The black Maine Coon is a large cat with a very majestic appearance. On top of its already unique features, it boasts a stealthy and elegant look.
Black Maine Coons are highly desirable in the cat community and it is easy to see why.
Except for its coat color, solid black Maine Coons share plenty of similarities with other Maine Coons. But are they rarer than their other colored cousins? Read along to find out!
What Is a Black Maine Coon? Are There Black Maine Coon Cats?
In case you are unfamiliar with Maine Coons, here’s a recap: the Maine Coon is a large cat breed known for its lion-like manes, long tails, and piercing gaze.
These cats have pointed ears, strong muscles, and voluminous coats. Due to their size and unique appearance, Maine Coons can sometimes be mistaken as wild animals.
Black Maine Coon cats are simply Maine Coons with black fur color. There are four recognized color variants of the black Maine Coon: all-black, black & white, black & smoke, and black smoke & white. These cats are uncommon and typically cost more than regular Maine Coons.
Despite looking like they are straight out of a fantasy movie, black Maine Coon cats actually exist. These cats are purebred Maine Coons that carry a dominant black fur color gene.
In the cat world, black Maine Coons are highly desirable. They make fantastic family companions and their appearance makes them irresistible head-turners.
Can Maine Coon Cats Be All Black?
While Maine Coon cats do come in variants of black coats, is it possible for these cats to be entirely black? This is one of the most common questions about the Maine Coon cats, and the answer is actually quite simple!
A straightforward answer is yes, purebred Maine Coon cats can be all black. However, an all-black Maine Coon kitten is usually out of the ordinary.
Here’s how an all-black Maine Coon looks like:
The reason behind this lies in cat coat color genetics. For all types of felines, coat patterns and color variations are very typical. This is why almost all cats exhibit some form of markings on their body.
That said, it is quite rare to find a cat that exhibits no discoloration or markings. Even if you breed two solid-colored cats, the chances of getting a kitten with a solid coat color are still slim.
Similarly, a solid black Maine Coon is only born from purebred Maine Coons with a dominant black color gene.
However, breeding two all-black Maine Coon cats is not a surefire way to get an all-black kitten. It is always a matter of genetic lottery.
Are Black Maine Coon Cats Rare?
Yes, black Maine Coon cats are rare; however, they are not impossible to find. Given their slight rarity, black Maine Coon cats are unlikely to be found in a pet shelter or rescue.
In fact, even actual breeders of this black cat are considered to be quite limited.
A possible reason why black Maine Coons are bred less frequently is the fact that black cats are believed to bring bad luck.
However, regardless if you believe that to be true or not, the black Maine Coon kitten is recently gaining popularity in the cat community.
The rarity of the black Maine Coons is also one of the reasons why they are relatively pricier than their tabby counterparts. Black Maine Coons are known to cost hundreds of dollars more than regular Maine Coons.
Among the four variants of the black Maine Coon cat breed, perhaps the rarest is the all-black Maine Coon. An all-black Maine Coon is entirely pitch black! Their coats show no discoloration or markings.
Black Maine Coon Appearance: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Black Maine Coon?
If you are not a stranger to the Maine Coon breed, you will not have difficulty identifying a black Maine Coon. However, for the untrained eye, black cats may be harder to recognize.
For starters, Maine Coons may look like wild felines. They have extremely long tails which sometimes resemble that of a raccoon. Their coats are more voluminous compared to other cats, and they typically have lion-like manes.
Maine Coons are chunky kitties. They have dense muscles and their ears are usually pointy. All of these qualities are also present in black Maine Coons.
The only difference between a black Maine Coon and a regular Maine Coon is their coat color.
However, black Maine Coon cats come in four different variants: all-black, black & white, black smoke, and black smoke & white. You will learn more about these four variants in the next section.
All Color Variations of Black Maine Coon Cats
Not all black Maine Coons are the same. In fact, there are four beautiful color variations present in black Maine Coon cats. Let’s have a look at what sets each one apart from the others.
