How many colors do Maine Coon cats come in?

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), Maine Coon cats come in over 80 recognized colors and pattern combinations. The base colors include black, blue, red, cream, and white, which combine with patterns like tabby, smoke, silver, solid, and bicolor to create the full spectrum you see in the breed today.

What is the difference between a tabby and a torbie Maine Coon?

A tabby Maine Coon has a single base color with a distinct striped, swirled, or ticked pattern in a darker shade of the same color family. A torbie — short for tortoiseshell-tabby — combines the patchy red and black of a tortoiseshell with the stripes of a tabby pattern. The result is a multi-colored cat with visible tabby markings within each color patch. Torbies are always female.

What is a blue Maine Coon cat?

A blue Maine Coon is not actually blue — the term refers to a soft, silvery-grey coat color that results from the dilution gene acting on black pigment. Blue is one of the most popular Maine Coon colors and comes in several variations including solid blue, blue tabby, blue smoke, blue silver tabby, and blue with white. The dilute gene softens the black pigment into a cool grey with a subtle bluish sheen, especially visible in natural light.

How do the parents affect the colors of the Maine Coon kittens?

The color of a Maine Coon kitten is determined by its genetic makeup, which is inherited from it's parents. The two primary pigments that contribute the cat's color are eumelanin (which produces black and brown colors) and pheomelanin (which produces red). Additional genes like the dilution gene and agouti will determine whether the cat is blue, cream, tabby or a solid color. Male kittens always obtain color genes from their mother. The male offspring in a litter will always be either the color of the mother or the dilute form of the mom's color. If the mother is red and black, then she is able to produce red and black male kittens. Furthermore, female kittens will be a combination of both parents' colors. With this information, it's easy to predict the expected colors of kittens from the parents.

Maine Coon Colors

Maine Coon Colors and Patterns: 80+ Colors With Photos

Q: What is the rarest Maine Coon color?

The rarest Maine Coon colors are solid white and solid black. A truly solid black Maine Coon — with no tabby ghost markings, no white hairs, and no rusting in the coat — is exceptionally uncommon. Solid white Maine Coons are equally rare and are often linked to the dominant white gene, which can also cause blue eyes or odd eyes.

Q: What is a smoke Maine Coon?

A smoke Maine Coon has a coat where each individual hair is silver or white at the root and colored at the tip — the opposite of a shaded cat. When the cat is still, it can look like a solid-colored Maine Coon. But when it moves, the silver undercoat ripples through, creating a dramatic, smoky effect. Smoke Maine Coons come in many color variations including black smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, and tortoiseshell smoke.

Q: Can Maine Coon kittens change color as they grow?

A Maine Coon kitten's color is determined entirely by genetics — specifically by the combination of color genes inherited from both the sire (father) and the queen (mother). The primary genes control base color (black vs. red), dilution (which turns black into blue and red into cream), the white spotting gene, and pattern genes for tabby, smoke, and silver. Breeders can predict likely color outcomes based on the parents' known genetics, though some combinations still produce surprises.

Updated OnJuly 7, 2026

The Maine Coon colors and patterns that are available are quite astonishing. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), there are over 80 recognized colors. There are also numerous patterns for Maine Coon cats.

Maine Coon Cat Patterns:

Tabby (includes classic, mackerel, and ticked patterns)
Solid (self-colored without any distinct patterns)
Particolored (Majority of coat is color with some white, usually paws and chest)
Bicolor (mainly white with patches of color on head and body)
Tortoiseshell (black and red patches; with white would be TriColor or “Calico”)
Torbie (tortoiseshell with stripes)

You can find plenty of information about Maine Coon Colors and Patterns on the CFA website. It covers feline genetics, cat colors, and how Maine Coons get their colors and patterns. There are also plenty of pictures of Maine Coon cats in this directory for you to use as a reference.

