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Maine Coon Mixed With Tabby
Let's Talk About Breed vs Coat Pattern
by Carrie Profenno: Author, Coonie Mama & lifelong Mainer
Are you trying to find out if your kitty is a Maine Coon mixed with tabby? Let's talk about it and solve the mystery!
Sarah had always dreamed of having a big, fluffy Coonie. When she adopted Max from a rescue, she was thrilled - his tufted ears and thick tail were just right!
But then a friend told her, "If he’s a Maine Coon mixed with a tabby, he’s not really a Maine Coon." Sarah wasn’t sure what to think.
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
A Maine Coon mixed with tabby can have unpredictable traits
Purebred cats come from registered pedigrees.
But mixes? They can absolutely have the same physical traits and personality - just not the official papers.
Max, for example, might have the signature ear tufts, a long bushy tail, and an affectionate personality.
But he also has a slightly shorter muzzle or a different coat pattern. That’s because he inherited a blend of genes.
Some might look almost identical to a purebred, while others take after their non-Coonie parent a bit more.
It’s like having a golden retriever cross-bred with a poodle - you might get a dog that acts a lot like a retriever, but technically, it’s a mix. That doesn’t make the dog any less loveable (or fluffy!).
But what if my kitty is huge?
Size is one of the biggest reasons people think their cat must be a Maine Coon.
While they are large, size alone doesn’t confirm their breed. A Maine Coon mixed with a tabby can be big, but so can plenty of regular house cats.
Genetics are tricky like that!
What about personality?
This breed is known for being dog-like, playful, and social.
If your kitty follows you around and insists on being involved in everything you do, that would naturally make you wonder!
But keep in mind - plenty of other cats are friendly and playful too!
At the end of the day, whether your cat is a purebred, a blend, or just has a few breed-specific traits, it doesn’t change the bond you have.
They don’t care about labels - they just care about head scratches, snacks, and that one weird spot on the couch they claimed as their own.
What Is a Maine Coon Mixed with Tabby?
A "Maine Coon mixed with tabby" usually means a purebred cat (which can come in many colors) had kittens with a regular domestic cat that happens to have a tabby coat pattern.
Since "tabby" isn’t a breed - it’s just a pattern - this term doesn’t mean much beyond looks.
So what does that look like? It depends on genetics!
This cat might inherit a large frame, tufted ears, and thick tail and also have the classic tabby stripes, swirls, or spots from the non-purebred parent.
Some will have the signature "M" on the forehead, a common tabby trait, and others may have a bushier coat or a leaner build.
No two look exactly alike, which is what makes them special!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
"How can I tell if my tabby is half Maine Coon?"
"How can I tell if my tabby is half Maine Coon?"
Look for traits like a large build, tufted ears, and a fluffy tail. But keep in mind, these features can show up in any kitty!
"Will a Maine Coon mixed with tabby always have long fur?"
"Will a Maine Coon mixed with tabby always have long fur?"
Not necessarily! Some inherit a long, thick coat, while others end up with a shorter, easier-to-maintain one. It will be somewhat shaggy, though, and not short.
"Do all mixed-breed tabbies have the "M" on their forehead?"
"Do all mixed-breed tabbies have the "M" on their forehead?"
If they have a tabby pattern, yes! The "M" comes from the tabby gene, not from any particular breed.
Can a mixed-breed grow as big as a purebred Maine Coon?
Can a mixed-breed grow as big as a purebred Maine Coon?
Sometimes! They can end up large, but it depends on genetics. Some stay closer to average size.
It's important not to over-feed your kitty into obesity in hopes of having a big weight to brag about.
The weight of this breed is evenly distributed along an equally long, strong and robust body.
"Are these mixes more playful?"
"Are these mixes more playful?"
Many are! Coonies tend to be social and playful, so their offspring might inherit that fun-loving personality.
"Will a tabby mix get along with other pets?"
"Will a tabby mix get along with other pets?"
Likely! Many of these cats are friendly, but personality varies. Some are more independent than others.
"Do these cats need a lot of grooming?"
"Do these cats need a lot of grooming?"
If they have a thick coat, brushing helps prevent mats. But shorter-haired mixes need less upkeep.
"Can I register my Maine Coon mixed with tabby as a Maine Coon?"
"Can I register my Maine Coon mixed with tabby as a Maine Coon?"
Not usually. Without proof of purebred lineage, they won’t qualify for breed registries. But that doesn’t make them any less special!
"How can I know for sure if my cat is part Maine Coon?"
"How can I know for sure if my cat is part Maine Coon?"
A DNA test can provide clues, but visual traits and personality are also big indicators.
No matter their lineage, every cat is special in their own way! If your tabby mix has some traits that remind you of a Maine Coon, that just makes them even more fun to love.
Whether big and fluffy or sleek and playful, what matters most is the bond you share.
Keep enjoying your unique kitty, and if you’re ever curious, a DNA test might give you more answers.
But at the end of the day, they’re perfect just as they are!
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Hi, I'm Carrie Profenno! As the founder of MCCN, I've spent over 14 years helping cat owners understand their Coonies and mixes. Real experience, research-backed insights - that's my approach. Happy, healthy cats - that's the goal!
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