The Majestic Neck Ruff of Maine Coons: Its Purpose and How to Care for It

Both male and female Maine Coons begin to grow their elegant mane around nine months of age. The length and density of it depend on genetics, the animal's age, and the season. In winter, the neck ruff appears noticeably more impressive.

In the following sections, you will find out exactly what the neck ruff of Maine Coon cats is, and how to care for it so that it shines in its full glory.

Everything You Need to Know About the Mane

The mane, neck ruff, or collar of Maine Coon cats – which runs from the neck down to the chest – gives the animal an ancient, lion-like appearance. The breed standard prefers this prominent feature, but not every Maine Coon has a luxurious mane, which is perfectly fine. Their beauty may peak in other ways. It is important to note that this is a genetically inherited trait. Therefore, if it is entirely absent in the animal – whether male or female – it is possible that the cat is not purebred. (And here we emphasize again that they can still be just as wonderful and lovable.)

Typically, they start growing their mane around nine months of age. But it is not uncommon for the mane to reach its final size only a few years later (around 3-5 years of age) when the cat reaches adulthood. This is delayed because the breed is a late bloomer, thanks to its large size. The collar probably developed to keep the cat warm and to make it appear larger, which is an effective deterrent against other predators.

During the warmer months, as with the rest of their body, the fur in the collar region also begins to shed, so the animal does not overheat. Consequently, it uniformly loses its density. If this area or any other part of the cat’s body becomes bald in patches, it is definitely not shedding but hair loss. In this case, be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian!