Celebration of Colors!

by: Carrie Profenno: Author, Mainer, Maine Coon Mama, editor of The Maine Coon Magazine

Welcome to our first Celebration of Colors Event! There are many different colors of Maine Coons. Here, we shine a light on each, with lots of community photos!

First up: the most famous, well-known color for last - those Beautiful, Bodacious, Brilliant Browns! This is the page where we'll include Torties and Torbie as well.

Like the other colors, Browns can come "With White" or they can be patterned. Did you know that there are uniquely different Tabby patterns? The Brown Tabby Maine Coon cat is the ultimate classic Maine Coon.

Sergiy

Awenita & Katori

Katahdin

Turdle

Hope

Enzo

Kitty

female brown tabby sleeping atop cat tree

Molly

Fun Fact:
Brown Maine Coon cats can have varying fur shades, ranging from a deep, rich brown to lighter, warmer tones. This color variation is often referred to as Brown Tabby. Additionally, the brown tabby pattern is one of the most common and classic coat patterns among Maine Coons.

big tabby maine coon with striking markings stretched out looking out window

Falkor

Brown Tabby Maine Coons showcase a diverse array of coat patterns, each with its unique characteristics.

The classic tabby pattern features bold, swirling stripes, often resembling a "bullseye" on the cat's sides, with stripes extending down their legs and tail.

Another common tabby pattern is the mackerel tabby, where thin, parallel stripes run vertically down the cat's body, resembling fishbones. This pattern creates a sleek and elegant appearance.

The spotted tabby pattern showcases spots rather than stripes, resembling a wildcat's coat. Spots can vary in size and distribution, ranging from small, scattered dots to larger, well-defined spots.

The ticked tabby, also known as agouti or abyssinian tabby, features individual hairs with alternating bands of color, resulting in a salt-and-pepper appearance. This pattern is prominent in certain breeds like the Abyssinian.

These tabby patterns can occur in various colors, including brown, silver, red, and blue, adding to the visual diversity seen in tabby cats worldwide.

Biscuit

Barron

Ludo

Deme

Simon

Pandora

Mr Pickles

Lucy

Tortoiseshell, torbie, and calico are captivating coat patterns found in cats, each with its distinct characteristics.

Tortoiseshell cats boast a vibrant patchwork of colors, typically blending red, black, and orange hues. Their coats often showcase intricate patterns resembling a tortoiseshell or mosaic.

two colorful maine coon kitties on cat tree

LeeLoo and Tidus

Stephanie in Virginia shares:

"LeeLoo is a two-year-old Black Silver Torbie and White gorgeous girl...

Tidus is is a handsome Silver Ticked Tabby and White big boy!"

Torbie cats combine the tabby pattern with tortoiseshell coloring, resulting in a striking mix of stripes and patches. This unique blend creates a visually dynamic appearance, with the tabby stripes overlaying the tortoiseshell patches.

Diamond Girl

Laverne

Lacey

Khloe

Calicos, also known as tricolor or brindle, feature three distinct colors—usually white, black, and orange or red. Their coats exhibit large patches of these colors, often in a random or asymmetrical arrangement. Calicos are renowned for their eye-catching and varied patterns, making each cat truly one-of-a-kind.

Sadie is a Silver Patch Tortie

These coat variations add to the charm and beauty of cats, reflecting the diverse and colorful nature of the feline world.

Whether it's the bold patches of a tortoiseshell, the intricate blend of a torbie, or the striking tricolor pattern of a calico, these cats never fail to capture the hearts of Maine Coon admirers everywhere!

Violet

Kitty

Augustine

Ben Cartwright

Royce

Lily

classic female brown tabby maine coon cat

Willow

Callie & Moxie

Brown Maine Coon Cats are just so classic! With the winning combination of size, personality, distinctive appearance, and charm, it's no wonder they are beloved by many!

Your Brilliant Browns! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Do you have a Brown, Tortie, Torbie or Cameo Maine Coon? We'd love to add your Coonie to the celebration here. Check out the photos sent in by others to this Album of Browns!

Today (Part 2 of 3) we'll turn things up a notch by off featuring the cool colors - Blacks, Whites, Tuxedos, Blues and Silvers!

Any of these can come "With White" or they can be patterned, Solid, or even Smoke. Black Smoke Maine Coon cats are truly iconic. Add yours, too!

Cosmo

Stanley

Ryker

Centauri Blu

Queen Delphine

Donna's Boy

black smoke kitty on a chair with tabby cat

Maximus Rex

Bertie

Fun Fact:
Black and white cats, often referred to as "tuxedo cats" or "cow cats," are not only stylish but also full of interesting quirks! Did you know that the gene responsible for their distinctive coat pattern is called "piebald"?

Hunley and Enzo

These cats can come in various patterns, from classic tuxedo markings to charmingly asymmetrical designs.

Despite their sophisticated appearance, they're just as playful and affectionate as cats of other colors.

Interestingly, black and white cats are often associated with good luck in different cultures around the world. Plus, they tend to have striking green or gold eyes, adding to their captivating allure.