Solid Maine Coon Colors

Black

There is something incredibly mesmerizing about a solid black Maine Coon. They’re sleek and shiny and have a special element that no other color possesses. Once you have one in your home, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

chicken in black solid black 9 week old maine coon kitten — Damocles 7 Weeks Old Black Maine Coon

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Blue

Blue Maine Coons are a diluted version of black. For a kitten to be blue, or a variation of blue, both parents must be blue. Alternatively, they must carry the dilute gene. Quite often, blue Maine Coon cats are referred to as the grey Maine Coon cat. For good reason, since the coat is definitely grey in color.

reputable maine coon breeder with blue maine coon kittens for sale Kashmir 8 weeks old — Sweet Leaf Blue Maine Coon

Red

The red Maine Coon cat is another large crowd favorite (also known as the orange Maine Coon) . They speak more to the lovers of traditional colors and capture the hearts of ginger lovers across the globe. Red coats can be challenging to identify if you’re not familiar with the markings of a solid red. Their ghost markings make them look like a tabby. It is easy to mistake them for a red tabby.

red maine coon kitten for sale sassy koonz everybodys fool — Everybodys Fool 5 Weeks Old Red Maine Coon Kitten

red maine coon kitten ronnie 9 weeks old from TICA registered cattery Sassy Koonz — Everybodys Fool 5 Weeks Old Red Maine Coon Kitten

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Cream

Cream coloring on a Maine Coon always makes the crowd go wild. Somewhat the color of a sexy glass of champagne, the cream Maine Coon can dazzle your eyes with warmth and beauty. Just like blue, the cream is a diluted version of its parent color, red.

tantrum boy 11 week old maine coon kitten cream — Ace 10 Weeks Old

White

Like the black Maine Coon, the white Maine Coon is one of the most rare Maine Coon colors. Both majestic and beautiful, the white Maine coon is easy on the eyes. There’s something very angelic about a solid white coonie.

They say that white makes everything look bigger, and black makes things look smaller. If you’re looking for a very large cat that looks even bigger, then white may be the color for you!

white maine coon female fairy berry sassy koonz — Fairies Wear Boots 6 Months old

the wizard white maine coon kitten 11 weeks old — Fairies Wear Boots 6 Months old

See if we have White kittens available

Tabby Maine Coon Colors

Black Tabby

The Black Classic Tabby Maine Coon is the most traditional color of the breed. It also wins the most cat shows, as it seems ot be a judge’s favorite. The classic version of the black tabby presents a black coat with warm brown swirls as its pattern. Some people will call the pattern a “Bullseye” pattern. The black classic tabby is also known as the brown Maine Coon tabby, and some will call him “marble”.

The first Maine Coon (pet) I ever owned was a Black Classic Tabby named Finlay.

black classic tabby maine coon kitten girl with copper eyes — Cali 12 Weeks Old Black Tabby Maine Coon Kitten

Black Tabby Maine Coon Beastie Sassy koonz — Cali 12 Weeks Old Black Tabby Maine Coon Kitten

Blue Tabby

Blue tabby Maine Coon cats are a splendid and fun color. This color is less common than some black Maine Coons or red Maine Coons. It is certainly one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

maine coon kitten boy blueberry hill 9 weeks old — Blueberry Hill 9 Weeks Old Blue Tabby Maine Coon Kitten

Red Tabby

Oh, what a crowd-pleaser the red tabby Maine Coon is! A large majority of the population refer to these ginger kitties as “orange Maine Coon cats“, but their technical color is red.

Red Tabby Maine Coon cats are furnished with white markings around their eyes, the lining of their ears, and on their muzzle. They have a persona of being some of the most lovable, friendliest cats in town.

red tabby maine coon female jekyll 6 months head shot — Jekyll 6 Months old Red Tabby Maine Coon

red maine coon orange tabby ear tufts — Jekyll 6 Months old Red Tabby Maine Coon

Cream Tabby

The cream tabby Maine Coon cat isn’t one of the more popular colors, but it certainly is easy on the eyes. This diluted version of red seeps into your soul with its creamy and smooth appearance.

