M is for Maine

by Jenny
(Vermont)

I was under the impression that Maine Coons had the "M" on their forehead. Any truth to this?

Response:
Hi Jenny,

It's a very, very common myth that if a cat has the M, it's a Maine Coon. But, there is some basis to it.

It's true that a Classic Tabby Maine Coon will have the "M" marking. But, Maine Coons can be virtually any color, including Tortoiseshells, "Torbie's" even Solids or "Tuxedos." Those cats would not have the Tabby M, but are just as much purebred Maine Coons.

For example, up at the top of this page on the left is Leo, a Cameo Classic Silver Red Tabby. He has the M, although it's not as distinct as it is in some Tabbys. And on the right is Alice, a Black Smoke. No M in sight! There are quite a few Maine Coons throughout our pages with no M.

On the other hand, any cat at all can be a Tabby and have an "M" on their forehead. Many short haired domestic housecats have nice sharp tabby markings, complete with an M on their forehead.

As for telling whether a cat is a Maine Coon, the only way to know for sure is to check their pedigree, just like a Siamese, a Persian, or Himalayan.

Lots of folks are wondering about this, so thanks for bringing it up!

~Carrie