Aside from the big-boned figure and huge sizes, Maine Coons are known to have long, fluffy, and furry coats. However, Shorthair Maine Coons do exist. They are not purebred though but a mix of Maine Coon plus one other cat breed.
A Maine Coon’s thick and long fur can help it withstand the winter or any harsh or extreme elements. It prevents them from having hypothermia. Their fur is water-resistant and is double-coated. Aside from the cold, it also helps the Maine Coon protect itself from overheating, sunburn, bites, and scratches.
However, a captivating intrigue emerges when exploring the realm of Shorthair Maine Coons—a deviation from the conventional fluffiness, yet equally enchanting. Delving into the dynamics of their fur evolution, grooming choices, and the amalgamation of breeds to create these unique companions, this blog unveils the multifaceted aspects of Shorthair Maine Coons and delves into their distinctive medical considerations.
Contents
Do all Coonie Breeds have fluffy and thick fur?
Purebred Maine Coon’s signature look is their fluffy fur. It looks wild and rough and sometimes it even looks unkempt but their fur is very smooth and silky.
Maine Coon kittens are less furry but as they grow old, their coats become thicker and fluffier. At around 4-6 months Maine Coon kittens have thinner fur. At around 2-3 months, their ear tufts will become thicker and more noticeable. The lion-like fur around its neck develops at 9 months. Their fur will keep getting fluffier until they reach full maturity at 4 to 5 years old.
Can I Shave a Maine Coon to Get Shorter Hair?
Some people ask their cat’s groomers to style their Maine Coon with a lion-style mane with a shaved body. That doesn’t hurt the cat. However, the Maine Coon’s fur is what keeps them healthy and safe from harsh elements. It helps them regulate their temperature during cold weather. It also helps them cool down.
Other Maine Coon owners also shave and trim their cat’s fur to prevent fur matting. However, please note that leaving it long and just religiously brushing it is better for the Maine Coon. If you shave a Maine Coon’s fur, it would take a long time to grow back its fur. Having thinner fur or shaved bodies will put the Maine Coon at risk of temperature issues and sunburn.
Other Causes for Shorter Hair in Fluffy Coon
Shorter hair on Maine Coon is common for mixed breeds. The purebred Maine Coon rarely has short hair. If a purebred Maine Coon has short hair but isn’t groomed or shaved, then there could be health issues being experienced by the cat.
1. Improper Nutrition
Maine Coons who don’t get enough protein in their diet lose their hair. The Maine Coon’s fur serves as an indication of their health. If they start losing hair at an alarming rate, if their coat starts to look dull and less shiny, a visit to the vet is necessary.
2. Overgrooming Caused by Stress
If a Maine Coon or any other cat gets stressed, it tends to overgroom itself. Overgrooming may cause skin irritation and fur loss.
3. Allergies or Parasites
Maine Coons that have allergies and parasites, as well as fungal infections, can cause fur loss and bald spots. If you see parasites in your cat’s fur, you need to take action immediately before they develop allergies and other health issues or conditions. If you see that your Maine Coon is losing fur fast, take your pet to the vet immediately.
4. Mixed Breed
Shorter hair in Maine Coon is caused by mixed breeding of the Maine Coon with other breeds that have shorter fur.
Which Breeds Create Shorthair Maine Coons?
Almost all breeds of cats that have shorter fur can be bred with a Maine Coon to produce a Shorthair Maine Coon however, these Top 3 breeds are the most popular ones.
- American Shorthair
- British Shorthair
- Russian Blue
Below are examples of what the Maine Coon would look like if they are bred with the five shorthaired breeds mentioned above.
1. Maine Coon-American Shorthair Mix
Shorthair Maine Coons that came from breeding the Maine Coon with the American Shorthair results in a cat with the following characteristics:
- Ear tufts are shorter than the Maine Coon.
- Lynx tips are also shorter.
- The fur particularly in the neck area is shorter and smoother-looking.
