Are There Short-Haired Maine Coon Cats? | Fun Facts

If you’ve ever seen a massive, lion-like cat with tufts on its ears and a fluffy tail, someone’s probably told you, “That’s a Maine Coon.” But then, someone else shows you a similar-sized cat with a sleeker, shorter coat and says the same thing, and now you’re wondering, “Wait, are there short haired Maine coon cats?”

This exact question came up during a coffee chat with my neighbor, who was convinced her short haired, sassy tabby was part Maine Coon. It got me thinking, how many people are actually confused about this?

So, are there short-haired Maine Coon Cats?

No, purebred Maine Coons are long-haired by standard. Their thick, shaggy coats are part of what makes them stand out. But here’s where it gets confusing: some Maine Coons can look shorter-haired, especially younger ones, mixes, or those living in warmer climates where their coats grow lighter. So while a true “short-haired Maine Coon” doesn’t exist officially, plenty of cats carry the Maine Coon genes and the attitude, just with less fur to brush.

Let’s further break it down, based on my own experience with my three Maine Coons, Stings, Ruby, and Niki, and a little breed research to back it all up.

What Does a Maine Coon Coat Usually Look Like?

By standard, Maine Coons are long haired cats. Their coats are one of their most distinctive features, shaggy, thick, and water-resistant. It’s not like Persian fluff, though. Maine Coons have a more rugged look, especially around their chest, belly, and haunches.

My boy Stings, for instance, has this luxurious mane that makes him look like a mini lion when he sits in the window. Ruby, the diva of the group, has a silky, flowing coat that requires more brushing (she insists on it), and Niki has a dense but less dramatic coat, but still definitely long and soft to the touch.

They all still shed seasonally, some more than others, and during shedding seasons, I could knit a whole sweater from the fur I brush off them.

Are Maine Coons Always Fluffy?

Some Maine Coons appear less fluffy than others especially younger ones or those with a lighter undercoat. Seasonal shedding and climate also affect how thick their fur looks. Cats raised in warmer regions may naturally grow a shorter, less dense coat compared to those in colder climates.

So, Can a Maine Coon Be Short Haired?

Here’s the short answer: No, not officially.

According to cat breed associations like CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) and TICA (The International Cat Association), purebred Maine Coons do not come in a short haired version. If a Maine Coon has noticeably short fur, it’s either:

• Not a purebred Maine Coon,
• A mixed breed (which is super common),
• Or maybe just a young Maine Coon that hasn’t fully developed its adult coat yet.

That’s something worth mentioning, Maine Coons take time to grow into their coats. I remember thinking Ruby was going to be a sleek, medium-haired cat when she was a kitten. Two years later, she’s got enough fur to rival a mini bear.

Even though there’s no “short-haired” version of the breed, some owners confuse medium-haired Maine Coons with short-haired cats. These cats may have shorter fur on the back, but still display the signature ruff around the neck and tufted paws. So technically, some Maine Coons look shorter-haired, but they’re still classified as long-haired cats.

What About Maine Coon Mixes?

This is where things get interesting. Many people have Maine Coon mixes without realizing it. If a Maine Coon mates with a domestic short haired cat or another breed, the resulting kittens might inherit the Maine Coon’s size or facial features, but not the long coat.

I’ve met a cat like this, my friend Jef’s cat, Rolo, looks like a Maine Coon in the face and body, but his fur is way shorter than Ruby’s or Niki’s. He’s still a big, laid-back cat with those signature ear tufts, but he doesn’t have the lion’s mane.

So while you might have a cat with Maine Coon genes, if they have short hair, they aren’t considered a “true” Maine Coon by pedigree standards.

Maine Coon Mix Personality Traits

Even if your cat isn’t purebred, Maine Coon mixes often inherit their most beloved qualities friendliness, curiosity, and that playful “dog-like” loyalty. They tend to greet you at the door, follow you around, and may even enjoy water play.

Grooming Needs: Long Coat vs Short Coat

This part is simple, I always tell people that long haired Maine Coons = more grooming.

Stings is a shedding machine. I brush him almost daily, especially in the spring and fall when he seems to blow his coat like a Husky. Niki doesn’t shed as much, but she’s picky about how I brush her, she prefers quick sessions and hates when I go near her belly.

Ruby, on the other hand, acts like it’s a spa day every time I bring out the brush. She’ll literally lie down and roll onto her back as if to say, “Pamper me now, human.”

If you happen to have a Maine Coon mix with shorter hair, you’ll definitely have less fur around the house and less grooming work, but you may also miss out on those majestic mane photos everyone loves.

How to Reduce Shedding in Maine Coons

To manage heavy shedding, brush your Maine Coon two to three times a week using a stainless-steel comb or undercoat rake. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet also improves coat health. If your cat has shorter fur from mixed lineage, once-a-week grooming is often enough.

How to Tell if a Short Haired Cat Has Maine Coon DNA

So, let’s say your cat is large, has a boxy muzzle, big paws, a fluffy tail, and a calm personality, but doesn’t have the long coat. Can they still be part Maine Coon?

Possibly, here are a few signs to look out for:

• Tufted ears and paws
• Big bushy tail (even if the rest of the coat is shorter)
• Chirping or trilling sounds instead of typical meows
• Friendly, dog-like personality
• Strong, rectangular body frame

If you’re still unsure, DNA testing is your best bet. There are kits available online (like Basepaws or Wisdom Panel) that can analyze your cat’s genetic background and tell you if there’s Maine Coon in the mix.

Can a DNA Test Confirm a Maine Coon?

Yes, if you’re unsure about your cat’s lineage, a DNA test can reveal whether your cat carries Maine Coon genetics. Popular kits like Basepaws or Wisdom Panel can show exact breed percentages and even potential health risks common to Maine Coons.

Final Thoughts

To wrap this up, there are no short haired Maine coon cats. Purebred Maine Coons do not come in short haired versions, however, their fur still get matted, and, at least not according to breed standards. But that doesn’t mean your short-haired cat isn’t part Maine Coon. It could be a mix or just have some similar traits that make it look like one.

In the end, though, it doesn’t really matter whether your cat checks all the Maine Coon boxes or not. If you’ve got a big, loving, quirky furball (short hair or long), you’ve got a winner.

Just like I always say about my three cats: It’s not just the fur that makes the cat, it’s the personality.

FAQs

Can Maine Coons have short hair?

No, purebred Maine Coons are long-haired, but mixed breeds can have shorter coats that still show typical Maine Coon features.

Are Maine Coons good for families?

Absolutely Maine Coons are gentle, affectionate, and get along well with children and other pets.

Do short-haired Maine Coons shed less?

Yes, cats with shorter coats shed less and require less brushing, but they may lack the signature mane and fluffy tail.

What’s the best brush for a Maine Coon?

A steel comb or a slicker brush works best to remove tangles and prevent matting.