So, if you're lucky enough to have a black and white Maine Coon Cat, cherish their unique charm and endless cuddles!

Lucy

Sterling & Delilah

Barnaby

Mutzzie

Cyrus

Luther

Willow

Cyrus

The color "blue" refers to a dilute form of black, resulting in a range of bluish-gray hues. This coloration can manifest in various patterns and coat types, including solid blue, blue smoke, and blue tabby.

Shiloh

Solid Blue: Cats with solid blue coats exhibit a uniform bluish-gray coloration across their entire body, without any distinct patterns or markings. Solid blue cats have a sleek and elegant appearance, with their soft blue fur giving them a striking and regal presence.

Blue Smoke: Blue smoke cats feature a distinctive coat pattern where the individual hair shafts are lighter at the base and gradually darken towards the tip, creating a smoky or frosted effect. This results in a silvery-blue appearance, with the lighter undercoat peeking through the darker outer fur.

Giselle

Blue Tabby: Blue tabby cats display a combination of the blue coloration along with tabby striping or mottled patterns. The blue tabby pattern can vary, ranging from classic tabby stripes on a blue background to more intricate patterns like mackerel or spotted tabby markings.

These blue color variations are commonly found in several purebred cat breeds, including the British Shorthair, Chartreux, Russian Blue, and Maine Coon, among others.

Each breed may have its own unique standards for the blue coloration, but they all share the captivating beauty of this distinctive hue.

Grace

Old Boy

Astrix

Diva Molly

In the realm of Maine Coon cats, certain coat colors and patterns are considered rare and highly sought after among enthusiasts. Here are some of the rarest shades within the black, smoke, and black tabby categories:

Solid Black Maine Coon: While black may seem common, truly solid black Maine Coons without any other markings or variations in the coat color are relatively rare. These cats possess a sleek, jet-black fur that exudes elegance and sophistication.

Blue Smoke Maine Coon: Blue smoke Maine Coons exhibit a stunning coat coloration where the fur appears predominantly silver or gray at the roots, gradually transitioning to a lighter shade towards the tips. The subtle blue undertones create an ethereal and captivating appearance, making them highly prized among breed enthusiasts.

Black Smoke Maine Coon: Black smoke Maine Coons combine the richness of solid black with the mesmerizing smoke pattern. Their fur is solid black at the roots, with a gradual transition to a lighter silver or gray coloration towards the tips. This creates a striking contrast that enhances their regal and mysterious allure.

Black Silver Tabby Maine Coon: Black silver tabby Maine Coons feature a rare combination of solid black fur with silver tabby markings. The contrast between the dark base color and the shimmering silver patterns creates a visually stunning effect that sets these cats apart. Their unique coat pattern and coloration make them highly sought after by Maine Coon enthusiasts.

These rare shades within the black, smoke, and black tabby categories add to the allure and exclusivity of the already majestic Maine Coon breed, making them prized companions for those lucky enough to share their homes with these magnificent felines.

high black smoke tortie maine coon kitten

Yellowstonecoon Pinto Butterfly is a High Black Smoke Tortie

Loki is a Blue Smoke With a Solid Pattern

Yellowstonecoon Tomboy Honey is a Black Smoke

Odin is a Blue Smoke Tabby

Urban myths and personality notions about pure white cats often portray them as symbols of purity, luck, and mystique.

Some believe white cats bring good fortune or protection against negative energies, while others associate them with supernatural beings due to their ethereal appearance.

Personality-wise, white cats are sometimes thought to be gentle, calm, and affectionate, although individual traits vary widely.

On the other hand, black cats are steeped in superstition, with myths associating them with bad luck or witchcraft.

However, in many cultures, black cats are considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Some believe they bring protection and positive energy to households.

Personality-wise, black cats are often depicted as mysterious, intelligent, and independent, with a touch of mischievousness. In my experience, Black Maine Coon Cats are gentle, loving, and just marvelous!

Despite these myths, black and white cats, like all felines, have unique personalities shaped by genetics, upbringing, and individual experiences, debunking the superstitions and celebrating the diversity and charm of these beloved pets.

Luigi is a Black Van

blue tabby and white maine coon on a leash

Khaleesi Pearl

Luka

Maddy

Silver cats, with their shimmering coat color, are sometimes associated with elegance, sophistication, and grace. Some believe they symbolize intuition and psychic abilities, reflecting their enigmatic appearance.

Similar to white cats, silver cats may be viewed as bringers of good luck or fortune in certain cultures. Their striking coat color can evoke associations with celestial or mystical beings, adding to their allure.

Personality-wise, silver cats may be perceived as intelligent, curious, and regal due to their distinctive appearance. Their unique coat color often sets them apart and may contribute to the belief that they possess special qualities or characteristics.

However, these notions are largely based on cultural beliefs and superstitions rather than scientific evidence.

Ultimately, each Maine Coon, regardless of coat color, has its own individual personality and traits that make them cherished Coonie companions.

Brilliant Blacks, Whites & Silvers! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Do you have a Black, White, Tuxedo, Blue or Silver Maine Coon? We'd love to add your Coonie to the celebration here. Take a moment to send us your picture!

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Check out photos from other visitors!

