Silver Maine Coon Cat Color

Silver Maine Coon Cats have a way of turning heads. Their coats shimmer in the light, showing off bold tabby markings or a frosted haze that makes them look almost magical.

In our photo submissions, they always stand out - bright, full of personality, and often stealing the spotlight in our Memory Lane galleries.

If you've landed here, you're probably curious about what a Silver Tabby Maine Coon really looks like.

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gorgeous purebred silver maine coon cat looking upward with green gold eyes.Venice Cat, from our 2012 Albums

Maybe you're thinking of adding one to your family, or you're looking at your own cat and wondering if that gorgeous "gray" coat is actually silver.

Either way, this is one of the most striking and sought-after colors in the breed, and it deserves a closer look.

What Makes a Maine Coon "Silver"?

At first glance, people often describe these cats as gray, but silver is a different story.

The color comes from the inhibitor gene, which affects how each hair grows.

silver smoke maine coon cat sitting on a book.Pandora, a Silver Smoke from our 2021 Albums

Instead of being one shade all the way through, the shaft starts nearly white at the root, with darker pigment such as black, blue, or red, layered toward the tip.

That pale base is what sets this group apart. It gives the coat a frosted, almost misted quality that shows most clearly when the cat moves in natural light.

The contrast between the white roots and the darker tips is what makes these cats look so bright and defined.

Because of the way the gene works, you won’t see a true "solid silver" in the Maine Coon breed.

It always appears as part of a pattern; most often a tabby, shaded, or smoke variation.

We'll break down those types in the next section, since each has its own look and level of contrast.

Types of Silver Coats

This color group doesn't just come in one look. There are several variations of markings under this umbrella, each with its own style:

  • Classic Tabby: a swirling marble pattern on a pale background. This is the dramatic version many people picture when they think of the breed in this color.
  • Mackerel Tabby: narrower, vertical stripes that stand out crisply against the pale base, almost like tiger stripes.
  • Patched Tabby: a mix of pale undercoat with red or cream patches. This version adds warmth and complexity to the cooler tone.
  • Blue Silver Tabby: a blend of a clear base with deep blue markings. It’s a striking mix, and one of the more confusing shades for new owners since it sits between Blue and Silver.
  • Shaded / Chinchilla Silver: a white undercoat with black (or red/cream) tipping, giving a softer, misted look instead of bold tabby lines.
fluffy silver tabby maine coon.Akira, from our 2022 Albums

On top of these patterns, many cats also appear "with white," meaning they have a white chest, paws, or belly in addition to their tabby coloring. In show terms this is sometimes called a "parti-color."

Silvers also vary in tone. Some look cool and icy, while others pick up a slightly warmer or golden cast depending on their genetic mix.

This is why two cats can look quite different side by side, even though they're both officially the same color group.

Breed Standard & Descriptions

The official standards help clear up how these shades are defined:

  • Blue Tabby: The ground color should be pale bluish ivory, with deep blue markings that contrast well. There’s often a warm fawn cast across the coat. Nose leather and paw pads are rose, and the eyes may be green, gold, or amber.
  • Silver Tabby: The ground color should be a pure and pale. Markings are dense black, giving high contrast. Eye rims, nose, and lips are outlined in black. Nose leather is brick red, paw pads are black, and eye color may be green, gold, or amber.
  • Blue Silver Tabby: The ground color is clear silver, with deep blue markings on top. Eye color is green, gold, or amber, with the nose leather and paw pads following the blue-tabby guidelines.

Notice what's missing: there’s no "solid" in the standards. It is always described in relation to a tabby or shaded pattern, while blue may be either solid or tabby.

silver tabby maine coon looking into mirror.Mochi, a Silver Tabby from our 2022 Albums

This distinction matters because it explains why owners sometimes feel unsure about what to call their cat's color.

It depends not only on the coat's shade but also on whether an undercoat and markings are clearly defined.

Silver vs. Blue

The most common point of confusion is between blue and silver. At a glance, both can look gray, but the difference shows up when you look closely at the coat.

  • Blue: a single, even shade of bluish gray that goes all the way to the roots. There’s no pale undercoat.
  • Silver: hairs are white at the base and darken toward the tip, creating a frosted effect and a coat that looks brighter in natural light.
  • Blue Silver: combines the two: a bright undercoat with blue markings on top.

