Celebration of Colors!

carrie profenno

by: Carrie Profenno: Author | Mainer | Maine Coon Mama

Welcome to our first Celebration of Colors Event! There are many different colors of Maine Coons. Here, we shine a light on each, with lots of community photos! 


collection of brown maine coon cats
collection of brown maine coon cats

First up: the most famous, well-known color for last - those Beautiful, Bodacious, Brilliant Browns! This is the page where we'll include Torties and Torbie as well.

Like the other colors, Browns can come "With White" or they can be patterned. Did you know that there are uniquely different Tabby patterns? The Brown Tabby Maine Coon cat is the ultimate classic Maine Coon. 


brown tabby and white maine coon boySergiy
two brown tabbiesAwenita & Katori
little brown white kittenKatahdin
fluffy brown and white coonieTurdle
classic female maine coon catHope
white and brown rescued maine coon catEnzo
kitty atop cat treeKitty
female brown tabby sleeping atop cat treeMolly

Fun Fact: 
Brown Maine Coon cats can have varying fur shades, ranging from a deep, rich brown to lighter, warmer tones. This color variation is often referred to as Brown Tabby. Additionally, the brown tabby pattern is one of the most common and classic coat patterns among Maine Coons.

big tabby maine coon with striking markings stretched out looking out windowFalkor

Brown Tabby Maine Coons showcase a diverse array of coat patterns, each with its unique characteristics.

The classic tabby pattern features bold, swirling stripes, often resembling a "bullseye" on the cat's sides, with stripes extending down their legs and tail.

Another common tabby pattern is the mackerel tabby, where thin, parallel stripes run vertically down the cat's body, resembling fishbones. This pattern creates a sleek and elegant appearance.

The spotted tabby pattern showcases spots rather than stripes, resembling a wildcat's coat. Spots can vary in size and distribution, ranging from small, scattered dots to larger, well-defined spots.

The ticked tabby, also known as agouti or abyssinian tabby, features individual hairs with alternating bands of color, resulting in a salt-and-pepper appearance. This pattern is prominent in certain breeds like the Abyssinian.

These tabby patterns can occur in various colors, including brown, silver, red, and blue, adding to the visual diversity seen in tabby cats worldwide.

big tabby maine coon catBiscuit
brown maine coon hiding in leavesBarron
brown maine coon on childs lapLudo
brown tabby girlDeme
closeup tabby maine coon catSimon
fluffy pandoraPandora
funny young maine coonMr Pickles
white and brown tabbyLucy

Tortoiseshell, torbie, and calico are captivating coat patterns found in cats, each with its distinct characteristics.

Tortoiseshell cats boast a vibrant patchwork of colors, typically blending red, black, and orange hues. Their coats often showcase intricate patterns resembling a tortoiseshell or mosaic.

two colorful maine coon kitties on cat treeLeeLoo and Tidus

Stephanie in Virginia shares:

"LeeLoo is a two-year-old Black Silver Torbie and White gorgeous girl...

Tidus is is a handsome Silver Ticked Tabby and White big boy!"

Torbie cats combine the tabby pattern with tortoiseshell coloring, resulting in a striking mix of stripes and patches. This unique blend creates a visually dynamic appearance, with the tabby stripes overlaying the tortoiseshell patches.


white and tortie maine coon female catDiamond Girl
tortie maine coon femaleLaverne
tortoiseshell girl belly upLacey
pretty calico coonieKhloe

Calicos, also known as tricolor or brindle, feature three distinct colors—usually white, black, and orange or red. Their coats exhibit large patches of these colors, often in a random or asymmetrical arrangement. Calicos are renowned for their eye-catching and varied patterns, making each cat truly one-of-a-kind.

silver patch tortie maine coon catSadie is a Silver Patch Tortie

These coat variations add to the charm and beauty of cats, reflecting the diverse and colorful nature of the feline world.