Smoke & Silver Maine Coon Colors

Black Smoke

We refer to the “smoke” color in a Maine Coon cat when describing the silver undercoat. This undercoat is seen on a solid color cat. It’s not always easy to detect a smoke undercoat in kittens, which can develop and become more prominent with age. See the evidence by checking the cat’s hair shaft roots.

black smoke maine coon kittens for sale zakk 8 weeks old — Rendezvous 5 Months old

Blue Smoke

Black Silver

The black silver Maine Coon has become extremely popular over the last couple of years. Silver Maine Coons come in all 4 colors, but black silver is the most popular.

black silver mackerel tabby maine coon — Enjoy your Slay 11 Weeks Old

Blue Silver

Blue Silver Maine Coons are not found as often as the black silver Maine Coon. The gene that produces the blue cat is called the dilution gene. If both parents are not actually blue in color, then they must both carry the recessive dilution gene. This is necessary to produce this color.

Blue silver Maine coon kitten bron at Sassy Koonz — Biggie 5 years old Blue Silver Tabby Maine Coon pet at Sassy Koonz

Red Smoke

Red Silver

Red Silver Maine Coons are simply magnificent. They reduce the richness of the red color in the coat by adding a sparkly silver undercoat.

sugarman red silver 9 weeks old maine coon — 7 Weeks Old Red Silver Maine Coon

Cream Smoke

Cream Silver

Tortiseshell & Torbie Maine Coon Colors

Black Tortie

The black tortie is one of those Maine Coon colors that is an absolute crowd pleaser. It certainly is one of my favorite colors!

black tortie maine coon from sassy koonz — QUEEN Razzleberry

Black Smoke Tortie

Consider a black smoke tortie if you’ve been thinking about a calico Maine Coon cat. She will have all of the luxuries of the calico, with the added beauty of the silver undercoat. Let’s not forget the sass that comes with the torties that we all love and adore.

black smoke white maine coon cat - queen from sassy koonz — QUEEN Vivi

black smoke tortie vesna maine coon cat grown — QUEEN Vivi

Calico

A calico Maine Coon is identical to the tortoiseshell pattern. It includes an additional white color mixed in. This causes the black and red/orange colors to be arranged in a more distinct pattern. Calico Maine Coon cats are generally one of people’s favorite colors of Maine Coon cats.

sassy koonz kimmie calico maine coon — Vinnia 7 Weeks Old

Black Torbie

A black torbie Maine Coon is a female cat that has fur colors of red and black,as well as tabby markings. Torbie is an abbreviated version of a tortie and a tabby in one. This means that she doesn’t have a solid coat, but a pattern to identify the tabby. The pattern can be classic, mackerel tabby, or spotted.

To distinguish between a tortie and a torbie, check for white eyeliner around the eyes. Also, look for the white lining of the ears. These features are shown by a torbie, but not a tortie.

gorgeous long hair black torbie Maine Coon cat — November Rain 15 Year Old Black Torbie Maine Coon

black torbie maine coon sassy koonz female 18 months old — November Rain 15 Year Old Black Torbie Maine Coon

Black Silver Torbie

munkymaine coon girl kitten silver torbie 9 weeks old — Envy 11 Weeks old Black Silver Torbie Maine Coon

BiColor Maine Coon Colors

Black and White Maine Coon

The black and white Maine Coon can also be referred to as a “tuxedo Maine Coon.” You will hear that phrase a lot when you have a black and white cat. The tuxedo markings are represented by white fur on the paws, chest, and sometimes a cute mustache.

maine coon cat sassy koonz queen carmilla — Falling in Reverse 11 Weeks Old

Red and White Maine Coon

red smoke white maine coon kitten — RETIRED QUEEN Natalie red and White Maine Coon cat

Rare & Unusual Maine Coon Colors

Most people are familiar with the brown classic tabby Maine Coon; the quintessential “forest cat” look. But the breed is recognized in over 85 color and pattern combinations by TICA, and some of the most striking are also the least common. As a TICA-registered cattery, we occasionally produce these rare patterns, and buyers often ask us about them specifically.