All-Black Maine Coon Cat
The solid black Maine Coon kitten is also sometimes referred to as the general “black Maine Coon.” As their name suggests, their coat color is entirely black. These cats have no visible markings of any other color.
A solid black Maine Coon falls under the solid color class as specified in its breed guidelines from Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and the International Cat Association.
These cats have black noses, black undercoats, and their paws are either black or a dark shade of brown.
Black & White Maine Coon Cat
The black & white Maine Coon cat is another variant of the black-haired Maine Coons. Their coat color is classified under the bi-color class as per the CFA.
These cats have white-colored coats covering their belly, paws, and bib. They may also have white fur on their faces.
The amount of white-colored fur on the bodies of black & white Maine Coon varies for each cat. While some will show a ton of white fur (like the photo shown above), others will have fewer visible white fur.
Black Smoke Maine Coon Cat
At first glance, the photo shown above looks strikingly similar to an all-black Maine Coon.
Others might even argue that it’s the same cat; however, this one is actually a black smoke Maine Coon! So, what is a black smoke Maine Coon?
Black smoke Maine Coons are cats with a black-tipped white undercoat. Simply put, these cats appear entirely black when they are not moving.
But when they are in motion, portions of their undercoat become visible, thus showing hints of “smoke-colored” fur.
Black Smoke & White Maine Coon Cat
Perhaps the easiest to distinguish among the four variants of the black Maine Coon is the black smoke & white. As their name suggests, these cats exhibit a shaded smoke appearance with hints of white.
A Maine Coon that has a black smoke & white coat color may or may not have white fur on their faces. However, their paws, bib, and belly should always have visible white fur.
As per the CFA, this black cat is classified under the shaded/smoke and white color class.
Black Maine Coon Size and Weight: How Big Do Black Maine Coons Get?
Black Maine Coon cats are massive and they are known as one of the biggest domesticated felines in the entire world. Their full-grown size and weight are highly dependent on their gender.
On average, male black Maine Coon cats are heavier and taller than their female counterparts.
Both males and females share a similar measurement of around 19 to 32 inches in terms of length. This measurement is excluding their long tails.
On the other hand, in terms of height, full-grown males measure around 10 to 16 inches while females are shorter at 8 to 14 inches.
Moreover, a similar trend is observed when it comes to weight. A fully-grown male black Maine Coon weighs 15 to 25 pounds while its female counterpart weighs 8 to 12 pounds.
The biggest factor affecting the size of a black Maine Coon is its gender. If you want a smaller and more manageable cat, a female is a better choice. However, if you want to take advantage of the iconic size of Maine Coons, then the male cat is for you.
Black Maine Coon Temperament and Personality: Are Black Maine Coon Cats Aggressive?
Despite their mysterious aura and stealthy looks, the black Maine Coon cat has a very predictable personality. These cats are lovable and incredibly loyal.
Black Maine Coon cats are also highly intelligent and very trainable. In fact, these cats have a reputation for being “dog-like” in the cat community. This is because it is possible to train a black Maine Coon to follow basic commands and even do tricks!
Cuddles are amongst the many things a black Maine Coon loves. They enjoy the company of other pets as well as people, especially their owners.
These cats are also very curious. It is common for them to spend a lot of time sniffing, licking, and wrestling anything that piques their interest.
If you are wondering if black Maine Coons are aggressive, then you would be pleased to know that they are far from it. In reality, Maine Coon cats are amongst the friendliest cat breeds out there!
However, as with any other pet, aggression may arise as a result of health issues or terrible husbandry. If you find your black Maine Coon to be incredibly aggressive, you should have it checked by a vet or an expert pet trainer right away.
Black Maine Coon Genetics: What Makes a Maine Coon Black?
The entirety of feline genetics is too much to cover in this guide so we’ll be focusing only on the basics. Luckily, the explanation behind the coat color of black Maine Coons is quite easy to grasp.
For starters, male and female kittens obtain their color genes differently. Male kittens get their color genes from dams alone. On the other hand, female kittens get their color genes from both parents.