Whether it's the bold patches of a tortoiseshell, the intricate blend of a torbie, or the striking tricolor pattern of a calico, these cats never fail to capture the hearts of Maine Coon admirers everywhere!


pretty female brown whiteViolet
brown maine coon on wood floorKitty
closeup brown maine coonAugustine
brown tabby classicBen Cartwright
big brown boy catRoyce
classic tabby maine coon on cat treeLily
classic female brown tabby maine coon catWillow
two coonies side by sideCallie & Moxie

Brown Maine Coon Cats are just so classic! With the winning combination of size, personality, distinctive appearance, and charm, it's no wonder they are beloved by many!

Your Brilliant Browns! 🎉 🐱 🎊

Do you have a Brown, Tortie, Torbie or Cameo Maine Coon? We'd love to add your Coonie to the celebration here. Check out the photos sent in by others to this Album of Browns!




collage of black and white cats
collage of black and white cats

Today (Part 2 of 3) we'll turn things up a notch by off featuring the cool colors - Blacks, Whites, Tuxedos, Blues and Silvers!

Any of these can come "With White" or they can be patterned, Solid, or even Smoke. Black Smoke Maine Coon cats are truly iconic. Add yours, too!


tuxedo maine coon cat posingCosmo
smoke colored maine coonStanley
young white maine coon catRyker
silver coonieCentauri Blu
female silver with white maine coonQueen Delphine
blue gray maine coonDonna's Boy
black smoke kitty on a chair with tabby catMaximus Rex
black and white tuxedo kittyBertie

Fun Fact: 
Black and white cats, often referred to as "tuxedo cats" or "cow cats," are not only stylish but also full of interesting quirks! Did you know that the gene responsible for their distinctive coat pattern is called "piebald"?

hunley-enzo.jpgHunley and Enzo

These cats can come in various patterns, from classic tuxedo markings to charmingly asymmetrical designs.

Despite their sophisticated appearance, they're just as playful and affectionate as cats of other colors.

Interestingly, black and white cats are often associated with good luck in different cultures around the world. Plus, they tend to have striking green or gold eyes, adding to their captivating allure.

So, if you're lucky enough to have a black and white Maine Coon Cat, cherish their unique charm and endless cuddles!


young black smoke maine coon catLucy
two silver tabby maine coonsSterling & Delilah
silver tabby kitty on a bedBarnaby
purebred white maine coonMutzzie
pure black maine coonCyrus
black smoke coon in the sunshineLuther
black maine coon in a laundry basketWillow
purebred black maine coon catCyrus

The color "blue" refers to a dilute form of black, resulting in a range of bluish-gray hues. This coloration can manifest in various patterns and coat types, including solid blue, blue smoke, and blue tabby.

stunning black smoke maine coon catShiloh
  • Solid Blue: Cats with solid blue coats exhibit a uniform bluish-gray coloration across their entire body, without any distinct patterns or markings. Solid blue cats have a sleek and elegant appearance, with their soft blue fur giving them a striking and regal presence.
  • Blue Smoke: Blue smoke cats feature a distinctive coat pattern where the individual hair shafts are lighter at the base and gradually darken towards the tip, creating a smoky or frosted effect. This results in a silvery-blue appearance, with the lighter undercoat peeking through the darker outer fur.


gray and white maine coon cat giselleGiselle
  • Blue Tabby: Blue tabby cats display a combination of the blue coloration along with tabby striping or mottled patterns. The blue tabby pattern can vary, ranging from classic tabby stripes on a blue background to more intricate patterns like mackerel or spotted tabby markings.

These blue color variations are commonly found in several purebred cat breeds, including the British Shorthair, Chartreux, Russian Blue, and Maine Coon, among others.

Each breed may have its own unique standards for the blue coloration, but they all share the captivating beauty of this distinctive hue.


solid blue maine coon kittenGrace
solid blue old boy maine coon catOld Boy
blue solid maine coonAstrix
blue with white female maine coonDiva Molly

In the realm of Maine Coon cats, certain coat colors and patterns are considered rare and highly sought after among enthusiasts. Here are some of the rarest shades within the black, smoke, and black tabby categories:

