Maine Coon owners swear by the FURminator deShedding Tool plus undercoat rake. Brush twice weekly, daily in shedding season. Our guide shares top picks for 2026.
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Top Pick: FURminator deShedding Tool. The stainless steel edge reaches deep into the thick undercoat, reducing shedding by up to.
Best Value: GoPets 2-in-1 Dematting Comb. Dual-sided with fine and wide teeth, this comb tackles both tangles and loose undercoat.
Best for Beginners: Coastal Pet Safari. The retractable bristles make cleaning a breeze, and the fine wires gently remove loose ha.
Also Great: Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats. Bent wire bristles effectively lift dead undercoat without scratching skin.
Best Upgrade: Oster ShedMonster De-Shedding Tool. Designed specifically for heavy undercoats, this rake has rotating tines that glide throug.
Best Splurge: Andis 68565 Stainless-Steel Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats. Extra-large pad covers more surface area, reducing grooming time.
Grooming a Maine Coon is not just about keeping them looking majestic; their thick, semi-long coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and reduce hairballs. A wrong brush can cause discomfort or fail to penetrate their dense undercoat, so choosing the right tool is essential for their skin health and your bond.
Our editorial team compared top brushes for Maine Coons, focusing on size, bristle type, and ease of cleaning. We prioritized those that effectively remove loose fur from the undercoat without pulling or irritating their sensitive skin.
We found that most Maine Coon owners prefer a combination of an undercoat rake for deep shedding and a slicker brush for daily maintenance. The key is to brush at least twice a week, increasing to daily during seasonal sheds.
The Options
Types Explained
Undercoat Rake
Features long metal teeth that reach the dense undercoat, ideal for removing loose fur and preventing mats. Best for heavy shedders like Maine Coons.
Slicker Brush
Fine wire pins remove tangles and loose hair from the topcoat. Self-cleaning versions are convenient for frequent grooming.
Dematting Comb
Has rotating or fixed blades to cut through mats safely. Useful for Maine Coons prone to tangles behind ears and under legs.
Deshedding Tool
Features a stainless steel edge that pulls out loose undercoat without cutting the topcoat. Reduces shedding significantly when used regularly.
The Rankings
Top 6 Picks
#1
Top Pick
FURminator deShedding Tool
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The stainless steel edge reaches deep into the thick undercoat, reducing shedding by up to 90%. Its ergonomic handle suits larger hands, and the fur ejector button makes cleaning easy.
Dual-sided with fine and wide teeth, this comb tackles both tangles and loose undercoat. The rotating blades safely cut through mats without snagging, ideal for Maine Coon’s dense fur.
The retractable bristles make cleaning a breeze, and the fine wires gently remove loose hair from the topcoat. It’s less intimidating than a rake for first-time owners of long-haired cats.
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats
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Bent wire bristles effectively lift dead undercoat without scratching skin. The wide head covers more area on a Maine Coon’s large body, speeding up grooming sessions.
Designed specifically for heavy undercoats, this rake has rotating tines that glide through mats and remove loose fur. The comfortable grip and durable build make it a long-lasting tool for frequent use.
Andis 68565 Stainless-Steel Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats
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Extra-large pad covers more surface area, reducing grooming time. The fine wire pins are gentle yet effective on sensitive skin, and the wooden handle provides a professional feel.
Maine Coons have a dense double coat, so look for long, sturdy bristles (stainless steel or wire) that can penetrate to the undercoat. Avoid plastic pins that may bend or break.
02
Size and Ergonomics
A larger brush head covers more area on a big cat, saving time. Ergonomic handles with non-slip grips reduce hand fatigue during longer grooming sessions.
03
Ease of Cleaning
Self-cleaning mechanisms (e.g., retractable bristles) are a must for thick coats. Brushes that trap fur require frequent manual removal, which can be messy and time-consuming.
04
Gentleness on Skin
Maine Coons can have sensitive skin, especially during shedding seasons. Rounded tips or bent wires minimize scratching while still effectively removing loose hair.
05
Durability
Given the thickness of the coat, the brush should withstand regular use without bending or losing tines. Metal combs and rakes tend to last longer than plastic ones.
06
Versatility for Different Coat Areas
Some brushes work better on the mane, others on the belly or tail. A comb or rake with adjustable teeth or dual sides can handle various areas without needing multiple tools.
Pro tip
Our team suggests starting grooming sessions when your Maine Coon is calm, using treats as positive reinforcement. Always brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort, and pay extra attention to the mane, belly, and tail where mats commonly form.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my Maine Coon?
Brush at least 2-3 times per week to prevent mats and reduce shedding. Daily brushing is recommended during spring and fall when they shed heavily.
Can I use a human brush on my Maine Coon?
No, human brushes are not designed for cat fur. They lack the proper bristle length and spacing to penetrate the thick double coat, and may cause skin irritation.
What is the best brush for Maine Coon mats?
A dematting comb or undercoat rake with rotating blades works best for existing mats. For prevention, use a slicker brush regularly.
Do Maine Coons need professional grooming?
Not necessarily, but if your cat develops severe mats or you struggle with grooming, a professional can help. Regular at-home brushing is usually sufficient.
How do I clean the brush after use?
Most self-cleaning brushes have a button that retracts bristles for easy fur removal. For others, use a comb to lift out hair, then wash with mild soap and water if needed.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cats, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
