Best Cat Brushes for Maine Coons: Top 10 Picks
Selecting the optimal grooming tool for a Maine Coon’s dense, twin-layered coat requires understanding specific fur dynamics. When considering the best cat brush for Maine Coon owners, factors like bristle type, handle ergonomics, and effectiveness in managing undercoat and shedding are paramount.
The unique texture of a Maine Coon’s fur necessitates a brush designed to penetrate without causing discomfort, preventing matting and reducing hairballs. We explore innovative grooming solutions and classic implements, highlighting top-tier options for maintaining a healthy, lustrous coat. Uncover which of the best cat brushes will transform your grooming routine and provide unparalleled comfort for your majestic feline companion.
Find Your Maine Coon’s Perfect Grooming Tool!
1. Aumuca Cat Brush for Shedding, Cat Brushes for Indoor Cats,

Tired of battling shedding fur and tangled coats on your long-haired companion? Discover the Aumuca Cat Brush for Shedding, expertly designed to make grooming a breeze for even the fluffiest breeds. This professional grooming tool gently tackles loose hair and knots, promoting a healthier, shinier coat for your beloved pet.
Crafted with a unique 150° bent needle design, this Aumuca long hair cat grooming brush effectively reaches deep into your pet’s undercoat to remove trapped dirt, dander, and excess fur. The durable construction, featuring 304 stainless steel and ABS material, ensures long-lasting performance.
Suitable for cats, dogs, and rabbits of all hair types, this deshedding tool revitalizes your pet’s appearance and well-being.
Pros
- Effective Undercoat Grooming: The 150° bent needles are specifically engineered to penetrate the dense undercoat of breeds like Maine Coons, efficiently removing loose fur and preventing matting.
- Gentle & Skin-Friendly Design: Rounded rubber tips on the stainless steel pins ensure a comfortable, massage-like experience for your pet, preventing irritation and skin damage, even on sensitive areas.
- Effortless Cleaning: A convenient one-click cleaning button retracts the bristles, allowing for quick and easy removal of collected pet hair, saving you time and effort during grooming sessions.
- Durable and Premium Construction: Made with robust 304 stainless steel bristles that are 1.2 times thicker than competitors’ and high-quality ABS material, this long hair cat grooming brush is built for longevity.
Cons
- Some users might find the initial learning curve for the one-click cleaning mechanism slightly takes a moment to master.
For pet owners seeking a superior grooming experience, the Aumuca Cat Brush offers a professional-grade solution to manage shedding effectively. It’s an excellent addition to any pet care routine, ensuring your furry friend stays comfortable and looks their best.
2. SleekEZ Cat Brush for Shedding & Cat Brushes for Indoor

Tired of relentless cat shedding and pesky pet hair clinging to your furniture? Discover the SleekEZ Cat Brush, the revolutionary grooming tool designed to make deshedding your feline friend an enjoyable and efficient experience. This patented brush is engineered to tackle loose fur, dander, and dirt, leaving your cat’s coat silky smooth and your home remarkably cleaner.
This patented brush is engineered to tackle loose fur, dander, and dirt, leaving your cat’s coat silky smooth and your home remarkably cleaner.
Recognized as the world’s #1 cat hair brush, SleekEZ excels as a deshedding tool for cats of all coat types. Its innovative design effortlessly removes undercoat and loose fur without causing discomfort to your pet, making it an indispensable part of your cat grooming kit. Beyond grooming your cat, this versatile tool also efficiently cleans carpets, pet beds, and cat trees, acting as an exceptional pet hair remover.
Pros
- Exceptional Deshedding Power: Effectively removes up to 90% of loose undercoat and shedding fur, transforming your cat’s shedding problem into manageable grooming sessions. This makes it an ideal cat deshedding brush.
- Versatile for All Coat Types: Whether you have a long-haired Persian or a short-haired Siamese, this cat brush for shedding works wonders as a long haired cat brush and a short hair cat brush, proving its worth as a top-tier cat groomer.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: Beyond fur removal from your pet, the SleekEZ serves as a highly effective pet hair remover for household surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and cat trees, making it a complete cat fur remover solution.
