Short Hair Maine Coon – Do They Exist?

A Maine Coon cannot have short hair. The Maine Coon cat’s long, fluffy coat is a part of its adaptation to cold climates, and a purebred Maine Coon will be always be a long haired.

But if you’re looking at a Maine Coon or seeing an advertisement for short hair Maine Coons, it is because:

1. They are a Kitten: Maine Coon kittens are not born with long fur.
2. Mixed Breeds: If a Maine Coon is mixed with a breed with short hair, it’s possible the resulting kittens might be short hair.
3. Haircuts: Parents give their Maine Coons haircuts for various reasons. In these cases, a Maine Coon’s fur would be short until it grows out again.

In this article, we dive deeper into each point, then talk about the unique Maine Coon and its signature coat.

Why Do Maine Coons Have Long Fur?

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America, specifically native to New England region, where it is the official state cat of Maine.

Over generations of surviving harsh winter conditions, the Maine Coon developed a large, rugged physique, and that signature long, water-repellent coat, with tufted ears, paws, and a long tail to defend against the cold and chill.

So you see, a short hair Maine Coon cat goes against their very nature.

Short Hair Maine Coon Kittens

There is another reason why a Maine Coon technically could have short hair.

Maine Coon kittens, like other long-haired cat breeds, are actually born with short hair. This is true for both the fluffy undercoat and the protective top coat. When they’re first born, their coats are sparse and fuzzy, but you can tell they’re something special!

As the kittens start to grow and develop, their coats begin to lengthen and fill in month by month. This process doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a gradual process that occurs over the first 2 years of life, which is when the famous “ruff” or “mane” around their necks is fully grown.

Then, over the next 3-4 years, they fully develop the long, dense, and silky coat that the breed is famous for. A fully grown shorthair Maine Coon cat is simply not purebred.

Short Hair Maine Coon Mix

The next reason why a Maine Coon could have short hair is because they are a mixed breed. This is because fur length in cats is determined by a pair of genes, where the gene for long hair is recessive and the gene for short hair is dominant.

If a long-haired Maine Coon (with two long hair genes) breeds with a short-haired cat (with two short hair genes), all the kittens would inherit one long hair gene and one short hair gene.

Since the short hair gene is dominant, these Maine Coon kittens would all be short hair, even though they carry the gene for long hair.

However, the short hair Maine Coon mix might still exhibit other signature traits, like large size, tufted ears, or a bushy tail. The characteristics of mixed breed cats can vary widely, even within the same litter, because genes from both parents manifest differently in each kitten.

Maine Coons Can Have Short Hair Due to a Haircut

A Maine Coon cat can appear to have short hair if it has been given a haircut. Here are some reasons why a Maine Coon might be given a haircut:

1. Mats and Tangles: Even with regular grooming, Maine Coon cats can develop tangles and mats. Mats are painful and lead to skin infections, so if the mats are too severe and can’t be brushed out, shaving or trimming the fur may be necessary.
2. Heat Regulation: In warm climates, a Maine Coon’s thick double coat is stifling hot. While their coat does offer some protection from the heat, it’s beneficial to cut it to help them stay cooler.
3. Hygiene: For older or overweight cats who may have trouble grooming themselves, feces and urine can get caught in the fur around their hindquarters. Regular trims in this area can help maintain hygiene.
4. Medical Reasons: A Maine Coon may need to be shaved or trimmed for a medical procedure or to treat a specific skin condition.

What Makes a Maine Coon Unique?

Maine Coons are recognized for their large size, with males typically weighing between 17-25 pounds and females between 10-15 pounds.

The Maine Coon’s physical traits include a broad, square-shaped head, large almond-shaped eyes in a variety of colors, and distinctive tufted ears reminiscent of a lynx. They also have bushy tails and tufts of fur between their toes.

You can also tell if a cat is a Maine Coon because they are slow to mature vs other cats, not reaching full maturity until they are 3-5 years old. This breed is also known for an increased incidence of polydactylism or extra fingers/toes.

Behaviorally, Maine Coons have big personalities compared to normal cats. They are known as “gentle giants”, friendly, affectionate, and sociable, with a dog-like loyalty.

They often choose one person in the household to form a special bond with. Unique to this breed is an attraction to water and distinctive vocalizations known as trilling and chirping.

Maine Coon’s Coat

A Maine Coon’s coat is not only beautiful, it’s a sophisticated adaptation to its tough environment, and helped it thrive in different environments. A short hair Maine Coon cat simply would not have survived their homeland.

