I’ll be the first to admit it, I didn’t realize just how bad the mats were under Sting’s belly sometimes back until he flinched when I tried to give him his usual belly rub. It was like overnight, my beautiful fluffy Maine Coon had turned into a walking tangle.
And trust me, when you’re Googling how to get matted hair out of a Maine Coon at midnight, you start to wonder if you’ve failed as a cat parent. But here’s the thing, mats happen, even to the most pampered Maine Coons.
Let’s break it down and fix this together.
Why Do Maine Coons Get Matted in the First Place?
Maine Coons are known for their luxurious coats, that’s part of the charm, right? But with great fluff comes great responsibility. Their double-layered fur (a soft undercoat and silky topcoat) is prone to tangling, especially in high-friction areas like behind the ears, armpits, belly, and back legs.
During shedding season? Things can go from manageable to matted real quick.
My First Big Matted Mess (And What I Learned)
When Ruby started getting cranky and wouldn’t let me touch her sides, I thought she was just being moody. Nope, turns out she had developed tight mats behind her back legs. I grabbed a regular brush and gave it a go. Big mistake. Not only did it do nothing, but she also sprinted under the couch like I’d betrayed her.
That’s when I learned the hard way: getting matted hair out of a Maine Coon isn’t about brute force, it’s about patience, technique, and the right tools.
How to Get Matted Hair Out of a Maine Coon
1. Stay Calm, They Can Tell When You’re Stressed
Find a quiet room. Talk gently. The more relaxed you are, the more your cat will trust the process. If they’re irritated or trying to escape, pause and try again later.
2. Start with Your Fingers
Gently feel out the mat. Sometimes, smaller mats can be loosened with just your fingers. Work slowly, and if your cat flinches, take a break. No yanking. Ever.
3. Use the Right Tools
Here’s what’s in my grooming kit:
- A wide-tooth metal comb
- A mat splitter or dematting rake
- Cat-safe detangling spray
- Grooming gloves for gentler sessions
If you’re wondering how to get matted hair out of a Maine Coon without hurting them, these tools are your best friends. Use the detangling spray lightly, wait a few minutes, then go in with the comb, starting from the edge of the mat and working your way in.
4. Cutting It Out
Sometimes, there’s no saving the mat. If it’s tight to the skin or painful to comb through, you may need to trim it. Always use blunt-tip scissors and hold the mat between your fingers to protect the skin underneath. If you’re not confident, it’s totally okay to call in a pro.
When to Call a Groomer or Vet
If the mats are:
- Hard, dense, or covering a large area
- Causing skin irritation or open sores
- Making your cat act aggressive or withdrawn
it’s time to bring in help. Some mats may require shaving, and only a professional should do that near the skin.
Mobile groomers can be a lifesaver if your Maine Coon hates car rides. Plus, they come with all the tools and techniques to handle it safely.
How to Keep the Mats Away
The best way to avoid stressing over how to get matted hair out of your Maine Coon is prevention and this will help you will be able to easily to live with them indoors.
- Brush 3–4 times a week, especially during shedding seasons
- Use a slicker brush for everyday maintenance
- Try an undercoat rake every few weeks to really get in there
- Pair grooming time with treats or soft talk to build trust
Bonus tip: brush them when they’re sleepy, like right after a nap or post-meal. It’s way easier.
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve been through the worst of it with both Stings and Ruby, grooming feels more like bonding time than a chore. It’s all about consistency and being gentle. These cats are built for cold climates, not modern apartments, so a little extra help from us goes a long way.
So if you’re staring at a clump of fur right now and panicking about how to get matted hair out of your Maine Coon just breathe, you’ve got this, and your cat will thank you for it Eventually.