- Painless & Gentle Grooming: Designed for a comfortable experience for your cat, the brush glides through fur, making it suitable even for kittens and sensitive pets, positioning it as an excellent kitten brush and a gentle cat undercoat brush.
- Durable & User-Friendly: Constructed for longevity and ease of use, this cat comb for shedding is a practical addition to any cat essentials for indoor cats collection and a standout piece in cat grooming supplies.
Cons
- Not Designed for Very Thick Mats: While excellent for shedding, the tool may struggle to effectively remove severe matting; for dense knots, a dedicated detangling comb might be needed, although it remains a superior cat fur brush for general grooming.
For owners seeking the best cat brush for shedding, especially for breeds like the Maine Coon, the SleekEZ offers unparalleled performance and convenience. Its ability to tackle loose fur on your pet and your home makes it an essential tool for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for both you and your beloved feline companion, solidifying its title as a leading cat deshedder and cat grooming tool.
3. Dipoo Self Cleaning Shedding Brush – Skin Friendly Grooming Tool

Tired of stubborn pet hair clinging to your furniture and clothes? Discover the Dipoo Self-Cleaning Shedding Brush, your ultimate solution for effortless grooming.
This skin-friendly grooming tool effectively removes loose fur from both long and short-haired pets, including cats, dogs, and even horses. Its ergonomic design and durable construction promise a comfortable and efficient grooming experience, making it a must-have for any pet owner seeking a cleaner, happier companion.
Pros
- Effortless Deshedding: The convenient release bottom on this self-cleaning brush makes removing trapped fur a breeze. It significantly reduces shedding, acting as an excellent cat brush for indoor cats and a powerful slicker brush for dogs and horses.
- Gentle on Skin: Featuring soft, round-headed bristles made from protective plastic, this grooming brush ensures a scratch-free and irritation-free experience for your pets, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin.
- Built for Longevity: Crafted from premium stainless steel metal and a comfortable rubber grip, this durable pet brush is designed for long-term, reliable use, standing up to regular grooming sessions.
- User-Friendly Design: The ergonomic TPR handle offers a comfortable hold, while the one-press cleaning button simplifies the process of releasing collected fur, turning a chore into a smooth operation.
- Versatile Grooming: Capable of removing loose fur from a wide variety of animals like cats, dogs (including breeds like Golden Retrievers), rabbits, kittens, and bunnies, this tool is perfect for all hair types.
Cons
- While effective for most pets, extremely matted fur may require pre-treatment or a different type of grooming tool before using this deshedding brush.
For pet owners seeking a simple yet effective way to manage shedding and maintain their pet’s coat health, the Dipoo Self-Cleaning Shedding Brush is an outstanding choice. Its blend of skin-friendly design and efficient fur removal makes it a top contender among grooming essentials for cats and dogs alike.
4. Coastal Pet Safari – Cat Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – Cat

Transform your cat’s grooming routine with the Coastal Pet Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Designed for ease and effectiveness, this brush is a must-have for maintaining a healthy coat and a clean home.
Say goodbye to stubborn fur and matted tangles, and hello to a happier, more comfortable feline companion.
This innovative cat fur brush features a self-cleaning mechanism, allowing you to effortlessly remove collected hair with a simple push of a button, simplifying your daily grooming tasks. The coated stainless steel pins are crafted for gentleness yet deliver powerful detangling and deshedding, promoting a shinier, healthier coat for your beloved cat.
Pros
- Effortless Self-Cleaning: The one-button design instantly retracts bristles, ejecting trapped fur for a hygienic and quick cleanup, ideal for frequent users seeking convenience.
- Superior Detangling & Deshedding: Effectively tackles stubborn tangles and mats, significantly reducing loose undercoat and preventing hairballs, crucial for maintaining a plush Maine Coon coat.
- Promotes Coat Health & Shine: The gentle, yet effective grooming action stimulates natural oil production, resulting in a lustrous, healthy-looking coat that enhances your cat’s natural beauty.
- Reduced Shedding for a Cleaner Home: Regular use of this deshedding tool significantly minimizes loose fur around your living space, contributing to a cleaner environment for both pet and owner.
Cons
- While effective on many coat types, extremely fine or short fur might require a gentler approach to avoid potential skin irritation.
