Maine Coon Colours and Patterns: A Complete Guide

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Maine Coons’ unique and fascinating appearance makes them instantly recognisable and sets them apart from other cat breeds. Along with their larger size, and noticeable ear tufts, Main Coons sport a luxurious, double-layered, thick coat and a distinctive “mane” that adds to their majestic appearance. Moreover, their gorgeous fluffy coats have one of the most remarkable ranges of coat colours and patterns among all cat breeds. With over 70+ different colour and pattern combinations, Maine Coons are a true rainbow of feline beauty and much more colourful than many other cat breeds. 

The most common Maine Coon colours are brown tabby, white, black, and silver tabby. They can be a single colour or a combination of black, white, red (ginger), blue, silver, grey, cream (cameo), or brown. When it comes to markings, there are 7 primary Maine Coon patterns that complete the palette. And while specific colours and patterns may be more common in the breed, there is a great deal of variation among individual cats. So let’s discover in detail the colourful world of the Maine Coons. 

Maine Coon Cat Colours and Patterns

Main Coons, same as every other breed of animal, have their own unique visual characteristics. As mentioned at the beginning, Maine Coon is a breed found in 70 confirmed combinations of colours and patterns. This is likely to be just the minimum number, and chances are there are more unique combinations out there. Therefore, breed specialists have completed the list of primary pattern categories for these long-haired beauties. 

The 7 primary Maine Coon Patterns:

1. Solid colour
2. Bi-colour
3. Particolour
4. Tortoiseshell (often called tortie)
5. Shaded
6. Calico
7. Tabby

There is an additional 8th category known as the “Other Maine Coon Cat Colours” category. This catch-all category includes any coat colours or patterns that do not fit into the seven primary pattern categories. This category may consist of colours and patterns such as chocolate, lavender, solid white, and pointed (also known as Siamese colouring). While these colours and patterns are not as common in the breed as the primary pattern categories, they can still be found in Maine Coons. 

1. Solid 

As implied, Solids are single-coloured cats with a monochromatic coat from head to tail. Solid-coloured Maine Coons are considered to be some of the most beautiful cats in the breed, and they can come in a range of shades and hues. Let’s take a look at the palette of colours in Maine Coons. 

• White – Maine Coons with snow-white fur are highly sought after. They look like a fluffy cloud, but commonly due to genetic predispositions, they are deaf.

Though considered an absence of colour, the white element is a masking gene. White literally masks all other colours, meaning a solid white cat is either black or red, but the white hides the colour. A white Maine Coon kitten will only be born if at least one of the parents must carry the white coat gene and both parents must carry the gene for the white masking factor.

• Black – Solid Black Maine Coons are striking and elegant.

Black is a dominant colour gene, and if a Maine Coon inherits the black gene from one parent, it will have a black coat, even if the other parent has a different coat colour.

• Blue – The Blue colour in Maine Coons is commonly dilute of black, and for most observers, it appears dark grey. “Blue” is still the official term for these cats amongst breeders. There is a secondary colour, the Blue-Grey colour, in which the shiny grey hue appears as a silver sheen.

The blue-grey colour in Maine Coons is caused by the dilution gene, which lightens the original black colour to a shade of grey. This dilution gene is recessive, and both parents must carry the gene for a kitten to inherit the blue-grey colour.

• Red (ginger) – Red Maine Coons have a strikingly vibrant colour. Ginger or red colour is the most famous colour for Maine Coon cats. Due to a genetic anomaly, more than 90% of red Maine Coons are male.

The red colour in Maine Coons is caused by a gene that produces a pigment called pheomelanin. This gene can produce different shades of red, from pale apricot to deep copper.

• Cream (cameo) – Solid Cameo is a rare and unique colour found in Maine Coons. Cameo Maine Coons are highly sought after by breed enthusiasts and can be quite expensive. 

Cameo is a dilute version of the red colour, caused by the same gene that produces the red colour but with an additional dilution gene that lightens the fur colour to a pale peach or cream colour.

• Brown – Brown or chocolate Maine Coons have a rich, warm brown coat that can range from light to very dark colour. The brown colour is often referred to as “the original Maine Coon colour” because it was one of the first colours to be established in the breed.

The brown colour is caused by a dominant gene that produces eumelanin, a pigment that gives the fur its dark colour.

