The Rare Colors: Silver Shaded, Blue, and Polydactyls#

Standard Brown Tabbies are beautiful (they are the classic “barn cat” look), but some owners want something exotic.

Breeders have spent decades refining specific recessive genes to create Maine Coons that look like silver ghosts, blue clouds, or Hemingway cats. These are the “Unicorns” of the breed.

If you are in the market for a rare color, prepare your wallet. Here is what you need to know about the rarest coats.

1. The Silver Shaded (The “Ghost”)#

This is arguably the most ethereal color.

The Look: The cat looks almost pure white, but if you look closely, just the very tips of the fur are dipped in black or blue. They often have emerald green eyes and “eyeliner” (black rims around the eyes).
Genetics: This is an extreme version of the Smoke gene. The inhibitor gene is so strong it erases 90% of the color.
Price: High ($3,500+).
Maintenance: High. The white fur stains easily from tears or food.

2. The Solid Blue (The “Grey Ghost”)#

“Blue” is the cat fancy term for Grey.

The Look: A solid, slate-grey cat. No stripes. No white.
Genetics: This is a dilute version of Black. The cat has two copies of the “dilute” (d) gene.
Texture: Dilute coats (Blue and Cream) often have a slightly different texture—more “powdery” and softer than black coats. This makes them mat faster. A Blue Maine Coon requires diligent grooming.

3. The Polydactyl (The “Hemingway”)#

While not a color, this is a structural rarity.

The Look: Massive “mittens.” They can have 6, 7, or even 8 toes on a paw.
History: Historically, 40% of the original Maine Coons were polydactyl. It was considered a useful trait for walking on snow and catching fish. However, show associations disqualified them for decades.
Status: TICA now accepts Polydactyls for championship status. They are making a huge comeback.
Care: You must trim the “thumb” claw regularly, or it will grow into the pad.

4. The “Gold” (Sunshine)#

This is a new and controversial color coming out of Russia.

The Look: A warm, apricot/golden tone that isn’t quite Red and isn’t quite Brown.
Rarity: Extremely rare in the US.
Warning: Be careful of breeders selling “Rare Gold” cats for $5,000. Ensure it isn’t just a Brown Tabby with a lot of “rufusing” (warm brown tones).

Conclusion#

Buying a rare color is a personal choice. Just remember: Color is paint; structure and health are the engine. A “Rare Silver Shaded” kitten with Hip Dysplasia is a tragedy. Always prioritize health testing (HCM/SMA/PK Def) over the color of the coat.

Resources & Further Reading#

TICA. (2023). Polydactyl Maine Coon Standard.
Messybeast. (n.d.). Dilute and Shaded Genetics.