Maine Coon cats are known for their large size, shaggy coat, and tufted ears. They are also very friendly, intelligent, and loyal companions.
But what if you prefer a cat with shorter hair? Is there natural short hair Maine Coon?
The short answer is no, especially if you want a purebred Maine Coon.
But if you really want a short hair Maine Coon, let’s explore some possibilities and see if you can find your ideal furry friend.
Why Does Maine Coon Have Long Hair?
Maine Coons have long hair because they evolved to survive the harsh winters of the northeastern United States.
Their thick, water-repellent coat helps them stay warm and dry in cold and snowy conditions.
Their long hair also covers their ears, paws, and tail, which are vulnerable to frostbite.
Their coat is not only functional but also beautiful.
It comes in many colors and patterns and gives them a majestic appearance.
Can I Have A Natural Short Hair Maine Coon?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a natural short hair Maine Coon cat.
The long hair gene is dominant in this breed, meaning all purebred Maine Coons will have long hair.
However, some Maine Coons may have slightly shorter or thinner hair than others, depending on their genetics and environment.
For example, some Maine Coons may have less undercoat or shorter guard hairs, making their coat look less fluffy.
Some Maine Coons may also lose some of their hair during the summer months when they shed their winter coat.
If you want a short hair Maine Coon cat, you may have to look for a mixed breed or a crossbreed.
A mixed-breed cat has some Maine Coon ancestry but has genes from other breeds or random-bred cats.
A crossbreed is a cat that results from a deliberate mating between a Maine Coon and another breed.
For example, some breeders may cross a Maine Coon with an American Curl or a Siamese to create a cat with shorter hair and different ear or eye shapes.
However, keep in mind that these cats are not purebred Maine Coons, and they may not have all the characteristics of the breed.
They may also have health issues or personality traits from their other parent breeds.
Therefore, if you decide to buy a mixed breed or a crossbreed cat, make sure you do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with health certificates and pedigree information.
Other Causes of Short Hair Maine Coon
There are other possible causes for short hair in Maine Coon cats, but they are usually related to health problems or environmental factors. Some of them are:
• Stress: Stress can cause hair loss or thinning in cats, especially around the tail, back, or belly.
Environmental changes can cause stress, such as moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or having visitors.
Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease can also cause stress.
• Allergies: Allergies can cause itching, scratching, and licking in cats, leading to hair loss or damage.
Food, fleas, pollen, dust, or other substances can trigger allergies.
Allergies can also cause skin infections or inflammation, affecting hair follicles.
• Parasites: Parasites, such as fleas, mites, lice, or ringworm, can infest the cat’s skin and coat, causing irritation, inflammation, and hair loss.
Parasites can also transmit diseases or infections affecting the cat’s health and hair growth.
• Nutrition: Nutrition is vital in maintaining the cat’s coat quality and condition.
A balanced diet that provides adequate protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth.
A deficiency or excess of certain nutrients can cause hair loss or poor coat texture.
For example, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids can cause dry and brittle hair, while an excess of vitamin A can cause hair loss and skin problems.
• Age: Age is another factor affecting the cat’s coat length and density. As cats get older, their hair growth cycle slows down and their hair becomes thinner and shorter.
This natural process is not harmful to the cat’s health. However, some cats may experience premature aging due to genetic factors or chronic diseases.
If you notice that your Maine Coon has short hair that is not normal for its breed or age, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues or treat any existing ones.
You should also provide your cat with a stress-free environment, regular grooming, and a high-quality diet to support its coat health and well-being.
Do Maine Coons Shed A Lot?
Maine Coons shed a lot, especially during the spring and fall when they change their coats.
Their long hair can easily get tangled and matted if not groomed regularly.
Therefore, if you own a Maine Coon cat, you must be prepared to deal with a lot of fur around your house and on your clothes.
How to Groom A Maine Coon?
Grooming a Maine Coon is not as difficult as it may seem. You need to follow some simple steps and use the right tools.
Here are some tips on how to groom your Maine Coon cat:
• Brush your Maine Coon at least once or twice a week with a wide-toothed comb or a slicker brush. This will help remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from their coat and prevent mats and tangles.
• Trim your Maine Coon’s nails every few weeks with a nail clipper or a grinder. This will prevent them from scratching your furniture or hurting themselves or others.
• Clean your Maine Coon’s ears every week with a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with warm water or an ear cleaner. This will remove any wax or dirt buildup and prevent ear infections.
• Brush your Maine Coon’s teeth every day with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats. This will prevent plaque and tartar accumulation and keep their breath fresh.
• Bathe your Maine Coon once every few months or as needed with a mild shampoo and warm water. This will help keep their coat clean and shiny.
• Dry your Maine Coon thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer on low heat after bathing them. This will prevent them from catching cold or developing skin problems.
How To Identify A Maine Coon With A Long-Hair Cat?
If you are unsure whether your cat is a Maine Coon or just a long-hair cat, there are some ways to tell them apart.
Here are some features that can help you identify a Maine Coon cat:
- Size: Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, weighing between 9 to 20 pounds and measuring between 19 to 30 inches in length.
- Head: Maine Coons have a large, wedge-shaped head with high cheekbones and a square muzzle. Their ears are large, pointed, and tufted. Their eyes are large, round, and expressive, and can be any color.
- Body: Maine Coons have a muscular, long, rectangular body with broad shoulders and chest. Their legs are medium-length and sturdy. Their paws are large, round, and tufted. Their tail is long, bushy, and tapered.
- Coat: Maine Coons have a heavy and shaggy coat that is silky and smooth. Their coat is longer on their ruff, stomach, and britches, and shorter on their head and shoulders. Their coat can be any color or pattern.
If your cat has most or all of these features, chances are they are a Maine Coon or at least have some Maine Coon ancestry.
However, the only way to be sure is to get a DNA test or a pedigree certificate from a reputable source.