  • Solid Black Maine Coon: While black may seem common, truly solid black Maine Coons without any other markings or variations in the coat color are relatively rare. These cats possess a sleek, jet-black fur that exudes elegance and sophistication.
  • Blue Smoke Maine Coon: Blue smoke Maine Coons exhibit a stunning coat coloration where the fur appears predominantly silver or gray at the roots, gradually transitioning to a lighter shade towards the tips. The subtle blue undertones create an ethereal and captivating appearance, making them highly prized among breed enthusiasts.
  • Black Smoke Maine Coon: Black smoke Maine Coons combine the richness of solid black with the mesmerizing smoke pattern. Their fur is solid black at the roots, with a gradual transition to a lighter silver or gray coloration towards the tips. This creates a striking contrast that enhances their regal and mysterious allure.
  • Black Silver Tabby Maine Coon: Black silver tabby Maine Coons feature a rare combination of solid black fur with silver tabby markings. The contrast between the dark base color and the shimmering silver patterns creates a visually stunning effect that sets these cats apart. Their unique coat pattern and coloration make them highly sought after by Maine Coon enthusiasts.

These rare shades within the black, smoke, and black tabby categories add to the allure and exclusivity of the already majestic Maine Coon breed, making them prized companions for those lucky enough to share their homes with these magnificent felines.


high black smoke tortie maine coon kittenYellowstonecoon Pinto Butterfly is a High Black Smoke Tortie
blue smoke solid maine coon catLoki is a Blue Smoke With a Solid Pattern
black smoke maine coon kittenYellowstonecoon Tomboy Honey is a Black Smoke
silver maine coon kittenOdin is a Blue Smoke Tabby

Urban myths and personality notions about pure white cats often portray them as symbols of purity, luck, and mystique.

Some believe white cats bring good fortune or protection against negative energies, while others associate them with supernatural beings due to their ethereal appearance.

Personality-wise, white cats are sometimes thought to be gentle, calm, and affectionate, although individual traits vary widely.

On the other hand, black cats are steeped in superstition, with myths associating them with bad luck or witchcraft.

However, in many cultures, black cats are considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Some believe they bring protection and positive energy to households.

Personality-wise, black cats are often depicted as mysterious, intelligent, and independent, with a touch of mischievousness. In my experience, Black Maine Coon Cats are gentle, loving, and just marvelous!

Despite these myths, black and white cats, like all felines, have unique personalities shaped by genetics, upbringing, and individual experiences, debunking the superstitions and celebrating the diversity and charm of these beloved pets.


black van maine coon catLuigi is a Black Van
blue tabby and white maine coon on a leashKhaleesi Pearl
silver tabby maine coon in treeLuka
female purebred tuxedo maine coon catMaddy

Silver cats, with their shimmering coat color, are sometimes associated with elegance, sophistication, and grace. Some believe they symbolize intuition and psychic abilities, reflecting their enigmatic appearance.

Similar to white cats, silver cats may be viewed as bringers of good luck or fortune in certain cultures. Their striking coat color can evoke associations with celestial or mystical beings, adding to their allure.

Personality-wise, silver cats may be perceived as intelligent, curious, and regal due to their distinctive appearance. Their unique coat color often sets them apart and may contribute to the belief that they possess special qualities or characteristics.

However, these notions are largely based on cultural beliefs and superstitions rather than scientific evidence.

Ultimately, each Maine Coon, regardless of coat color, has its own individual personality and traits that make them cherished Coonie companions.





collage of red and ginger maine coons
collage of red and ginger maine coons

Time to feature those bright, cheery, mischievous and spunky Gingers! Sometimes called Red, Orange, Marmalade, or Cinnamon; or Cameo or Cream in the case of the paler, lighter ones.

Some of those terms are proper, and some aren't, but even the informal ones are lovingly bestowed.

Reds can come "With White" or they can be patterned, Solid, or even Smoke.


female red with white maine coon catGinny
young red tabby kitten Daisy
ginger with white coonie kitten Percy
ginger kitten on a kitchen chairCecil B
classic red tabby maine coon in grassSampson
closeup cream male maine coonAslan
classic ginger maine coon cat looking upPharaoh
cameo maine coon laying on carpet belly upJoJo

Fun Fact: Only approximately 20% of red cats are female.

This discrepancy arises because female cats require two X chromosomes carrying the red gene to display a red coat, while males only need one X chromosome with the red gene.