Vans

The Van is one of the rarest pattern classifications in Maine Coons. A true Van has color restricted almost entirely to the head and tail. The body is white. The effect is dramatic: a mostly white cat with a colored “cap” and a fully colored, plumed tail. Van-patterned Maine Coons must meet strict TICA criteria to be shown; even a few body spots can disqualify a cat from the Van classification. Because the pattern depends on the dominant white spotting gene expressing at a very high level, producing a proper Van in a litter is largely unpredictable. They are genuinely rare and most breeders go years without producing one.

black and white maine coon with van pattern — Boujee 10 Months Old

maine coon van black white cat boujee — Boujee 10 Months Old

Silver Shaded

Silver Shaded Maine Coons carry the inhibitor gene, which suppresses pigment from the base of each hair shaft, leaving only the tips colored. The result is a cat that appears to glow a brilliant white undercoat with colored tips that shift as the cat moves. Silver Shaded is distinct from Silver Tabby (which has full tabby striping) and from Smoke (where the inhibitor gene produces a near-solid effect with a white undercoat visible only when the fur parts). A true Silver Shaded shows clear tipping with no tabby striping visible. The color is spectacular in photographs and extremely sought after, but the genetics make it difficult to produce consistently.

Maine coon kittens for sale silvee girl — Silvee 5 Months Old

black silver shaded torbie maine coon kitten from sassy koonz — Silvee 5 Months Old

Blue-Eyed Maine Coons (DBE)

Blue eyes in a Maine Coon that is not white or Van-patterned are caused by the Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) gene. This is a naturally occurring mutation first documented in Maine Coons and now selectively bred by a small number of TICA catteries worldwide. DBE Maine Coons can carry blue eyes in any coat color: brown tabby, black, silver, and red. This is what makes them remarkable. Because the DBE gene is rare and the pool of DBE breeding cats is small, these kittens carry significant waiting lists and are among the most requested Maine Coons we are ever asked about. This gene also produced odd eyed Maine Coons.

maine coon kitten blue eyes Masquerad 9 weeks old — Masquerade 9 Weeks old

linkin christmas kitten 7 weeks old maine coon — Masquerade 9 Weeks old

See what Kittens We have Available

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Coon Colors

What is the difference between a tabby and a Maine Coon?

People sometimes mistake a “tabby” with a Maine Coon cat, especially if the cat has long hair. Tabby is not a breed of cat, but a coat pattern that can occur in any cat. Tabby simply means that the cat has stripes on its body. Tabby cats can be black, red, blue or cream.

What is a Smoke Maine Coon?

A smoke Maine Coon has a coat with a distinctive color pattern. Each individual hair is silver or white at the root. The tip of the hair is colored. When the cat is still, it can look like a solid-colored Maine Coon. But when it moves, the silver undercoat ripples through, creating a dramatic, smoky effect. Smoke Maine Coons come in many color variations including black smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, and tortoiseshell smoke.

How many colors do Maine Coons come in?

Maine Coon cats come in over 80 recognized colors and pattern combinations. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) provide this information. The base colors include black, blue, red, cream, and white. These colors combine with patterns like tabby, smoke, silver, solid, and bicolor. Together, they create the full spectrum you see in the breed today.

What is the rarest Maine Coon color?

The rarest Maine Coon colors are those that have a van pattern. A van pattern is described as a solid white cat, with color present only on the head and tail. The color can be red, blue, cream, or black. This can be of any pattern (solid or tabby).

Are Rare-Colored Maine Coons More Expensive?

Generally, yes. Van-patterned, Silver Shaded, and DBE Maine Coons typically carry a price premium of $500 – $1,500 above standard color pricing from a TICA cattery, reflecting lower frequency in litters and high buyer demand. If you are interested in a rare color or pattern from Sassy Koonz, the best approach is to join our waitlist early and specify your preference of these kittens are placed before they are ever publicly listed.

What determines the color of a Maine Coon kitten?