- The markings of the American Shorthair are more prominent.
- The paws are bigger than the American Shorthair.
- Eyes are like the Maine Coon’s, oblique and slanted.
2. Maine Coon-British Shorthair Mix
Shorthair Maine Coons that came from breeding the Maine Coon with the British Shorthair results in a cat with the following characteristics:
- Ear tufts are shorter than the Maine Coon.
- Lynx tips are also less defined.
- The fur particularly in the neck area is shorter.
- Fur is thicker than the British Shorthair’s.
- The markings of the Maine Coon are more prominent.
- The paws are bigger than the British Shorthair.
- The face is a mixture of Maine Coon and British Shorthair.
- Eyes are like the Maine Coon’s, oblique and slanted.
3. Maine Coon-Russian Blue Mix
Shorthair Maine Coons that came from breeding the Maine Coon with the Russian Blue results in a cat with the following characteristics:
- Lynx-tips are present.
- The fur particularly in the neck area is shorter.
- Fur is thicker than the British Shorthair’s.
- The markings of the Maine Coon are more prominent.
- The paws are bigger than the British Shorthair.
- The face is a mixture of Maine Coon and British Shorthair.
- Eyes are like the Maine Coon’s, oblique and slanted.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Shorthaired Coon
1. Pros
- Less fur to broom and vacuum.
- Less hair sticking to your clothing and furniture.
- Less time to brush the fur to groom and prevent matting.
- Less dirt is picked up by their fur.
2. Cons
- They will have a hard time regulating their temperature when it gets too hot or too cold.
- Longer fur is considered more appealing to most people.
- They have the medical conditions and risks associated with the Maine Coon Breed plus the other breed that it’s mixed with.
Issues in Health: Affecting Mixed-Breed Shorthair Cat
1. Maine Coon-Related Medical Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia – Hip joints develop and grow in the wrong position.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – The spinal cord breaks up and causes muscle loss leading to dysfunctional rear legs.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – Heart muscles thicken and this causes irregular blood flow leading to further complications in other organs.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease – Multiple cysts that form in the cat’s kidneys.
Aside from the normal health conditions of Maine Coons, they will also have medical conditions and issues that are related to the other breed.
2. Mixed Breed-Related Medical Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia – Hip joints develop and grow in the wrong position.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – Heart muscles thicken and this causes irregular blood flow leading to further complications in other organs.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease – Shows signs of difficulty and pain during urination. They also show signs of frequent urination and bloody urine. Another sign of this disease also includes excessive licking.
- Renal Failure – Kidneys are no longer working.
- Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid gland. It is a condition in cats that causes multiple cysts. They grow larger in time and disrupt kidney function resulting in kidney failure.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease – Multiple cysts that form in the cat’s kidneys.
- Diabetes Mellitus – The early signs include weight loss, increased appetite, and frequent urination. This is caused by a poor lifestyle and overindulging your cats with sweets and treats. It can also be hereditary and passed down by its parents so checking the cat’s parent’s medical history is a must. You can request this from the legitimate breeders.
Concluding Thoughts
In the captivating world of Maine Coons, the traditional allure of luxurious, fluffy coats is now complemented by the emergence of Shorthair Maine Coons. While these shorter-haired counterparts deviate from the norm, they bring practical advantages, making them a sought-after choice for those with busy lifestyles. Less fur to manage means reduced grooming efforts and shedding, appealing to families looking for a more manageable pet ownership experience.
The unique charm of Shorthair Maine Coons is further enhanced by the diverse breeding combinations that give rise to distinct appearances. However, potential owners must be mindful of health considerations associated with both Maine Coon-related conditions and those linked to the additional breed in the mix. Whether one opts for the iconic long-haired Maine Coon or embraces the simplicity of a Shorthair variant, the enchanting world of Maine Coons continues to captivate feline enthusiasts with its variety and charm.