For owners seeking an efficient grooming tool that simplifies coat maintenance and enhances your cat’s natural sheen, the Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush stands out. Its user-friendly design and effective performance make it an excellent addition to your cat care arsenal, especially for breeds like the Maine Coon that require regular grooming.
5. Docrok Pet Grooming Combo – Blue Deshedding Brush with Metal

Effortlessly maintain your furry friend’s luxurious coat with the Docrok Pet Grooming Combo, a blue deshedding brush featuring durable metal teeth designed to tackle mats and reduce shedding. This grooming essential is perfect for achieving a healthy, tangle-free coat for your beloved pet, making grooming sessions a breeze.
This versatile grooming tool set includes a specialized deshedding brush and a metal comb, engineered to gently yet effectively remove loose undercoat and detangle matted fur. Crafted with your pet’s comfort in mind, the safe-edge design ensures a smooth grooming experience.
Pros
- Efficient Dematting & Deshedding: The 2-in-1 rake design features a wide side for tackling knots and matted hair, and a dense side for effectively removing loose undercoat, significantly reducing shedding with each use. It’s a proven dematting comb for cats and a powerful deshedder brush for dogs.
- Safe & Gentle on Skin: Equipped with soft, protective edge brush and comb teeth, this grooming combo detangles without pulling or irritating your pet’s skin, providing a comfortable grooming session for even sensitive pets.
- Dual-Purpose Functionality: The included comb offers versatility with a wide side for smoothing and styling, and a dense side for precise removal of loose hair, perfect for delicate areas like legs, head, or tail where a brush may not reach. This makes it a top-tier metal comb for dogs and dematting comb for cats.
- Durable & Ergonomic Build: Constructed with premium stainless steel metal teeth and a lightweight, high-quality TPR handle, this pet grooming tool is built for longevity and comfortable, effortless use during extended grooming sessions. An excellent undercoat rake for dogs with double coats.
Cons
- While effective for medium to long-haired pets, it may be less suitable for very short-haired breeds or pets with extremely fine fur.
For pet owners seeking a reliable and effective grooming solution, the Docrok Pet Grooming Combo offers exceptional value. This set is particularly beneficial for owners of long-haired breeds prone to tangles and heavy shedding, making it an indispensable addition to your pet care routine for maintaining a healthy, beautifully groomed pet.
6. Pat Your Pet Deshedding Dog Brush For Shedding – Cat

Tired of excessive shedding and stubborn mats plaguing your beloved feline friend? The Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush is your ultimate solution for a cleaner home and a happier cat.
This versatile grooming tool is expertly designed to tackle even the thickest coats, leaving your Maine Coon’s luxurious fur smooth, healthy, and virtually shed-free.
This innovative cat brush features a dual-head system for comprehensive grooming. One side boasts 9-teeth for detangling and dematting knots, while the other offers 17-teeth for efficient undercoat removal, effectively reducing loose fur and preventing hairballs.
Pros
- Dual-Action Grooming: Effectively tackles mats and removes loose undercoat with its double-sided design, promoting a healthier, shedding-reduced coat for long-haired breeds like Maine Coons.
- Skin-Friendly Design: Rounded teeth ensure a pain-free grooming session, preventing irritation and making it suitable for even the most sensitive feline skin.
- Ergonomic & Durable: The non-slip, comfortable handle provides a secure grip for easy maneuverability, allowing you to conquer stubborn tangles with confidence.
- Versatile Application: While perfect for shedding cats, this durable pet comb also works exceptionally well on dogs and even horses with thick or long fur, making it a valuable addition to any multi-pet household.
- Convenient Accessory: Includes a charming “paw tag” that can be attached to your keychain or your pet’s collar for a personal touch.
Cons
- May require a short acclimation period for cats not accustomed to regular brushing sessions.
For owners seeking the best cat brush for their shedding Maine Coon, the Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush offers an exceptional blend of efficiency and comfort. Its dual-headed functionality, coupled with a focus on pet safety, makes it an indispensable tool for maintaining your furry companion’s magnificent coat and reducing household fur.
Achieve a beautifully groomed cat with this highly-rated deshedding tool.
