The Magnificent Maine Coon Tail

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

The Maine Coon tail is spectacular. This big, bushy, plumelike feature is one of their most famous, and it's truly a sight to behold!

This breed is renowned for its striking appearance, including its impressive tail.

Here are some fun facts about the magnificent Maine Coon Tail:

• Length: The Maine Coon's tail is notably long, often almost as long as its body. It can measure up to 12 inches or more in length.

• Fluffiness: Along with its length, it is also characterized by its fluffy appearance. Maine Coons have a thick, bushy tail covered in long, flowing fur. This fur helps to keep the cat warm in cold climates, as they originated in the chilly northeastern United States.

• Plume: It often ends in a plume, a luxurious tuft of fur that adds to its majestic appearance. This plume can be quite eye-catching and is one of the distinguishing features of the breed.

• Versatility: This breed is known for its agility and athleticism, and their tails play a crucial role in maintaining balance and agility. They use their tails effectively for balance when climbing, jumping, or maneuvering in tight spaces.

• Communication: Like all cats, Coonies use them to communicate. They may twitch or flick their tails in different ways to express various emotions, such as excitement, contentment, or agitation. Observing a Maine Coon's tail can often give you insights into its mood.

Maine Coon Tail Thinning:

"Why is my Maine Coon's tail thinning?" Variations of this question have come up from time to time in our community. Of course, this is a question to ask your veterinarian and this is our advice.

In the meantime, though, you likely want to know more about the possible causes for a thinning tail. 

Genetics: While Maine Coons are generally known for their luxurious coats, individual cats can inherit genes that affect the thickness and density of their fur, including that of their tails.

If thinning fur in this area runs in the cat's family, it could simply be a result of genetic predisposition.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Another common culprit could be nutritional deficiencies. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat in cats, including Maine Coons.

If your cat is not receiving adequate nutrition, it could lead to thinning fur. Ensure your cat's diet includes high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support coat health.

Underlying Health Issues: It could also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Conditions such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, skin allergies, or parasites (such as fleas or mites) could affect the quality and thickness of your cat's fur, including that on the tail.

If you suspect a health issue, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Stress or Anxiety: Felines are sensitive creatures, and stress or anxiety can manifest in various ways, including changes in coat condition.

If your Coonie is experiencing stress due to changes in their environment, routine, or social dynamics, it could contribute to thinning tail fur. Providing a calm, stable environment and addressing any sources of stress can help improve coat health.

Grooming Habits: Lastly, consider your cat's grooming habits. Maine Coons are typically good self-groomers, but factors such as age, mobility issues, or dental problems could affect their grooming abilities.

If your kittty is not grooming properly, it could lead to matting, tangles, and thinning fur.

Thinning fur in a Maine Coon tail could be due to genetics, nutritional deficiencies, underlying health issues, stress, or grooming habits.

Keep an eye on your cat's overall health and behavior, and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their coat condition. With proper care and attention, you can help your Coonie maintain its majestic tail fur.

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When Does a Maine Coon Kitten's Tail Fill In?

Maine Coon kittens are born with a certain amount of fur on their tails, but the full, bushy appearance characteristic of the breed develops gradually over time.

The timeline for when a Maine Coon kitten's tail fur fills in can vary depending on individual genetics and growth rate. Here's a general overview:

Birth to a Few Weeks Old: Maine Coon kittens are born with some fur on their tails, but it is typically short and sparse compared to the adult coat.

During the first few weeks of life, kittens grow rapidly, and their fur, including that on their tails, starts to become denser.

Two to Six Months Old: As the kittens continue to grow and develop, their fur in the area becomes longer and more abundant.

By the time they are a few months old, the tail fur may start to resemble that of an adult, although it may still be softer and less dense.

Six Months to One Year Old: During this period, the fur on a Maine Coon kitten's tail continues to fill in and thicken, approaching the full adult coat.

By the time they reach one year of age, many kittens will have a tail that closely resembles that of an adult in terms of length and fluffiness.

One Year and Beyond: While the Maine Coon tail fur may continue to mature and develop after the first year, significant changes are less noticeable compared to the earlier stages of growth.

By the time a Coonie reaches adulthood, typically around three to four years old, their fur is fully developed, long, and bushy, with the characteristic plume at the tip.

Overall, a kitten's fur fills in gradually over the first several months of life, with significant progress made by the time they reach adulthood.

What is Stud Tail?