So, female red cats are less common compared to their male counterparts.

Let's talk about feline genetics for a moment. The color of a cat's fur is determined by various genes, including one located on the X chromosome, aptly named the "orange" or "red" gene.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: male cats typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX).


big red maine coon on chair backMagnus
face of bright red coon catBlaze
orange cat dressed oktoberfestPoco Taz
pretty female ginger coonieAlani
red with white purebred male maine coonStanley
white and orange maine coon kittenTiltill
two light ginger coons sunbathing on deckKeeley & Swifty
regal longhaired red coonRomeo

Since the gene for red fur is situated on the X chromosome, male cats only need one copy of the red gene to exhibit a red coat, as they have only one X chromosome.

Conversely, female cats need two copies of the red gene—one on each X chromosome—to display a red coat, as the presence of another gene on the other X chromosome often masks the red gene's expression.

This genetic phenomenon results in a higher prevalence of red fur among male cats.

While female red cats do exist, they are less common due to the requirement of inheriting the red gene on both X chromosomes.

It's just one of those quirks that makes genetics endlessly intriguing!


buff kitten in wood bowlNugget
red and white male maine coon rolling upside downLincoln
light red coon kitty on armchairTater
red silver maine coon cat posing on dresserTeTonga
red tabby with white looking upBuddie
two light ginger maine coons huggingBoris and Natasha
young orange and white maine coon kittenWalter
young silver cameo maine coon kittenPhoenix

Urban Myth:

Have you heard of this myth surrounding ginger cats: that they have a particularly spunky and friendly personality!

You've probably heard the chatter about how these fiery felines are a bit more adventurous and playful than their counterparts of different colors.

Picture it: your ginger kitty strutting around like they own the place, ready to pounce on anything that moves.

Legend has it that ginger cats are the daredevils of the feline world, always up for a good romp and never afraid to explore new territory.

Some folks even swear they've seen their ginger furball act more like a dog, fetching toys or shadowing them like a loyal sidekick.

While there's no scientific proof to back up the claim that gingers are more spicy, the myth endures, adding to the allure of these vibrant kitties.

Sure, every cat has its own unique personality, but there's something undeniably captivating about the idea of a ginger cat with a spunky streak. 


young red silver kitten on couchBoris
red with white maine coon in bathroomOakley
red with white cat sitting highRusty
red tabby maine coon kitten long tailFinnegan
red maine coon cat eating cat grassLiam
orange and white cat walking through grassRiley
ginger male maine coon on cat treeEli
bright ginger female maine coon sunbathingGingersnap

Research on cat behavior has shown that friendliness and sociability can vary widely among individual cats, regardless of their fur color.

Factors such as early socialization, interactions with humans and other animals, and environmental enrichment play significant roles in shaping a cat's behavior and temperament.

That said, some anecdotal evidence and personal experiences from cat owners may suggest that ginger cats tend to exhibit friendly and outgoing personalities.

However, these observations can be subjective and influenced by the individual cat's unique characteristics and the owner's perception.


purebred male maine coon catShere Khan
cream colored maine coon faceXerxes Hyperion
beautiful cameo coon catBodhi
ginger with big ear tuftsKarrot

My beloved Leo was a Red Silver (Cameo) Classic Tabby, or Classic Cameo. So he looked like a soft, light ginger. His nose and toes were rose-colored. So Reds definitely hold a special place in my heart.


leo laying on his back looking into cameraLeo

Most likely a Red Tabby Maine Coon will have gold or copper eyes. The "leather," or nose and paw pads will be a shade of pink or red to match the coat.

Also, if a cat is Red with a White bib, stomach and/or feet, then the term "With White" will be added on to his official color.

The Classic Red Tabby Maine Coon has a ground color of Red, with markings of a darker, richer Red. The leather will be brick red. This is the Red Maine Coon Cat that makes you stop and say "Wow!"

Although, to be honest, ANY of the different Maine Coon colors will make you stop and say "Wow!"


➜ During the event, we’ll feature each of the different Maine Coon colors or patterns! If you don't want to miss the next part, simply add your email below and I'll make sure to notify you!

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.


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