The color of a Maine Coon kitten is entirely determined by genetics. It is specifically influenced by the combination of color genes inherited from both the sire (father) and the queen (mother). The primary genes control base color (black vs. red), dilution (which turns black into blue and red into cream), the white spotting gene, and pattern genes for tabby, smoke, and silver. Breeders can predict likely color outcomes based on the parents’ known genetics, though some combinations still produce surprises.

Are Orange Maine Coons tabbies?

Yes — all orange (officially called “red”) Maine Coon cats are tabby patterned. The gene responsible for red coloring in cats is sex-linked. It is always co-expressed with the tabby pattern gene. Even a red Maine Coon that appears to be solid will have faint tabby markings. These markings, called ghost striping, are visible in certain lighting. There is no such thing as a truly solid red or orange Maine Coon. Genetically speaking, though, they can produce solid colored cats.

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sassykoonz

My name is Tracy Caywood. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and I'm the Guardian of the Sassy Koonz Maine Coon kittens. My goal and passion is to provide you with education, inspiration, and healthy, well-socialized beautiful Maine Coon babies that you'll love forever. My breeding journey started in 2017, and the cattery has flourished into one of the most sought-after catteries in the United States.

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37 Comments

Kimberli Nelson says:

May 14, 2018 at 8:35 pm

Love your article on colors. Awesome.
Can we post a link to Facebook groups?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  May 14, 2018 at 8:36 pm
  
  Thank you so much! Sure you can post a link to a Facebook Group. Is it
  Your group?
  
  Reply
  1. Janet says:
    
    October 20, 2018 at 5:59 pm
    
    Is there such a th I g a blue creme?
    
    Reply
    1. sassykoonz says:
      
      November 7, 2018 at 9:26 pm
      
      Yes there is
      
      Reply
Nicole says:

August 19, 2018 at 8:15 pm

The Silver Classic Tabby section…..BEAUTIFUL!!!

Reply
Joy Shaw says:

September 6, 2018 at 12:33 pm

What are the black silver with marbeling colors called is it the same as tabby

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  September 17, 2018 at 8:55 pm
  
  Yes, the Marble pattern is the “Classic” tabby. 🙂
  
  Reply
Elicia McGinn says:

September 23, 2018 at 8:02 pm

Oh, how I’ve enjoyed your blog! My darling companion of 18 wonderful years (a tuxedo cat) just passed. I happened on your post about the Cattery you and your husband made,, just lovely.
Also , looked at these magnificent beings you have raised.
Thank you for sharing . The loss of my darling Tate has been agonizing and it was healing to see such loved a cared for cats. I can’t complain truly Tate never was sick for 18 years and was the king of all he surveyed! I miss him terribly.
Thanks so much,
Lise

Reply
Basyir says:

October 2, 2018 at 10:46 am

Now I know my hero was black silver tabby. Thanks guys

Reply
Alice Lockyer says:

November 6, 2018 at 10:58 pm

I would love to get a wall poster showing all the different colors of the Maine Coon. Do you know where I can Find one? Thank you,Alice

Reply
Sarah Gordon says:

November 15, 2018 at 5:15 am

My new kitty is listed as n 22 03. His back is truly black but front view he is such the brown tabby. I love your listing of colors it was exactly what I googled and did not expect to find. Harley has white chest, paws and paws plus a white tummy. I would love if you could a photo of him.

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  November 15, 2018 at 8:06 am
  
  Harley would be a black classic tabby with white. 🙂
  
  Reply
Pam mulvaney says:

January 11, 2019 at 3:23 pm

What colour variations of cream.. smoke or shaded are there? Please..

Reply
Bryan Sykes says:

March 7, 2019 at 5:29 pm

Some of these color patterns completely blew my mind.

Reply
Ana Ploch says:

April 28, 2019 at 7:29 pm

Love your website! Such great information! I’ve been looking for a Maine Coon girl (like your Tiffany) for years! Currently have two beautiful girls, Lulu and Bagheera (not Maine Coon), they’re spoiled rotten? I’m in Tallahassee.

