Due to their well-developed coat, this breed is especially prone to shedding. Seasonal changes in hair are associated not only with variations in daylight duration but also, to a lesser extent, with temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, the cat's coat undergoes renewal, with some hairs falling out and others growing in their place. A complete turnover of the entire body's coat takes several months, and the hairs grow at a rate of up to 0.5 cm per week.
The initial shedding for a young Maine Coon occurs at 5-7 months of age. During this period, the kitten's first, lightly colored fur is replaced by the adult coat. Shedding in Maine Coons, akin to other cats, commences with the head. Hence, the head is where the fur attains its permanent color first.
Grooming long-haired cats demands meticulous attention. According to general recommendations, initiate combing with a sparse comb before progressing to a denser one. Using short strokes, assist in loosening the long fur from small clumps of shed hair. It's crucial to detect these clumps early on and remove them before they mat into long, unkempt tangles that will necessitate trimming. Avoid wetting the shed fur during trimming, as water consolidates the clumps, complicating the untangling process. If mats are already substantial, it's advisable to divide them into sections before combing. This can be done using open scissors, a thin stick, or a paper-cutting knife. After dividing the mat into smaller strands, continue combing. Exercise caution during this process, as it's easy to accidentally injure the cat's delicate skin beneath the mats. If mats prove impossible to comb, they should be carefully trimmed with scissors. For all Maine Coons, it's recommended to trim the fur under the tail to prevent the accumulation of feces, ensuring a tidy appearance. Consultation with an experienced groomer is advisable for this procedure.
The main areas prone to matting in Maine Coon fur include the stomach, chest, lower neck, hind legs, and behind the ears. Occasionally, especially during shedding, mats may form on the back, tail, and front legs. Regular inspection of these areas is recommended.
During grooming, especially in the early stages when caring for a kitten, try to minimize discomfort for your pet. If they associate grooming with pain, enticing them for a second encounter with a brush will be a challenging task. Start grooming sessions with short periods. If your pet becomes anxious or frightened, put away the brush. Cats are very affectionate and trusting towards their owners. Caress your pet, let it purr on your lap, and after a while, any fear will be a thing of the past.
For Maine Coons, like all long-haired cats, it's best to groom with a special metal comb with rounded teeth that won't harm the skin. Always comb the fur in the direction from head to tail, but for the luxuriant mane, comb in the opposite direction.
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