Maine Coon Colors & Patterns: The Ultimate Visual Guide#

When I first brought Penelope (my Brown Classic Tabby) home, I thought “Tabby” was a breed. I was quickly corrected by a breeder who gave me a 20-minute lecture on agouti genes and melanin.

The Maine Coon is one of the most genetically diverse breeds in the world. While we all know the “classic” look (the brown raccoon-like cat), they actually come in over 75 different color combinations.

If you are looking for a kitten and feel overwhelmed by terms like “Black Smoke,” “Torbie,” or “High Silver,” you are not alone. This guide breaks down the genetics into plain English, helps you identify what you are looking at, and debunks the myths about “rare” colors that scammers use to charge double.

The Two Main Families: Tabby vs. Solid#

Before we get into the fancy colors, you need to understand the two base settings of a Maine Coon.

1. The Tabby (Agouti)#

This is the “wild” gene. If a cat has stripes, swirls, or spots, it is a Tabby.

• The “M”: All tabbies have a distinct “M” marking on their forehead.
• Classic Tabby: The most common Maine Coon pattern. It looks like a bullseye or marble cake swirled on their side. Penelope is a Classic.
• Mackerel Tabby: Think “fish bone.” These are vertical stripes running down the ribs (like a tiger).
• Ticked Tabby: This is rare in Maine Coons (common in Abyssinians). The individual hairs are banded with color, giving a “salt and pepper” look without clear stripes.

2. The Solid (Non-Agouti)#

If the cat is one uniform color (Black, White, Blue/Grey, Red), it is a Solid.

• The Smoke Trick: Sometimes a Solid cat looks one color, but when you part the fur, the roots are stark white. This is called “Smoke.” A Black Smoke Maine Coon looks like a panther until it moves, and then it flashes silver. It is arguably the most sought-after color right now.

The Color Palette#

Once you know the pattern (Stripes or No Stripes), you look at the actual color.

The “Confusing” Ones: Torties and Torbies#

This is where people get stuck. These patterns are almost exclusively female (because they require two X chromosomes carrying different colors).

Tortoiseshell (Tortie)#

• The Look: A black cat with patches of red/orange.
• The Rule: They are usually Solid (no stripes). They look like a Halloween cat.
• “Tortitude”: Owners swear these cats have a spicy attitude.

Torbie (Tabby + Tortie)#

• The Look: A Tabby cat (stripes) that also has patches of red/orange.
• How to tell: If you see stripes and patches of orange, it’s a Torbie.

The Myth of “Rare” Colors#

Beware of breeders selling “Rare” colors for $5,000.

• Gold/Golden: This is very rare and controversial in the breed standard, but often it’s just a “brown tabby” with a warm undercoat.
• Lilac / Chocolate: These colors do not exist in purebred Maine Coons. If someone tries to sell you a “Chocolate Maine Coon,” it is likely a mix (probably with a British Longhair). The breed standard strictly forbids these colors.

Conclusion#

Whether you choose a flash Black Smoke or a traditional Brown Tabby, the personality is the same. Don’t get too hung up on the aesthetics. Atticus is a Red Tabby, and I didn’t pick him for his color—I picked him because he fell asleep in my lap during the breeder visit. Color is a bonus; connection is everything.

Deep Dive into Specific Colors#

Want to learn more about the specific genetics and personality traits of your cat’s coat? Check out our dedicated guides:

• The Black Maine Coon: From Solid Black panthers to the ghostly Black Smoke.
• The Orange Maine Coon: Why “Red Tabbies” are almost always male and full of personality.
• The White Maine Coon: The truth about deafness, blue eyes, and sun protection.
• Torties & Torbies: Understanding the “patchwork” cats.

Resources & Further Reading#

• CFA Breed Standard: Official Color Classifications.
• Langford Vets: Feline Coat Color Genetics.
• MessyBeast: Tortie and Torbie Explained.