Can a Maine Coon Have Short Hair? Vet-Reviewed Breed Facts & Care Tips
In this article
One of the most notable qualities of the beautiful Maine Coon is their impressively gorgeous, long coat. Perhaps you have a Maine Coon kitten whose hair looks relatively short for the breed. Or maybe you would like to have a short-haired Maine Coon to avoid having to deal with the upkeep of long hair.
For the record, no purebred Maine Coon cat has short hair. However, if a Maine Coon breeds with another cat, short hair is genetically possible. Even if both parents appear to have Maine Coon ancestry but are not genetically confirmed purebred, it is possible to have a short-haired Maine Coon kitten. Let's uncover the details!
A Little About the Maine Coon
As the name may give away, the Maine Coon originated in the state of Maine in the United States. They are considered one of the largest domestic cat breeds. One of the primary traits that make the Maine Coon so recognizable is their lush plumes of long hair.
The term "coon” came from their resemblance to the raccoon of North America. Some coat colors and the way the fur grows mimic the raccoon. Of course, Maine Coons are not related to raccoons; it’s just a portion of their name and looks that they have in common.
Physical Traits of a Maine Coon
A Maine Coon has a vast array of physical possibilities, but they are usually very recognizable because of their lion-like appearance.
| Coat Length: | Medium to long |
| Type of Fur: | Smooth, shaggy |
| Fur Color: | Black, blue, cream, white, red, silver |
| Fur Patterns: | Solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, mackerel tabby, smoke, ticked, and other accepted patterns |
| Grooming Needs: | Regular brushing |
What is the Purpose of a Maine Coons Thick Fur?
Maine Coons have heavy, thick coats. Because they came from Maine, where winters are harsh, their coats help provide insulation and some protection against cold and moisture. The winter in Maine can have average temperatures as low as 15° Fahrenheit in northern portions of the state.
As kittens and adolescents, Maine Coons might not be as plush as you would think. Some of them, especially around 4 to 6 months, may have thinner hair. During the kitten phase, Maine Coons may appear less fluffy before their coat fully develops, which can sometimes be mistaken for shorter hair. However, their coats will fill out as they age.
Maine Coon ear tufts can begin to appear as early as around 2–4 weeks of age, become more noticeable by 6–8 weeks, and continue developing into their fuller, more dramatic appearance over several months, often becoming clearer by 4–6 months and continuing to mature beyond that. The lion-like plumes around the neck usually become more noticeable by approximately 6–9 months. But Maine Coons can keep getting fluffier until they reach 4 years old!
Caring for a Maine Coon Coat
To remove dead fur and dander, you should groom your Maine Coon two to three times per week. Because of their coat density, they shed quite a bit. Keeping their hair neatly combed prevents matting and tangling.
While you must perform preventative coat care, it's a simple process that many cats can learn to tolerate or enjoy with gradual, positive handling. A few gentle passes of a brush can eliminate loose hair and minor tangles, although more thorough grooming may be needed for denser areas.
Related Reads:
Can You Shave a Maine Coon?
Shaving a Maine Coon is generally not recommended unless medically necessary (for example, severe matting or veterinary procedures), since their coat helps with insulation and overall protection, including supporting normal temperature regulation. Light trimming or sanitary trims can be performed by a professional groomer when appropriate. You can find several ideas for Maine Coon haircuts on Pinterest.
Maine Coon vs. Long-Haired Cat
All Maine Coons are long-haired, but not all long-haired cats are Maine Coons. Domestic long-haired cats are less predictable, with different coats, patterns, body shapes, and sizes.
Maine Coons, on the other hand, have a particular set of features. They are fluffy from their ears to their tails. They are the longest of all domesticated cats, with some exceptionally large individuals weighing up to 20 pounds! The average housecat only weighs around 10 pounds when fully grown, so you can see a huge difference.
Similar pure breed long-haired cat breeds:
Mixed Breed Maine Coon
It's possible for a Maine Coon to have short hair if it's mixed with another breed. If your kitten or cat came from two Maine Coon parents but has short hair, the chances are that one of the parents has another breed in their family tree.
Mixed Maine Coons can have long hair, short hair, or a combination of both. You may see some Maine Coon mixes with the lion's mane and short hair elsewhere. This variation can occur depending on genetic inheritance, and it's interesting to see all of the potential outcomes.
How Do You Know if Your Maine Coon is Purebred?
The only two ways to know if you have a purebred Maine Coon are to buy from a reputable breeder. Breeders can prove the authenticity of a litter with paperwork and vetting. Anyone with a long-haired litter can claim they have Maine Coon kittens, but unless they can prove it, there is always room for error. The second way is through genetic testing.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap things up, even if you don’t have a purebred Maine Coon cat, they can still have luscious long hair. Maine Coons are known for their distinctive coats, which develop gradually and require consistent care to stay healthy and free of tangles. However, purebred Maine Coons are expected to have long coats, although coat length and fullness can vary with age and individual development. But what would a Maine Coon be without their elegantly flowy coat?
Related Reads: Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia: Why Is It So Common? (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: Kanashi, Pixabay
Expert cat care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
