The Maine Coon Tabby Mix: Identification Guide#

“Tabby” is not a breed; it is a color pattern. But because the Brown Classic Tabby is the most common Maine Coon color, most “Maine Coon Mixes” found in shelters are tabbies.

How do you know if your big tabby is just a “Big Boned” domestic cat or a part-Maine Coon? You have to look at the phenotype.

The “M” on the Forehead#

All tabbies have an “M” marking on their forehead. This does not mean they are Maine Coons (despite the legend that the ‘M’ stands for Maine). It stands for the ancient Egyptian word “Mau” (Cat) or the Virgin Mary, depending on which legend you prefer. Do not use the “M” as ID.

The True Tells#

To identify a mix, look for features that are rare in domestic cats but common in Maine Coons:

1. Tufts: Domestic cats rarely have Lynx Tips or massive toe tufts.
2. Size: A domestic cat usually tops out at 10-12 lbs. If your tabby is 18lbs and not fat, he likely has MC DNA.
3. The Chirp: Domestic cats meow. Maine Coon mixes often inherit the trill/chirp vocabulary.
4. Dog Personality: Does he fetch? Does he follow you? Does he like water?

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Conclusion#

A Maine Coon Tabby Mix is often the “Best of Both Worlds.” You get the hybrid vigor (health) of the domestic cat with the size and personality of the Coon. They are the ultimate family pets.

Resources & Further Reading#

• Basepaws. (2023). Genetics of the Tabby Pattern.
• The Spruce Pets. (2022). How to Identify Your Cat’s Breed.