Have you ever seen a cat with a greasy area at the base of its tail?

Stud tail, also known as supracaudal gland hyperplasia, is a condition that primarily affects intact (un-neutered) males, although it can occasionally occur in females or neutered males as well.

It involves the overactive or over-secretion of the sebaceous glands located at the base of the tail, leading to the accumulation of oily, waxy material and sometimes even inflammation or infection. Here are some key points about stud tail:

• Sebaceous glands: Cats have sebaceous glands throughout their skin, including near the base of the tail. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps to lubricate the skin and fur.

• Hormonal influence: The development of this condition is thought to be influenced by hormones, particularly testosterone.

This is why the condition is more commonly seen in intact male cats, especially during puberty and adulthood.

• Symptoms: The primary symptom is the presence of a greasy, waxy, or crusty substance around the base of the tail.

The affected area may appear darkened or discolored due to the buildup of this material. In some cases, there may also be redness, swelling, or signs of infection.

• Causes: The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the increased production or activity of the sebaceous glands in response to hormonal changes. Poor grooming habits or underlying skin conditions may also contribute to the development of this issue.

• Treatment: Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance by neutering male cats.

Neutering removes the main source of testosterone, which can help to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and improve the condition. In addition, affected felines may benefit from regular grooming to remove excess oil and debris from the affected area.

In severe cases or if there is evidence of infection, veterinary treatment may be necessary, including the use of medicated shampoos or antibiotics.

This is a relatively common condition in intact males, characterized by the overactivity of the sebaceous glands.

If he's already neutered? Here are some more options for treatment:

• Cleaning and Grooming: Regular cleaning and grooming of the affected area are essential to remove excess oil, debris, and crusty material from the base of the tail. This helps prevent further buildup and reduces the risk of infection. You can use mild cat-safe shampoos or wipes recommended by your veterinarian for cleaning.

• Medicated Shampoos: Your veterinarian may prescribe medicated shampoos or wipes containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine to help reduce inflammation and control bacterial or fungal infections. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for using these products properly.

• Topical Treatments: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend applying topical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Antibiotics: If there is evidence of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for administering the antibiotics, and complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.

• Anti-inflammatory Medications: In severe cases of stud tail, your veterinarian may prescribe oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. These medications should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

• Environmental Management: Ensure that your environment is clean and free from potential irritants or allergens that could exacerbate the condition. Provide a comfortable and stress-free environment for your kitty to help support overall health and well-being.

It's essential to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan for your stud tail.

Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best course of action based on the severity of the condition and your Coonie's overall health.

Neutering and proper grooming are typically effective in managing the condition and preventing recurrence.

Maine Coon Tail Care:

A reader asks: "Hi we have two Maine Coons. The 3.5 year old's tail just seemed to get thinner and thinner. This week we groomed the 18 month old and included combing.

It was really thick and fluffy but after combing all the fluff came out and he too has now only a thin tail.

Were we wrong to comb it? Will it grow back? The older coon has never needed his combing so don't know why his is so thin?

They are fed on a really good diet - exactly as recommended by breeder - very varied and carefully mixed and measured.

Looking forward to some advice -thank you"

This can happen. It sounds like a combination of the combing and the time of the year. I'm not sure where you are, but if the weather is getting warmer, your cat's probably had a lot of fluff that had been shed but was still being held in place by all the other Maine Coon fur.

And, combing out that tail, especially if there were some tangles, will leave it thinner.

I think as time goes by, and cooler weather comes you'll see it thicken back up. For the future, try to comb the area sparingly, just where and when it's needed.

As for your older boy, perhaps it's just his genetics. Our Alice's tail is not particularly full. She has a different, silkier textured fur than her brother. Her tail doesn't look super full, but it flows and is thick enough and beautiful.

If you are concerned that it may be a health issue, ask your vet at the next check-up, or even give your breeder a call. It may just be a variation.

Hope This Helps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):

Maine Coon Tail Fun Fact:

One fascinating fact about the Maine Coon tail is its adaptability to harsh weather conditions.

Coonies, known for their origins in the cold northeastern United States, developed thick, bushy tails that serve multiple purposes.

Beyond their majestic appearance, these tails can actually wrap around the cat's body like a built-in blanket, providing extra warmth and insulation during chilly winters!

This unique adaptation showcases how the Maine Coon tail not only adds to its distinctive beauty but also serves a practical function in keeping the cat warm and cozy in harsh environments.

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