That said, the most ideal breeding combination to have black-colored Maine Coon kittens is a black dam and a black sire.
Scientifically speaking, both cat parents must possess a dominant black fur gene or allele, typically represented as “B” in feline genetics. While it is still possible for a black Maine Coon to be born from a combination other than two black Maine Coons, the chances are extremely low.
To put this into perspective, there are about 74 different Maine Coon colors. This means unless you breed two black Maine Coons, chances are, your cat’s litter will have kittens with all sorts of coat colors.
Remember that a cat breed with a dominant coat color (red, black, tortie, etc.) is always an offspring of a parent cat with dominant coat color. In other words, a black Maine Coon can only be born if at least one of its parents is black.
Black Maine Coon Grooming: How to Groom a Black Maine Coon Cat?
Grooming a black Maine Coon is a bit intimidating at first since they are the largest domesticated cat breed. However, with the right tools and a bit of practice, anyone can do it!
When grooming a black Maine Coon, the first thing to do is to make sure you have all the essential grooming tools. These tools include a cat shampoo, cat hairbrush, nail trimmer, and some soft towels.
You do not have to use all of these in every grooming session. All you have to do is brush your Maine Coon’s coat every day and bathe it once every four to six weeks.
For everyday brushing, a metal comb is recommended. Find one that has a wide set of bristles as it will be the most useful in untangling matted hair. If you are shopping for a hairbrush for your Maine Coon, look for those special ones for long-haired cats.
In terms of nail care, you can trim your cat’s nails as needed. The best tool to use for this is a nail clipper with a guillotine mechanism.
You should also regularly clean your cat’s ears. To do this, dampen a soft towel and clean only the visible part of its ears. Do not attempt to go further than their earlobes!
If you want to see a demonstration on how to groom the Maine Coon cat breed, watch this video:
Maine Coon Felix. Grooming. Daily fur care.<a href="https://youtu.be/z9NctgcXPJA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fz9NctgcXPJA%2F0.jpg" alt="Maine Coon Felix. Grooming. Daily fur care." width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Black Maine Coon Lifespan and Health Issues: How Long Do Black Maine Coon Cats Live?
In general, black Maine Coons have an average lifespan of at least 12 years. While they are not the longest-living cats out there, Maine Coons make fairly healthy pets. When well taken care of, these cats can even live up to 15 years old!
However, the Maine Coon breed is still at risk of some health issues.
Here are the common health issues in black Maine Coon cats:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is not as common in cats as it is in dogs; however, this is not to say that a solid black cat is immune from this physical disorder. Large cat breeds such as the Maine Coon are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by a misalignment in a cat’s ball and socket joint.
Obesity: Obesity in cats is a life-altering condition that breeds other health issues. A cat is said to be obese if it exceeds 20% of its normal body weight. Unfortunately, obesity in large cat breeds such as the Maine Coon may be a bit harder to recognize.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): SMA is a genetic disease characterized by unsteady gait. An affected cat will exhibit posture abnormalities and loss of motor neurons. Maine Coon cats are one of the most affected breeds when it comes to SMA.
Polycystic Kidney: Polycystic kidney in cats is an inherited health condition. This occurs when multiple cysts develop around the cat’s kidney. When left untreated, a cat with this health condition will eventually suffer from kidney failure.
While the health conditions mentioned above are common in black Maine Coons, it is still possible for them to live a full life without experiencing any of these!
As always, the best way to keep black cats free from health-related complications is by visiting the vet regularly. Moreover, a healthy diet and plenty of exercises are also imperatives for a healthy Maine Coon cat.
How Much Is a Black Maine Coon Cat? Kitten Prices and Expenses
Black Maine Coon cats cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. Some factors affecting the price of a black Maine Coon are the reputation of the breeder and the actual coat color of the cat.
On average, an all-black Maine Coon cat will cost more than the other three variants.
If you do not want to shell out that amount of money for a black Maine Coon, a money-saving tip is to consider adoption.
However, be warned, you may find a hard time looking for these rare black cats in rescues and adoption sites.