Reply
Mary says:

October 19, 2019 at 7:30 am

Is a blue silver patch a color and if so what color is it?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  October 29, 2019 at 3:46 pm
  
  Blue Silver Torbie
  
  Reply
Stacy says:

June 18, 2020 at 1:39 am

I love your website! I’ve had many of my questions answered just by reading it. Tha k you!
I have one question. …what does “Pale” mean in the maine coons coloring? My breedee has said my kitten is a Pale Silver Tortie.

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  June 24, 2020 at 10:03 am
  
  There are several different shades of silver. “Pale” means that they are a lighter than average shade of silver – or that more of the hair shaft is silver, giving them a “pale” appearance.
  
  Reply
Lydia says:

March 30, 2021 at 9:42 am

When would you use 03 in lieu of 09 ?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  April 1, 2021 at 11:21 am
  
  03 has at least 50% white
  
  Reply
Shawna Smyth says:

August 17, 2021 at 12:05 pm

what color is W62 labeled on a white maine coon kitten ?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  August 18, 2021 at 9:13 am
  
  White with Copper eyes
  
  Reply
Shawna Smyth says:

August 18, 2021 at 12:33 pm

Yes that’s what I’ve been told! Thank you for responding! Nice to know I have somewhere to come with my Maine Coon questions.

Reply
Carolyn Eastwood says:

August 21, 2021 at 1:33 pm

What is a Chic silver?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  August 22, 2021 at 5:15 pm
  
  I don’t know
  
  Reply
Julie Meadows says:

August 29, 2021 at 4:39 pm

Hi, my latest rescue, Ruffles is definitely a MC, just not sure what color….she is definitely part tabby and has huge floofy feet and orange splotches on her back mixed with light/dark gray, beige, white, black tones overall. She has the big neck shawl and chortles like they do. I’d love you to see a couple pics of her…..can I send? Would love your opinion. We love MCs and have had several others (rescues). Her colors are baffling. White chest, stomach, tip of tail, splotchy back. tabby face etc etc. Your kitties are so beautiful….

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  August 29, 2021 at 4:40 pm
  
  Sure send them to me on Facebook messenger. I d love to see her 🙂
  
  Reply
Julie Meadows says:

November 20, 2021 at 4:14 pm

Hello, we adopted a female MC that looks like 2 cats in one! Her face is classic MC tabby, black/gray//beige/etc with the classic “M” on her forehead. Her back however is very mottled with colors including copper/brown/black/beige in a very mottled pattern, not big patches. Her name is now “Ruffles” and she was in a shelter for over 2 months! She has a huge/long mostly light-gray ruffle around her neck and huge hairy paws. Her weight is pretty small, say under 9#. I’ve been trying to figure out what color she would be called; I was thinking dilute MC tortoise shell. Does that sound right?
I love looking at your babies SO MUCH!

Reply
Sharry Wilson says:

February 14, 2022 at 9:54 pm

Looking to
Purchase Maine coon. Who can I contact?

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  February 15, 2022 at 8:31 am
  
  Please review the adoption process to learn how to get a Sassy Koonz kitten 🙂
  
  Reply
Eugenia V. Eckhardt says:

April 14, 2023 at 10:32 am

“Belle” was the most wonderful Girl and is gone but Surely not ever forgotten. She was 11 yrs old, rambunctious kitten who grew into a true and loving companion. I never knew or had a cat like her; she met me at the door when I arrived home.

Reply
Melanie shaner says:

July 9, 2023 at 7:06 pm

How much would a tuxedo Maine coon be

Reply
Melanie shaner says:

July 10, 2023 at 10:31 am

How much for a tuxedo black/ white kitten

Reply
Jessica DeNomie says:

September 8, 2024 at 3:00 am

Hello, thank you so much for all of the informative information, however, I didn’t see silver babies on this list. I have one! 🙂

Reply
1. sassykoonz says:
  
  September 9, 2024 at 9:03 am
  
  Silver is on the list 🙂 They’re not called “silver” – they’re called Black Silver, Blue Silver, Red Silver or Cream Silver
  
  Reply
Monique Jade says:

October 12, 2024 at 10:21 pm

Wow! great information.

Reply