7. Depets Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, Dog Cat Bunny Pet Grooming

Discover the ultimate grooming solution with the Depets Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, designed to make pet care a breeze. This innovative brush effectively tackles shedding and undercoat, promoting a healthier coat and a cleaner home for you and your beloved companions.
Specifically crafted for effective pet grooming, this versatile tool removes loose fur, mats, and dander, ensuring your cat, dog, or even bunny stays clean and comfortable. Its thoughtful design promotes blood circulation through gentle massage, while the durable stainless steel needles reach deep into the coat without causing irritation, making it an ideal deshedding tool for various coat types.
Pros
- Effortless Hair Removal: The one-click self-cleaning button instantly retracts the bristles, making it easy to dispose of collected pet hair, simplifying your post-grooming cleanup process significantly.
- Gentle & Effective Grooming: Featuring rounded-tip stainless steel pins angled at 60 degrees, this slicker brush stimulates circulation and massages your pet’s skin, preventing scratches and ensuring a comfortable deshedding experience.
- Ergonomic Design for Comfort: A comfortable, non-slip handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during longer grooming sessions, and even offers a subtle massage effect for your hand.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for both long-haired and short-haired pets, this pet deshedding brush is an excellent choice for maintaining your pet’s coat health and reducing shedding around your home.
- Hygienic & Washable: The brush is fully washable, allowing you to easily maintain its cleanliness, ensuring a hygienic grooming tool for your furry friends.
Cons
- Not for All Coat Types: While excellent for many pets, this brush is not recommended for pets with curly, wire-haired, or hairless coats.
For pet parents seeking a smart and efficient way to manage shedding and keep their companions looking their best, the Depets Self Cleaning Slicker Brush offers exceptional value. It transforms a routine chore into a bonding experience, contributing to a tidier home and a happier, healthier pet.
8. FURminator deShedding Tool For Medium to Large Cats With Short

Tired of relentless cat shedding? Discover the FURminator deShedding Tool, meticulously engineered for large, short-haired felines. Say goodbye to troublesome cat hair on your furniture and clothing with this exceptional grooming solution.
It’s the ultimate answer for maintaining a pristine home alongside a happy, well-groomed companion.
This premium deShedding tool for cats, specifically designed for breeds like Maine Coons with short fur, effectively tackles shedding issues. Its innovative stainless steel edge safely penetrates the fur to remove loose undercoat and excess hair without harming your pet’s skin.
Pros
- Efficiently Removes Loose Undercoat: The specialized stainless steel deShedding edge gently yet effectively removes loose hair and undercoat, significantly reducing shedding around your home.
- Protects Skin and Topcoat: Features a Skin Guard curved edge that glides over the skin, preventing irritation and avoiding damage to the healthy topcoat, ensuring a comfortable grooming experience.
- User-Friendly Design: The integrated Furejector button makes hair removal from the tool effortless, streamlining the grooming process and making it more convenient than traditional brushes or combs.
- Ergonomic Comfort Grip: Designed with a comfortable, non-slip handle, this tool allows for extended grooming sessions without hand fatigue, enhancing the overall pet grooming routine.
- Ideal for Larger Short-Haired Cats: Perfectly suited for cats over 10 pounds with short fur, offering targeted performance for specific breed needs, including the grooming of Maine Coon cats during shedding seasons.
Cons
- May Remove Some Topcoat if Used Aggressively: While designed to protect the topcoat, excessive pressure or very frequent use could potentially remove a small amount of healthy guard hairs.
For owners of large, short-haired cats struggling with excessive shedding, the FURminator deShedding Tool offers a superior grooming solution. Its thoughtful design and effective hair removal capabilities make it an indispensable tool for pet owners seeking to minimize loose fur and maintain a cleaner living environment.
9. Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – Cat Brush Skin-Friendly Deshedding Grooming

Transform your pet’s grooming routine from a chore to a spa-like experience with the itPlus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Designed for efficiency and comfort, this brush expertly tackles shedding, mats, and undercoat, leaving your furry friend’s coat irresistibly soft and shiny.