Grooming a Maine Coon’s Coat

Grooming a Maine Coon’s coat is an essential part of maintaining their health and keeping them comfortable. Regular grooming sessions can become a bonding experience for you and your Maine Coon.

(By the way, it’s important to keep grooming experiences as stress-free as possible, offering treats and praise to your Maine Coon to create positive association. If your Maine Coon has a particularly challenging coat or are difficult, a professional cat groomer is the way to go.)

Here’s how you can keep your Maine Coon’s coat in top shape:

Brushing and Deshedding

Regular brushing is crucial for Maine Coons due to their long, thick fur. Ideally, you should brush your Maine Coon at least a few times a week to remove loose but not dislodged fur, dirt and debris, distribute oils, and prevent matting.

A slicker brush or a comb with both wide and narrow teeth can be used for this. Regular brushing not only helps maintain the condition of the coat but also reduces hairballs, which can form when cats groom themselves and swallow hair.

After the slicker brush, use a deshedding tool (I recommend the Furminator) to remove loose undercoat.

Dematting & Shaving

Despite regular grooming, Maine Coons can still develop mats, especially in areas that are hard to reach, such as under the arms or belly.

These mats need to be carefully removed, either by gently teasing them apart with a comb or by using a dematting tool. If the mat is too large or too tight to remove this way, it may need to be shaved off professionally.

Baths

Maine Coon cats might occasionally need a bath if they get very dirty or if they suffer from a skin condition. Unlike most cats, Maine Coons tend to be less averse to water, which can make bath time a bit easier.

What Does a Maine Coon’s Coat Tell You?

The condition of a Maine Coon’s coat can tell you ons about their overall health, including their nutritional status and whether they have any underlying health issues.

Nutrition

A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat. If a Maine Coon is not receiving enough nutrients, their coat can become dull, thin, or brittle. Conversely, a diet rich in essential nutrients, particularly proteins and omega fatty acids, can help maintain a thick, shiny, and silky coat.

General Health

The coat can also reflect a cat’s overall health status. Illnesses, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, can cause changes in a cat’s coat. A cat losing interest in grooming themselves is also a red flag in terms of overall wellbeing.

A sudden change in the coat’s quality can be an indicator of an underlying health problem. If you notice such changes, it is essential to take your Maine Coon to the vet for a check-up.

Skin Irritation or Allergies

Allergies in the form of food, environmental factors, or certain materials can manifest as skin irritation, leading to changes in a Maine Coon’s skin and coat. These include itching, hair loss, redness, flaking, or sores and bumps.

Overshedding

While it’s normal for Maine Coons to shed, particularly during seasonal changes, excessive shedding can be a sign of stress, poor nutrition, or underlying health problems. If your Maine Coon is shedding like crazy, and it’s not a seasonal change, consult your vet.

Overgrooming

Overgrooming, where a cat lick themselves to the point of causing hair loss or skin damage, can be a sign of stress, skin irritations, allergies, or other health issues. Areas that are frequently overgroomed might become bald and can even develop sores.

Short Hair Maine Coons For Sale and Prices

Anywhere advertising “short hair Maine Coons for sale” that are purebred should be approached with skepticism. Purebred Maine Coons and long, shaggy coats go together like catnip and toys.

Short hair Maine Coons would certainly be Maine Coon mixes, and probably priced lower than purebred cats. As of 2023, purebred Maine Coon kittens range from $1000 to $3000+ from reputable breeders, your location, demand, and lineage or pedigreed.

Large Short Haired Cat Breeds

Interested in other large short haired cat breeds besides the short hair Maine Coon cat?

• Maine Coon British Shorthair Mix: This is a hybrid from crossing a Maine Coon and a British Shorthair, two large and muscular breeds. This mix would result in a cat that potentially has the physical heft and sturdy body of both breeds. The coat could either be short like a British Shorthair, long like a Maine Coon, or somewhere in-between, depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant. In terms of temperament, you could expect a blend of the Maine Coon’s sociability and the British Shorthair’s easygoing nature.

• Maine Coon Bengal Mix: The Maine Coon Bengal Mix is another interesting blend that combines the wild appearance of the Bengal with the large size and affable nature of the Maine Coon. This mix might produce a large, muscular cat with potentially striking coat patterns. The Bengal’s love for water and playfulness may be present, coupled with the Maine Coon’s chilled personality. Just like the previous mix, the coat could range from short to long depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.

Gary H.

I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.