Maine Coons are popular cats, and for good reason. They’re big, gentle, and beautiful. If you’re thinking about getting one, or already have one, you might be wondering about the different colors and patterns these cats come in.
Did you know that there are more than 75 different Maine Coon colors and patterns? That’s part of what makes them so appealing.
This article is a guide to understanding the different colors, patterns, and the care considerations related to Maine Coon coloring.
Understanding Maine Coon coat patterns
When you think of a Maine Coon, you might picture a specific coloring, but these cats actually come in a wide array of colors and patterns. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common:
Solid colors
Solid color Maine Coons have one single color across their entire coat. You might see a solid black, solid white, solid cream, or solid blue (which looks like a gray) Maine Coon.
Even in a solid colored cat, you might see subtle variations in the coat.
Tabby patterns
Tabby is the most common pattern in Maine Coons, and it comes in a few different styles:
- Classic tabby: These Maine Coons have whorls or swirls on their sides.
- Mackerel tabby: These cats have vertical stripes running down their sides.
- Ticked tabby: Ticked tabbies have “agouti” hairs, which means each hair has bands of different colors, creating a speckled look.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell Maine Coons have a mix of two colors, usually black or chocolate mixed with red or orange. Because of the way genetics work, tortoiseshell cats are almost always female.
You might also see a dilute tortoiseshell, which is a mix of blue and cream.
Other patterns
Besides the colors and patterns listed above, you might also see smoke, shaded, bicolor, and particolor Maine Coons. We’ll go into more detail on those later!
Exploring rare and uncommon Maine Coon colors
Most Maine Coons come in a handful of common colors, but some colors are less frequently seen than others, due to the specific genetic combinations required to produce them. These rare colors are prized by breeders and cat fanciers alike.
Some examples of rare Maine Coon colors include gold and silver. These cats have a shimmering, almost metallic look to their fur, which sets them apart from the more common colors. Unusual combinations and markings also add to the appeal of these rare cats.
The rarity of a Maine Coon’s color is determined by genetics. Certain genes are more dominant than others, so some colors are more likely to appear than others. Breeders who specialize in rare colors work hard to produce cats with these unique and beautiful coats.
If you’re looking for a Maine Coon with a truly unique look, consider one of the rarer colors. You’re sure to turn heads with one of these stunning cats!
Maine Coon color genetics: A brief overview
Cat coat colors are determined by genes that control the production of melanin, the pigment that creates color. These genes can be dominant or recessive, which influences which colors are expressed in a cat’s coat.
Maine Coon breeders sometimes use color calculators to predict what colors their kittens will be. These calculators take into account the colors of the parents and their genetic makeup.
Tabby patterns, for example, are determined by specific genes. The “agouti” gene determines whether a cat will have a tabby pattern at all. If a cat has the agouti gene, it will have a tabby pattern. If it doesn’t, it will be a solid color.
The “orange” gene determines whether a cat will have red or orange coloration. This gene is located on the X chromosome, so it is more common in female cats. If a cat has two copies of the orange gene, it will be red or orange. If a cat has one copy of the orange gene and one copy of the black gene, it will be tortoiseshell.
Tortoiseshell coloring is also linked to the X chromosome, which is why tortoiseshell cats are almost always female. Male cats only have one X chromosome, so they can’t have both the orange and black genes needed for tortoiseshell coloring.
Smoke and shaded Maine Coons: What’s the difference?
Maine Coons aren’t just big and fluffy; they also come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Two of the more subtle and interesting patterns are called smoke and shaded.
Smoke pattern
With the smoke pattern, the tips of the hairs have color, but the base of each hair is silver or white. When the cat is still, its coat appears to be a solid color. But when it moves, the lighter undercoat becomes visible.
Shaded pattern
The shaded pattern is similar to smoke, but more of each hair shaft is colored. As a result, the shading effect is more noticeable in shaded Maine Coons than in smoke Maine Coons.
In other words, both smoke and shaded Maine Coons have light roots and darker tips. But with the shaded pattern, the darker color extends further down each hair shaft.
Bicolor and particolor Maine Coons: The beauty of white markings
Maine Coons can also have striking patterns that incorporate white markings.