One of our readers, Jane from Staffordshire, UK, ran into this exact issue.

Her kittens' breeder described them as Silver Tortie and White, but when she looked at the paperwork later, they were listed as Blue Tortie and White.

This shows how even experienced breeders and registries sometimes use the terms differently, adding to the mix-ups new owners often face.

So while both colors are beautiful, the real key is in the undercoat: This color has that pale base that makes the coat look brighter, while blues are solid all the way through.

Legends & Lore

This color is often linked with elegance, intuition, and even mysticism.

silver tabby maine coon in treeLuka, from our 2021 Albums

In some cultures, they're considered good luck or seen as almost celestial because of their luminous coats.

While these ideas are rooted in folklore rather than science, it's no surprise that Silver Maine Coons tend to be described as regal and intelligent - their look is unforgettable!

"What Is the Silver Maine Coon Price?"
It isn't much different from other colors. Price usually depends more on the breeder, pedigree, location, and whether the cat is meant to be a pet or for showing and breeding.

For pet-quality kittens, families often spend between $1,000 and $3,500 USD, while show-quality or breeding cats may be higher.

In some regions, the range can shift up or down depending on availability and demand.

If you’re considering this color, keep in mind that coat shade is just one factor. Health testing, socialization, and the breeder's reputation matter far more than the pattern itself.

For a deeper look at what goes into the cost of these cats, visit our full page on Maine Coon Price.

Community Silver Maine Coon Cats:

Silver Maine Coons have been stars of our Memory Lane albums!

Their coats shimmer in natural light, highlighting the bold tabby markings that make them so photogenic.

Whether a Classic Silver Tabby lounging in the sun or a Shaded Silver with a softer frosted look, these cats always stand out.

After you admire the beauties here, be sure to check out our accompanying album of silvers and smokes to see even more.

Murphy & Candy Cane

3 photos of 2 different gorgeous purebred silver maine coon cats.Murphy and Candy Cane

Community members may remember Murphy and Candy Cane, two unforgettable Coonies who first appeared on our site back in 2011.

Murphy, a Classic Silver Tabby with White, was known for his sweet, "forever kitten" personality and for joining his owner on leash walks in the yard.

Candy Cane, a Silver Patch Tabby with White, quickly won hearts with her soft coloring and her easygoing nature.

The pair sparked dozens of comments from fellow fans who called them "stunning," "breathtaking," and "a perfect example of the breed."

Their photos - Murphy mid-meow and Candy with her striking coat - remain some of the most loved submissions in our archives.

Together, they show exactly why this color variety stands out so brightly in our community galleries.

Barnaby

silver tabby kitty on a bed

Barnaby, shared by Karla in Washington, won her over by climbing straight into her lap at the cattery.

Nicknamed "the little guy," he still grew to 18 pounds and could stretch across a full bed alongside his smoke-colored brother, Jack.

Confident, healthy, and social, Barnaby shows the blend of presence and easygoing nature that makes these cats so memorable.

April

young silver smoke tabby kitten with gold eyes looking up to camera.

April, shared by Lindsay in Cheshire, UK, was her family’s very first Maine Coon - a tabby full of chirps, playfulness, and laid-back sweetness.

Even as a youngster, she amazed neighbors with her size, leaving many in awe who had never seen a Maine Coon before.

Thornplum Tazmaineian Devil

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Taz, from Thornplum Cattery in Maine, is known for his nonstop trills and chatter. He insists on attention - often by hopping into a lap right at the dinner table.

At nearly 18 pounds, he’s still growing into his size and energy, and he keeps life lively with his unusual taste for carrots, kale, and even the occasional baked bean.

Taz shows exactly why owners often say these cats are equal parts companion and character.

Most people who land here want to know what this coat really looks like and how to tell if their own Coonie matches the description. The best way to get a feel for it is by looking through our photos.

Each pattern brings out different details that make these cats unforgettable.

If you'd like to keep learning, be sure to stop by our Maine Coon Colors hub, where we’ve gathered the full range of shades and patterns in the breed.

▼ Do you have one of these stunners? Send in a photo to our latest Community Album so we can feature them here!

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