Maine Coons are known for their hairy feet, with tufts of fur protruding between their toes. While it varies among individual cats, there are remarkable photos showcasing exceptionally long tufts of hair extending downward through the paw pads. This results in the fur cushioning the space between the paw pads and the floor during walking. According to the breed standards set by all cat associations, Maine Coon cats are required to have hairy feet. It is one of their defining appearance characteristis. They are essential. 😃😻
RELATED: Maine Coon has the most amazing ‘tufted paws’ that you’ll ever see.
Discussing Maine Coon grooming is interesting. Trimming their paw tufts can be a consideration, especially if the cat lives in a home with polished hard floors. These surfaces are pretty common these days and can be slippery for a Maine Coon whose tufts of hair between their paw pads might cause them to slide around.
This seems like a reasonable assessment. It’s grounded in the fact that fur is tougher and glossier, making it more slippery than the soft, fleshier paw pads. Moreover, paw pads tend to sweat in warm conditions, aiding the cat’s grip on the ground, assuming the sweat isn’t excessive!
The question of whether Maine Coon owners should trim their cats’ paw pad fur is not straightforward and depends on the individual owner and the length of the fur.
One owner argues that it’s best to leave the fur untouched because it’s natural. They believe we shouldn’t interfere with nature’s design—a valid point, though there are opposing views.
Historically, Maine Coons were barn cats in the 1800s, enduring the often harsh weather of Maine. The fur on their feet was essential for warmth. This evolutionary trait had a clear purpose.
However, most Maine Coons today live indoors with air conditioning or central heating, making the extra fur on their feet less necessary, despite its aesthetic appeal as a breed hallmark.
For instance, Theresa Williams commented on Facebook saying that she trims her Maine Coon’s paw fur for safety due to her polished floors, likening it to not letting children run on such surfaces with socks.
Conversely, Susie Bright believes the fur should remain because it’s natural and beautiful, trimming only if it becomes soiled.
Kim Kim offers another view, suggesting the fur serves as protection for the paw pads from indoor hazards as well as the elements, implying indoor cats may benefit from the extra fur.
You take your pick. My view: always leave nature alone as nature nows best and fur sticking out between paw pads is one anatomical characteristic of the Maine Coon which marks them out from all the rest. You want that. 😹😎
RELATED: Atchoum. Hypertrichosis in cats. Onychodystrophy. Thickened claws. Fine hair. Inherited genetic mutation. – this time it is lots of hair all over due to a genetic mutation or two.