Bicolor pattern
A bicolor Maine Coon has a coat that features one color in combination with white. The amount of white can vary quite a bit. Some cats might have just a small patch of white, while others are mostly white with just a few colored spots.
Some of the most common bicolor combinations are black and white or red and white. These cats can look quite sophisticated.
Particolor pattern
A particolor Maine Coon has two colors mixed together, in addition to white markings.
You’ll often see this pattern in tortoiseshell and calico cats, where patches of different colors appear along with white.
These patterns are influenced by the white spotting gene, which determines how much white a cat will have and where it will appear on the body. A cat with the white spotting gene will have white fur mixed in with its other colors.
Maine Coon eye color and its relation to coat color
Maine Coons are known for having beautiful, expressive eyes that come in a range of colors. The most common eye colors are green, gold, and a mesmerizing combination of the two, green-gold.
Like many kittens, Maine Coon kittens are born with blue eyes. Around eight weeks of age, their eye color will start to change, gradually shifting to their adult eye color.
Sometimes, you’ll see a Maine Coon with heterochromia, or “odd eyes,” meaning one eye is blue and the other is a different color. Interestingly, blue eyes in cats, especially white cats, have been linked to deafness. If you’re considering a white Maine Coon with blue eyes, it’s worth discussing this potential connection with the breeder or rescue organization.
Grooming and diet tips for a healthy Maine Coon coat
A Maine Coon’s coat is one of its defining characteristics. With the right care, your Maine Coon will have a beautiful, healthy coat for life.
Grooming
Regular grooming is a must for Maine Coons. To keep your cat’s coat free of mats and tangles, you should plan to brush them two to three times a week. A stainless steel comb and a slicker brush are two great tools to have on hand.
While you’re grooming your Maine Coon, it’s also a good time to check their ears for dirt and debris. You should also keep their nails trimmed and bathe them on occasion.
Diet
A healthy coat starts from the inside out. That means a high-quality diet is essential for your Maine Coon’s coat to look its best.
Maine Coons do best on a diet that’s high in animal-based protein. Animal fats are also important for maintaining a shiny, healthy coat.
It’s best to avoid foods that are high in plant-based proteins, grains, and carbohydrates. These ingredients don’t provide the nutrients your Maine Coon needs to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ticked Maine Coon?
A ticked Maine Coon has agouti hairs, meaning each hair shaft has bands of different colors. This creates a salt-and-pepper or grizzled appearance, rather than solid patches of color. It’s often seen in brown tabbies, where the brown areas are actually ticked.
What color do Maine Coon cats come in?
Maine Coons come in a vast array of colors and patterns! You’ll find them in solid colors like black, white, and blue (gray), as well as tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, ticked), tortoiseshell, calico, and bi-color combinations. The only colors they don’t come in are chocolate, lilac, and pointed patterns (like Siamese), as those genes aren’t part of the Maine Coon breed.
What are Maine Coons shaded colors?
Shaded Maine Coons have a base color that is lighter than the tips of their fur. This creates a subtle, elegant look. Silver and smoke are common shaded variations, where the base is white or silver, and the tips are a darker color like black or blue.
What is the rarest color for a Maine Coon?
While it’s hard to definitively say the rarest, solid chocolate, lilac, and pointed patterned Maine Coons are not possible because they are not within the breed’s genetic makeup. These colors aren’t genetically available to the Maine Coon. Some claim that solid white or solid black are rarer than others, but it really depends on the breeder and the current popularity of certain colors.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coons come in a truly amazing variety of colors and patterns. From solid blacks and whites to tabby stripes and calico patches, the possibilities seem endless!
Remember that a Maine Coon’s coat color is influenced by several things: their genetics, how well they’re groomed, and what they eat. Genetics is the biggest factor, of course, but keeping your Maine Coon clean and well-fed can help their coat look its best.
Ultimately, every Maine Coon is a unique and beautiful creature, no matter what color they are. Whether they’re a classic brown tabby or a rare shaded silver, their personality and companionship are what truly matter.
One last thing to keep in mind: even though Maine Coons shed, they aren’t hypoallergenic. So, if you have allergies, spend some time with a Maine Coon before bringing one home.