Solid Maine Coons have one distinctive feature. Their noses and paw pads always match their coat colour. This means that a black Maine Coon will have a black nose and paw pads, a brown one will have a brown nose and paw pads, while a white and cameo Maine Coon will have a pink nose and paw pads.

2. Bi-Colour

Bi-colour refers to a combination of two different colours of fur. In Maine Coons, a bi-colour cat usually means one colour mixed with white. A good example to easily visualise these cats are the tuxedo cats. Although tuxedos are black and white, they are representations of where these white patches are usually located. The white fur is usually on the paws and goes far up their legs on the belly and chest, and sometimes even on the face. 

Common bi-colour combinations are:

• Black and white
• Blue and white
• Red and white
• Cream and white

A bi-coloured cat can also be considered one with white colour combined with patches of coloured pattern. Common such examples are: 

• Tortoiseshell and White 
• Calico and White

3. Particolour

Parti-colour Maine Coons consists of three or more distinct colours, with one of the colours being white. The distribution of colours in the coat can vary widely, with some cats having large patches of each colour, while others have a more mottled or speckled appearance. The combination can be of several different colours, or colours plus coloured patterns, such as tortie or calico.

Some common colour combinations in particolour Maine Coon cats include:

• black, red, and white
• blue, cream, and white
• dilute calico (grey, cream, and white)
• Black, Brown, and White
• Red, Cream, and White
• Chocolate, Lilac, and White

4. Tabby

Tabby is the most common coat pattern in Maine Coon cats and is characterised by distinctive stripes, spots, or swirls on the coat. Tabbies can have a range of colours, including brown, silver, red, and blue. A very common feature for all Maine Coon tabbies is a white chin.

Tabby Main Coons are classified in 4 different groups. Here they are:

1. Classic Tabby: This pattern features bold, marble-like, swirling patterns on the cat’s coat, with a distinctive “bull’s-eye” marking on the side of the cat’s body. They commonly have whirls on the cheeks and an “M” imprint on the forehead. 

2. Mackerel Tabby: This pattern is characterised by narrow, vertical stripes on the cat’s coat that resemble the bones of a fish. The stripes run parallel from the cat’s spine down to its belly and may also appear on the cat’s legs and tail, but they can be broken into spots, also. Like classic tabbies, they have “M” markings on their forehead and Unbroken circular patterns around their necks. Mackerel tabby cats are said to resemble a tiger’s pattern closely.

3. Spotted Tabby: This pattern features large, round spots on the cat’s coat, which may be solid or outlined in a darker colour. These spots can vary in size and may be irregularly shaped, giving the cat a distinctive appearance. Spotted tabbies also have distinctive stripes on their face. 

4. Ticked Tabby: This pattern is identified by the tiny solid-coloured hairs interspersed with lighter-coloured hairs throughout the cat’s coat. This creates a speckled or “ticked” appearance when viewed from above. There are no other noticeable patterns; spots, or stripes on the back. However, the cat may display tabby markings on the legs or face and the lighter underside of the body. 

5. Tortoiseshell (Tortie)

The tortie’s fur is a combination of red and black colour blended in a unique pattern that resembles the shell of a tortoise, hence the name. Since the black and red colours come from the X chromosome, most torties, about 99%, are females.

The primary colour on most Tortie coats is black, and the amount and density of the red-coloured hair can vary. It is also possible for torties to have white markings/patches on the body. 

• There is one subcategory here that is referred to as Torbie. Torbie is short for tortoiseshell-tabby. This is a Maine Coon that has a tortie fur base, but it also displays stripes. The black and red fusion is usually interrupted by white or cream. Since it is tough to differentiate a Tortie from Torbie, the one thing that separates them for sure is their paws; Torbies’ paws have distinctive red colouring. 

6. Calico

Calico is a tri-colour coated Maine Coon – a combination of white, back and red (ginger). The base colour is mainly white, and black and orange patches may be separated into large patches or blocks on the cat’s fur rather than being evenly mixed.

The black and orange patches may also have some tabby stripes or spots mixed in, giving the coat a unique appearance. The individual hairs on the coat may also have a mottled appearance, with multiple colours appearing on a single hair, however, the patches of black and ginger are distinct from one another and do not blend.

7. Shaded

Shaded Maine Coons usually have a light undercoat and light-coloured belly, chest, and legs, and their hair gradually darkens on the back, sides, and tail. In shaded Maine Coons, the darker fur usually starts at the base of the hair shaft and gradually becomes lighter towards the tips.

