Maine Coons have those magnificent tufted ears and expressive wide-set eyes — but those beautiful features need regular maintenance. Their large ear canals and generous ear furnishings can trap debris, and their eyes are prone to occasional discharge that's usually harmless but sometimes signals a problem. After years of breeding, I can spot the difference between normal Maine Coon "eye goop" and an early infection at ten paces.
Ear Cleaning
Maine Coon ears are large, upright, and heavily tufted. Those gorgeous lynx tips and inner ear furnishings look spectacular but create perfect little pockets for wax and debris to accumulate.
How often: Check ears weekly. Clean only when you see visible wax or debris — over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal.
What you need: Vet-approved ear cleaning solution (never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or water), cotton balls or gauze squares (never Q-tips inside the ear canal), and treats.
Ear Cleaning Steps
- Warm the ear solution to room temperature (cold solution triggers head shaking)
- Gently fold the ear flap back to expose the canal
- Apply 4–5 drops of solution into the ear canal
- Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds (you'll hear a squishing sound)
- Let your cat shake their head — this brings debris up
- Wipe the outer ear and visible canal with cotton ball
- Never insert anything deep into the ear canal
Ear Infection Red Flags
See Your Vet If You Notice
- Dark brown or black discharge (possible ear mites)
- Strong odor from the ears
- Redness, swelling, or obvious pain when touching ears
- Head tilting, loss of balance, or circling
- Excessive scratching at ears or head shaking
Eye Cleaning
Most Maine Coons produce a small amount of clear or slightly brownish eye discharge — this is normal and not a cause for concern. It's simply tear drainage that oxidizes when exposed to air.
How often: As needed, typically 2–3 times per week for most Maine Coons.
Technique: Use a soft, damp cotton ball (warm water only) and wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye to prevent cross-contamination. Never touch the eyeball directly.
Coco gets minor tear staining on her lighter facial fur. I use a dedicated eye wipe each morning as part of our routine — she sits on the bathroom counter and waits for it now. It takes 10 seconds per eye.
Eye Problem Red Flags
Green or yellow discharge indicates bacterial infection — vet visit needed.
Squinting or keeping one eye closed suggests pain, possible corneal scratch, or foreign body.
Cloudiness or change in eye color — could indicate glaucoma, uveitis, or other serious conditions.
Excessive tearing that suddenly starts — may indicate a blocked tear duct or allergy.
Building a Routine
The best approach is making ear and eye checks part of your regular grooming routine. When you're brushing your Maine Coon (which should be 2–3 times weekly), add a quick ear peek and eye wipe. Start this from kittenhood and it becomes second nature for both you and your cat.
The goal isn't perfection — it's consistency. A 30-second check three times a week catches problems before they become emergencies. And with Maine Coons, early detection is everything.