Click below to see more Coonies

Black & White Maine Coon Pictures
Felix is a hoot and loves challenging gravity at every opportunity. This pic was taken when I heard a crash in the bathroom, where he apparently had …

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Time to feature those bright, cheery, mischievous and spunky Gingers! Sometimes called Red, Orange, Marmalade, or Cinnamon; or Cameo or Cream in the case of the paler, lighter ones.

Some of those terms are proper, and some aren't, but even the informal ones are lovingly bestowed.

Reds can come "With White" or they can be patterned, Solid, or even Smoke.

Ginny

Daisy

Percy

Cecil B

Sampson

Aslan

classic ginger maine coon cat looking up

Pharaoh

cameo maine coon laying on carpet belly up

JoJo

Fun Fact: Only approximately 20% of red cats are female.

This discrepancy arises because female cats require two X chromosomes carrying the red gene to display a red coat, while males only need one X chromosome with the red gene.

So, female red cats are less common compared to their male counterparts.

Let's talk about feline genetics for a moment. The color of a cat's fur is determined by various genes, including one located on the X chromosome, aptly named the "orange" or "red" gene.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: male cats typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX).

Magnus

Blaze

Poco Taz

Alani

Stanley

Tiltill

two light ginger coons sunbathing on deck

Keeley & Swifty

Romeo

Since the gene for red fur is situated on the X chromosome, male cats only need one copy of the red gene to exhibit a red coat, as they have only one X chromosome.

Conversely, female cats need two copies of the red gene—one on each X chromosome—to display a red coat, as the presence of another gene on the other X chromosome often masks the red gene's expression.

This genetic phenomenon results in a higher prevalence of red fur among male cats.

While female red cats do exist, they are less common due to the requirement of inheriting the red gene on both X chromosomes.

It's just one of those quirks that makes genetics endlessly intriguing!

Nugget

red and white male maine coon rolling upside down

Lincoln

Tater

red silver maine coon cat posing on dresser

TeTonga

Buddie

Boris and Natasha

young orange and white maine coon kitten

Walter

Phoenix

Urban Myth:

Have you heard of this myth surrounding ginger cats: that they have a particularly spunky and friendly personality!

You've probably heard the chatter about how these fiery felines are a bit more adventurous and playful than their counterparts of different colors.

Picture it: your ginger kitty strutting around like they own the place, ready to pounce on anything that moves.

Legend has it that ginger cats are the daredevils of the feline world, always up for a good romp and never afraid to explore new territory.

Some folks even swear they've seen their ginger furball act more like a dog, fetching toys or shadowing them like a loyal sidekick.

While there's no scientific proof to back up the claim that gingers are more spicy, the myth endures, adding to the allure of these vibrant kitties.

Sure, every cat has its own unique personality, but there's something undeniably captivating about the idea of a ginger cat with a spunky streak.

Boris

Oakley

Rusty

Finnegan

Liam

orange and white cat walking through grass

Riley

Eli

bright ginger female maine coon sunbathing

Gingersnap

Research on cat behavior has shown that friendliness and sociability can vary widely among individual cats, regardless of their fur color.

Factors such as early socialization, interactions with humans and other animals, and environmental enrichment play significant roles in shaping a cat's behavior and temperament.

That said, some anecdotal evidence and personal experiences from cat owners may suggest that ginger cats tend to exhibit friendly and outgoing personalities.

However, these observations can be subjective and influenced by the individual cat's unique characteristics and the owner's perception.

Shere Khan

Xerxes Hyperion

Bodhi

Karrot

My beloved Leo was a Red Silver (Cameo) Classic Tabby, or Classic Cameo. So he looked like a soft, light ginger. His nose and toes were rose-colored. So Reds definitely hold a special place in my heart.

leo laying on his back looking into camera

Leo

Most likely a Red Tabby Maine Coon will have gold or copper eyes. The "leather," or nose and paw pads will be a shade of pink or red to match the coat.

Also, if a cat is Red with a White bib, stomach and/or feet, then the term "With White" will be added on to his official color.

The Classic Red Tabby Maine Coon has a ground color of Red, with markings of a darker, richer Red. The leather will be brick red. This is the Red Maine Coon Cat that makes you stop and say "Wow!"

Although, to be honest, ANY of the different Maine Coon colors will make you stop and say "Wow!"

➜ During the event, we’ll feature each of the different Maine Coon colors or patterns! If you don't want to miss the next part, simply add your email below and I'll make sure to notify you!

Your Glorious Gingers! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Do you have a Ginger, Red, Cream or Cameo Maine Coon? We'd love to add your Coonie to the celebration here. Take a moment to send us your picture!

Enter Your Title

Click here to see the rest of the form

Check out photos from other visitors!

Click below to see more Coonies

Ravishing Red Maine Coon Pictures
He just had his 12th birthday in February. He is a gentle giant and enjoys dressing, accessorizing and hanging with his housemates.

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Celebration of Colors!

Brilliant Blacks, Whites & Silvers! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Check out photos from other visitors!

Urban Myth:

Your Glorious Gingers! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Check out photos from other visitors!

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