Bathing a Maine Coon: Do They Really Like Water?#

The stereotype is true: Maine Coons are obsessed with water. Atticus dips his paws in my water glass. He sits on the edge of the tub while I shower. He sleeps in the bathroom sink.

But does that mean they like baths? Well… they tolerate them better than a normal cat, but don’t expect them to act like a Golden Retriever. Bathing is an essential skill for Maine Coon owners because of one thing: Grease.

Maine Coon fur is naturally oily (to repel snow). Over time, this oil builds up, causing “Stud Tail” (greasy build-up at the base of the tail) and stringy fur that mats easily. Here is how I bathe my giants without losing a pint of blood.

Do You Need to Bathe Them?#

A shorthair cat cleans itself. A Maine Coon needs help.

Frequency: I bathe my cats once every 3–4 months.
The Sign: When the fur behind their ears looks stringy or separates into greasy clumps, it’s time.

A Maine Coon standing calmly in a bath tub with wet fur — Maine Coons often tolerate water, making bath time manageable with the right approach.

The “Amelia” Bathing Method#

Step 1: The Setup (Crucial)#

Do not just throw them in the tub.

Trim Claws: Do this the day before.
Traction: Put a rubber bath mat or a towel in the bottom of the tub. If they slip, they panic. If they have grip, they stay calm.
Water Height: Do not fill the tub. Use a handheld shower head or a pitcher. Standing water freaks them out.

Step 2: The Degreasing#

Standard cat shampoo is too weak for a Maine Coon. You need a degreaser.

Product: I use Groomer’s Goop (it’s a paste you apply to dry fur before getting them wet) or a specific degreasing shampoo.
Focus Areas: Rub it into the tail base, behind the ears, and the “armpits.”

Step 3: The Rinse, Rinse, Rinse#

The thick coat holds soap forever.

Technique: Keep the nozzle close to the skin. Rinse until the water runs clear, then rinse for two more minutes. Leftover soap causes itchiness.

Step 4: The Drying (The Loud Part)#

Towels aren’t enough. A wet Maine Coon stays wet for hours, which can cause fungus/mold in the undercoat.

The High-Velocity Dryer: Professional groomers use these. They blast the water out with air (not heat).
Home Version: I use a quiet hair dryer on the cool setting. Do not use high heat; you can burn their skin. If they hate the dryer, keep them in a warm bathroom with a space heater until they are 90% dry.

The “Stud Tail” Issue#

If you have a male Maine Coon (neutered or not), watch his tail.

Symptoms: Waxy, black, or brown gunk at the base of the tail.
Treatment: Use a degreaser or even a tiny bit of Dawn dish soap (blue original) on that specific spot to break up the oil. If you ignore it, it can get infected.

Conclusion#

Bathing a 20lb cat is a workout. I usually end up soaked. But the result—a fluffy, soft, sweet-smelling cloud of a cat—is worth it. Plus, a clean coat mats significantly less than a greasy one. Start them young (as kittens), use treats liberally, and keep the water warm.

Resources & Further Reading#

CFA Grooming Guidelines: Managing the Longhair Coat.
Veterinary Partner: Stud Tail (Supracaudal Gland Hyperplasia) in Cats.
Groomer’s Goop: Product usage guides for show cats.