The shading can be bold or subtle, depending on the individual cat’s genetics and the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. Some shaded Maine Coons may gradually shift from dark to light fur, while others may have a more distinct contrast between the two. Shaded Maine Coons can come in various colours, including silver, red, blue, and cream. The shading can also be combined with other colour patterns, such as tabby or tortoiseshell.

The common shaded combinations are:

• Shaded silver
• Shaded blue silver
• Shaded cameo
• Shaded tortoiseshell

8. Smoke

The smoke pattern is a type of colour pattern found in Maine Coon cats, in which the fur appears to have a solid colour at the base of each hair shaft, and the colour gradually fades into a lighter or white shade at the tips. The result is a beautiful, faded, smoky appearance that gives the coat a unique look. 

Smoke pattern Maine Coons are typically solid in color, as their coat is basically monochromatic, and the lighter tips of the fur can be subtle or more noticeable depending on genetics. The most common colours with a smoked pattern are black, blue, cream, and silver. 

The EMS Code

Since Maine Coon colour and pattern palette is quite broad, it helps to use the EMS codes introduced by the experts at Fife. The Easy Mind System (EMS) is a standardised system cat registries use to identify breeds and document their characteristics. The EMS code for Maine Coon cats is MCO. 

The EMS code consists of three letters. The first letter represents the breed group, with M standing for Maine Coon in this case. The second letter represents the coat length, with C indicating a cat with a full coat. The third letter identifies the cat’s colour and pattern. For example, a red tabby Maine Coon would have an EMS code of MCO d22 (d22 being the code for red tabby). 

Examples of popular Maine Coon EMS codes:

1. MCO a22: Black classic tabby Maine Coon
2. MCO d22: Red classic tabby Maine Coon
3. MCO ns 22: Black silver classic tabby Maine Coon
4. MCO e 22: Cream classic tabby Maine Coon

The third letter in each code represents the cat’s colour and pattern, and the numbers following the letters provide additional information about specific variations or markings.

What are the Most Common and Rarest Colours of Maine Coon Cats?

The most common coat pattern in Maine Coons is undeniably the tabby pattern. Here is the complete list of typical and very common Maine Coon colours and patterns:

• Brown Tabby
• Black
• Blue
• Red (also known as orange or ginger)
• Cream
• Tortoiseshell 

On the other hand, the rarest Maine Coons are those that carry a very rare gene. The so-called inhibitor gene that makes the top part of the cat’s fur pigmented while the bottom stays white, makes them appear either Silver or Gold. Among these two considered quite rare are also the following:

• Solid Orange (Red): These Maine Coons are quite rare, as opposed to red with patterns. It’s more likely to find orange smokies or tabbies, but rarely a solid orange. 
• Calico: Maine Coons with a calico pattern, which includes a mix of white, black, and red or cream, are rare due to the genetics involved in creating this coloration.
• Chocolate or Lilac: Maine Coons with chocolate or lilac colouring are also quite rare, as these colours also require specific genes that are not as common in the breed.

The Most Popular Maine Coon Colours

The most-popular Maine Coon colours and patterns category includes those most sought after by Maine Coon enthusiasts. Mainly the rarity makes the Maine Coon more popular, and the most popular ones are commonly requested from the breeders. 

The list can vary depending on location and personal preferences. However, in general, the most popular among Maine Coons are:

• Gold
• Silver
• White
• Lilac
• Calico
• Cinnamon
• Cream

Genetics of Coat Colour and Patterns in Maine Coon Cats

All Cat breeds have a wide range of coat colours and patterns, which are determined by several genes. In general, the coat colour and pattern of the cat are determined by the combination of two factors: pigment type and distribution.

The specific genes that control coat colour and pattern in Maine Coons are not yet fully understood, but studies suggest that the same genes that control coat colour and pattern in other cats are likely involved.

Let’s look at the main genes that are involved:

1. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene: controls the production of two types of pigment, eumelanin (black and brown) and pheomelanin (red and orange). Variations in the MC1R gene can result in different shades of these pigments and different coat colours.

2. Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene: This gene controls the dispensation of pheomelanin and eumelanin and in the fur, determining whether the cat will have a solid colour or a patterned coat. Variations in the ASIP gene can lead to tabby patterns, tortoiseshell patterns, and other coat patterns.