Boasting upgraded 304 stainless steel needles with skin-friendly massage tips, this deshedding brush gently penetrates your pet’s coat to remove loose fur and tangles without causing discomfort. The ergonomic, non-slip handle ensures a comfortable grip for extended grooming sessions, making it ideal for all pet owners and professional groomers alike seeking an effective deshedding tool for cats, dogs, and even rabbits and horses.
Achieve a healthy, glossy coat and a cleaner home environment with this versatile pet grooming brush.
Pros
- Effortless One-Click Cleaning: The innovative self-cleaning mechanism allows you to retract the bristles with a single button press, making fur removal quick and hygienic, simplifying the deshedding process for all types of pets.
- Skin-Friendly & Comfortable Grooming: Featuring durable 304 stainless steel needles with rounded, skin-friendly tips, this slicker brush massages your pet’s skin while safely removing knots and undercoat, promoting healthy circulation and a shiny coat.
- Ergonomic Design for Extended Use: The lightweight, non-slip contoured handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, preventing hand fatigue during prolonged grooming sessions, which is particularly beneficial for owners of long-haired breeds like Maine Coons.
- Versatile for All Furry Friends: This de-shedding tool is highly effective for various animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses, making it an excellent choice for multi-pet households or professional groomers dealing with diverse coat types.
- Enhances Coat Health & Shine: Regular use of this cat brush for shedding and dog grooming brush stimulates blood circulation, distributes natural oils, and leaves your pet’s fur soft, smooth, and lustrous, contributing to overall pet wellness.
Cons
- While effective for most coat types, extremely fine or short coats might require a gentler deshedding tool or less frequent use to avoid potential irritation if the pet is sensitive.
Discover the joy of hassle-free grooming with the itPlus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. It’s the perfect solution for maintaining a healthy coat and a clean home, especially for breeds prone to heavy shedding. Elevate your pet care with this essential grooming accessory, designed for performance and your pet’s comfort.
Elevate your pet care with this essential grooming accessory, designed for performance and your pet’s comfort.
10. Cat Brush for Long Haired Cats – Double Sided Dematting

Say goodbye to grooming battles and hello to a happy, shedding-free feline friend! This innovative cat brush is expertly designed for long-haired breeds, transforming knotty fur into a smooth, healthy coat.
Engineered specifically for the dense double coats of breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls, this dematting rake offers a dual-sided system for comprehensive grooming. Its skin-safe design ensures comfort, even for sensitive cats, while effectively tackling stubborn mats and reducing shedding significantly.
Pros
- Skin-Safe Grooming for Sensitive Cats: Features rounded outer teeth that gently massage the skin, preventing irritation, and sharp inner blades that safely cut through mats without pulling hair, making it an ideal tool for skittish felines and a top choice for best cat brush for maine coon coat care.
- Specialized for Long-Haired Breeds: Developed with thick, double-coated cats in mind, this groomer penetrates deep into the undercoat to remove hidden knots and tangles in hard-to-reach areas, outperforming standard slicker brushes for breeds like Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberian Cats.
- Dual-Sided Dematting & Deshedding System: Offers a two-in-one solution with a 20-teeth side for effective detangling and dematting, followed by a 30-teeth side for thinning and efficiently removing loose undercoat, reducing shedding by up to 98% and keeping your home fur-free.
- Prevents Hairballs and Promotes Coat Health: By removing dead undercoat, this undercoat rake significantly minimizes hairball formation, while regular use stimulates blood circulation, resulting in a shiny, smooth, and professionally groomed topcoat, perfect for maintaining a healthy gloss.
- Durable and Ergonomic Design: Constructed with rust-resistant stainless steel blades and a premium, ergonomic wooden handle for a comfortable, warm grip and precise control, ensuring longevity and a superior grooming experience compared to flimsy plastic alternatives.
Cons
- While highly effective, the sharp inner blades require careful handling to avoid accidental cuts to the skin if not used with proper technique, especially for beginners or when dealing with extremely matted fur on older cats or kittens.
For owners of long-haired cats, particularly those with breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls, this dematting brush is an indispensable tool. Its dual-action system and gentle yet effective design make it stand out as a superior option for managing shedding and preventing painful mats, fostering a healthier coat and a stronger bond with your pet.
Choosing the Best Cat Brush for Maine Coons
Bristle type and material
The nature and construction of grooming tool bristles are paramount to effectively managing a long, dense coat.
