The lovable and gigantic Maine Coon has been a popular pet since the early 19th century, however, over the last few decades its popularity has really grown. Maine Coons make wonderful family cats no matter their colouring, but what are the most popular Maine Coon colours?
The current possible Maine Coon colour variations
The history of the Maine Coon cat
Unfortunately, no records of the Maine Coons exact origins and date of introduction for the Maine Coon.
It is believed the breed was introduced by seamen who sailed into New England. The cats they carried on their ships most likely left the ship either permanently or just for a little shore leave, bred with the existing native cats (most likely the Norweigan Forest and the Siberian), and ultimately created a breed of their own.
The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States (and growing across the rest of the world).
They are the official state cat of Maine.
The officially recognised Maine Coon cat colours
So what do we mean by officially recognised? Well, we mean colours which are registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. They are the ‘pedigree cat overseers’, there to ensure pedigree cats are healthy, preventing health and welfare issues caused by body conformation or inherited disorders – much like the Kennel Club for dogs.
According to these guys, there are 64 officially recognised Maine Coon colours and patterns in total! With brown classic or mackerel tabby with or without white being the most popular.
They also state chocolate, lilac or Siamese points are definitely not permissible. Meaning if you see this colour Maine Coon available for purchase, it is not a purebred Maine Coon.
So what do we mean by patterns and colours?
The colouring of cats is not quite as simple as black, grey, orange, etc. From their colours, they are then further broken down into patterns within that colour.
For example, have you ever noticed how much ginger cats’ coats can vary? This is all down to their pattern. A ginger ticked tabby is different from a ginger mackerel tabby.
Recognised solid Maine Coon colours
The fur should be sound to the roots in colour and free from any shadings, markings and
patches of white hairs, except that red series solid cats may well show tabby markings.
The current recognised solid colours include:
Tortoiseshell Colours
The patterning should extend throughout the coat including the limbs, tail and face. Base colour should be sound to the roots.
- Black with shades of red/orange
- Blue Tortie – Blue and shades of cream
Smoke Colours
Any solid or tortoiseshell colour accepted. The undercoat should be silvery white with deep
tips shading to the basic colour. The cat appears darkest on the back, head and feet.
- Black Smoke
- Blue Smoke
- Red Smoke
- Tortie Smoke
- Cream Smoke
- Blue Tortie Smoke
Tabby Colours
- Classic Pattern
- Mackerel Pattern
- Brown Tabby
- Blue Tabby
- Red Tabby
- Tortie Tabby
- Cream Tabby
- Blue Tortie Tabby
- Silver Tabby
Shaded Colours
- Black Shaded
- Blue Shaded
- Red Shaded
- Cream Shaded
- Tortie Shaded
- Blue Tortie Shaded
- Black Silver Shaded
- Blue Silver Shaded
- Red Silver Shaded
- Cream Silver Shaded
- Tortie Silver Shaded
- Blue Tortie Silver Shaded
Bicolour and particolour
There are over 20+ variations in this section and it is essentially any of the previous colours mixed with white. To be recognised as ‘official’ of any ‘bicolour’ Maine Coon colour there needs to be a minimum of some white on each of all four paws.
Does a Maine Coon’s colour affect their personality?
We personally think Maine Coons are great no matter the colour, however, there are some which believe the coat colour can affect the personality.
Therefore, if you are looking for a sassy cat then you may want to think about looking for a tortoiseshell cat!
It is also important to note that often the coat colouring can really affect the price of a Maine Coon cat.
In general, all Maine Coons have placed, loveable personalities. They are ‘people cats’ who enjoy the company of their humans and do not enjoy being left alone for large amounts of time.
Maine Coons are also known for being vocal and playful. They are keen hunters who prefer interactive toys which stimulate their senses. We have a list of the most suitable Maine Coon cat toys.
How big to Maine Coon cats grow?
Typically, a fully grown Maine Coon cat will be between 7-10kg, with males being bigger than females – making them one of the largest cat breeds!
Looking at them lengthways, from nose to tail at full growth they can be up to one metre long!
To accommodate their giant size you will need to purchase a specially designed cat tree for large cats.