On top of the price of a black Maine Coon cat, there are also other costs to consider. Here’s a breakdown:
The expenses listed here are all the things you will need for your black Maine Coon. If you invest in good quality items, these things will be one-time expenses only. Also, if you already owned a cat before, you may not need to buy some of the items on this list.
In addition to these initial expenses, there are also recurring costs to consider. These costs cover things such as veterinary checkups, pet insurance, cat vitamins, cat food, cat litter, and other related stuff.
The recurring cost in owning a black Maine Coon will run you around $1,500 to $2,000 per year.
Places to Find Black Maine Coon Kittens for Sale and Adoption
If you are interested in buying or adopting a solid black Maine Coon, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
You should only buy black cats from reputable breeders. An overly underpriced Maine Coon often has underlying health issues. These cats cost a lot to breed and raise, so watch out for deals that are too good to be true!
Below are some of the best places to find black Maine Coon kittens for sale:
King Klaudr Coons Cattery – Operated by best pals, King Klaudr Coons Cattery started as a hobby that quickly bloomed to be an ongoing breeding business. Their Maine Coon kittens come from champion bloodlines so you can expect high-quality kittens from them.
Coon Magic – Coon Magic is a New York-based cattery that specializes in breeding Maine Coons. This CFA-registered breeder has already rehomed dozens of Maine Coons from their litters. You may reach out to them through their website or Facebook page.
Sassy Koonz – Sassy Koons is a Florida-based Maine Coon cattery. This breeder specializes in raising 100% European Maine Coons. They also have male black Maine Coons from time to time.
Black Maine Coon cats typically come with hefty price tags. While it may be tempting to cheap out on your cat and snag one for a steal price, it is never a good idea.
If you really want the best bang for the buck, you should always consider the freebies and guarantees when comparing deals.
Here is a list of services you can use to find a black Maine Coon cat for adoption:
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is perhaps the most famous go-to website when it comes to finding adoptable pets including a black cat. This non-profit adoption service has a long track record and they have one of the largest pet selections. They occasionally have black Maine Coon cats in their listings.
Petfinder – Petfinder is another trusted adoption website. Together with various shelters and rescues, they bridge aspiring pet owners to pets needing a home. Petfinder’s website is equipped with location-based search and a bunch of useful filters.
Best Friends – Best Friends is an organization that aims to rehome abandoned animals such as dogs, cats, and other pets. Check out their listings from time to time to look for a black Maine Coon cat. You may also search their database based on your location to find the nearest options.
When adopting a black Maine Coon, make sure that it is free from health issues by bringing it to a vet for a checkup.
While adoption will save you a ton of money in upfront costs, a sickly adoptable cat will cost you more in medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Black Maine Coons Shed?
Due to their long hair, one might think that the solid black Maine Coon is a heavy shedder. However, surprisingly, this is not the case. Compared to other cat breeds, Maine Coons shed less frequently.
What Is the Rarest Maine Coon Color?
The two rarest Maine Coon colors are the golden Maine Coon and the shaded silver Maine Coon. These cats are extremely hard to get a hold of! Also, they typically cost ten folds of the price of other Maine Coon cats.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Maine Coon Cat?
Massive size, long tail, and a lion-like mane. These are some of the telltale features of a Maine Coon cat. So if your cat has all these three features, then there is a pretty good chance it is a Maine Coon.
Do All Maine Coons Have an M on Their Forehead?
No, not all Maine Coons have an M on their forehead. The M-marking on a cat’s forehead is a discerning feature of tabby cats.
That said, only Maine Coon cats with tabby-patterned markings will have an M on their foreheads.
Final Thoughts
The black Maine Coon is a relatively rare Maine Coon color. These cats come in four different variants and they make absolutely lovable pets! Moreover, they are extremely intelligent and they get along with almost anyone.
If you do not mind its piercing stare and colossal physique or you do not believe in black cat superstitions, you will have a great experience owning a black Maine Coon cat just like owning a Sphynx cat.
Just make sure to give it the proper care it needs and you’re all set for years of amazing companionship!
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