The right bristle type and material directly influence how efficiently you can detangle, remove undercoat, and achieve a smooth finish, preventing matting and discomfort for your feline companion.
For long-haired breeds, a pin brush with well-spaced, flexible pins is indispensable for reaching through the thick fur to lift loose hair and distribute natural oils, promoting a healthy sheen. When confronting stubborn tangles and mats, a slicker brush with fine, angled wire bristles is your most effective weapon; gentle yet persistent strokes can work through knots without excessive pulling. Subsequently, a good-quality comb, particularly one with varying tooth spacing, acts as a finishing tool, perfect for perfecting the coat’s lay and detecting any missed snags.
Subsequently, a good-quality comb, particularly one with varying tooth spacing, acts as a finishing tool, perfect for perfecting the coat’s lay and detecting any missed snags. Material matters too: stainless steel pins offer superior durability and are often gentler on the skin than some plastics, while the effectiveness of elastomer or wood handles can impact overall comfort during extended grooming sessions.
Grip and handle ergonomics
A comfortable and secure grip is paramount for effective grooming of long-haired felines.
Ensuring you can maintain control throughout the entire brushing process directly affects both your comfort and your cat’s safety and acceptance of the grooming routine. Without proper ergonomics, even the most advanced deshedding tool can become unwieldy, leading to frustration for both owner and pet.
Look for brushes featuring nonslip materials integrated into the handle to prevent accidental slips, especially when dealing with a squirming pet. The overall handle shape should conform naturally to your hand, promoting a relaxed posture and preventing strain during extended grooming sessions that larger breeds like Maine Coons often require. Pay attention to the brush’s weight and balance; a tool that feels too top-heavy or excessively light can negatively impact maneuverability and control, potentially causing discomfort or even irritation to your cat’s skin.
Durability and ease of cleaning
A brush’s physical resilience and simple maintenance are paramount for effectively grooming a long-haired breed known for its substantial coat.
Investing in a tool with robust construction ensures it can withstand the daily demands of detangling and managing thick fur without bending, breaking, or losing its effectiveness over time. This means opting for materials that are sturdy and designed for repeated, vigorous use by owners dedicated to their pet’s hygiene.
Consider brushes featuring detachable heads; these are invaluable for achieving a truly deep clean, preventing the buildup of product residue and dander that can compromise hygiene. Furthermore, the ease with which pet hair is released from the bristles is a significant convenience factor.
Look for designs that allow for quick, effortless removal of fur, often through a button-activated mechanism or bristles that naturally shed their load, saving you considerable time and frustration during grooming sessions.
Quick Best Cat Brush For Maine Coon Buying Checklist
- Coat Length Compatibility: Ensure the brush is designed for long, dense fur like a Maine Coon’s.
- Detangling Power: Look for brushes that excel at removing mats and tangles without pulling.
- Gentle on Skin: Bristles should be smooth to avoid irritating your cat’s sensitive skin.
- Ergonomic Handle: A comfortable, non-slip grip makes grooming easier for you.
- Hair Removal Features: Consider self-cleaning buttons or easy-to-remove hair designs.
- Durability: Choose a brush built to withstand regular use on a thick coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Specific Brushes Better For Shedding Seasons?
Yes, brushes designed to reach the undercoat are excellent for managing heavy shedding periods common in Maine Coons.
Can I Use A Regular Cat Brush On A Maine Coon?
While some might work, Maine Coons’ thick, long fur often requires specialized brushes for effective grooming and mat prevention.
How Often Should I Brush My Maine Coon?
Daily brushing is recommended to prevent mats and keep their luxurious coat healthy and beautiful.
What Are The Main Types Of Brushes For Long-Haired Cats?
Common types include slicker brushes, pin brushes, and wide-toothed combs, each serving a different grooming purpose.
Is A Deshedding Tool Safe For My Maine Coon?
Deshedding tools can be very effective, but it’s crucial to use them gently and avoid over-grooming to prevent skin irritation.
Final Words
Investing in the best cat brush for your Maine Coon ensures a healthy, mat-free coat and a happier pet. With the right tool, grooming becomes a bonding experience, not a chore.