3. KIT gene: This gene is involved in developing white spots and patterns in the fur. Variations in the KIT gene can result in different types and amounts of white patches in the coat.

4. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene: This gene is involved in the production of eumelanin, and variations in the TYRP1 gene can affect the shade of black or brown in the fur.

5. Solute carrier family 45 member 2 (SLC45A2) gene: This gene is involved in the production of pheomelanin, and variations in the SLC45A2 gene can affect the shade of red or orange in the fur.

Genetic Testing And Colour Calculator in Maine Coons

The above-listed genes interact in complex ways to produce the different coat colours and patterns in Maine Coon cats. By understanding these genes and their variations, breeders can selectively breed cats to produce desired coat colours and patterns.

Additionally, genetic testing can be used to predict the coat colour and pattern of Maine Coon kittens based on the genetic makeup of their parents. Genetic testing is a laboratory test that examines a parent’s DNA and breeders use this information to predict their offspring’s potential coat colour and pattern. This can be helpful for breeders who are looking to produce specific coat colours and patterns in their litters.

Genetic testing is not always 100% accurate, and there can be variations in coat colour and pattern, even within a litter. Environmental factors can also affect the appearance of a cat’s coat. Therefore, while genetic testing can be a helpful tool for predicting coat colour and pattern in Maine Coon kittens, it’s important to be aware of the natural variations that can occur within the breed.

Most breeders, however, use a Maine Coon colour calculator, which is less accurate than genetic testing but easier and faster to perform. This tool requires information about the coat colour and pattern of the parent cats and uses this information to predict the possible coat colours and patterns of their offspring.

It’s important to note that the predictions provided by the Maine Coon colour calculator are not always 100% accurate. The actual coat colour and pattern of a Maine Coon kitten may vary depending on the specific genes inherited from their parents. A detailed ancestry of both Maine Coon parents increases the chances of more accurate predictions. 

While a colour calculator can give you an idea of what to expect regarding coat colour and pattern, genetic testing provides more specific information about a cat’s genetic makeup. This information can be valuable for breeders looking to produce cats with specific traits or for owners who want to understand more about their cat’s genetic characteristics.

Are There Special Grooming Techniques for Different Colours of Maine Coon Cats? 

Being a specific breed with a long fur coat and bushy tail, Maine Coons require a lot of attention to the grooming and constant care of their coat. In saying that, there are no specific grooming techniques that are exclusive to the particular coat colours of Maine Coon cats. However, the grooming needs of a Maine Coon cat can vary depending on the type of coat they have.

Maine Coons have different types of coats defined by length or hair texture. The common classifications are; silky, wooly, shaggy, or dense undercoat and a longer, rough outer coat. Different coat types may require a different manner and frequency of grooming, however, regular grooming is essential for all Maine Coons. 

Regardless of their coat type and colour pattern, proper care is necessary to maintain the health and appearance of their coat.

Maine Coons with longer coats may need to be brushed more often to prevent tangling and matting. On the other hand, Maine Coons with shorter coats may not require as much grooming.

When grooming a Maine Coon, it’s important to use the proper grooming and brushing tools and methods to avoid damaging their coat. In order to remove loose hair and tangles, it’s recommended to use a slicker brush, while a metal comb or grooming rake can help to remove a dead undercoat.

Overall, the grooming needs of a Maine Coon are more dependent on their individual coat type and length rather than their coat colour or pattern. Regular grooming and attention to the health and appearance of their coat can help keep Maine Coons looking and feeling their best. A proper diet is also crucial for optimal overall health, and coat health and resilience. 

Conclusion

Maine Coons are undeniably one of the most colourful cat breeds. The countless combinations make it impossible to classify and name them all. They are all equally beautiful, intelligent and affectionate companions. 

Even though people sometimes label certain colour patterns with certain character traits, this is mostly false information. Each individual cat is unique, unrelated to their coat colours and patterns. Both nature and nurture play a role in the beauty, health, and lusciousness of the cat’s fur as well as the personality traits. 

If you are looking to adopt or purchase a Maine Coon it’s important to note that while color and pattern can be a fun factor to consider when choosing a cat, a cat’s health, personality, and compatibility with your lifestyle should always be the top priority. Also, be prepared for a serious walking hair competition right in your own living room!