How To Tell If A Cat Is A Maine Coon Tabby Mix

The Maine Coon Tabby mix cat is a cross between a Maine Coon and a tabby cat. This mix combines the Maine Coon’s large size, tufted ears, and sociable personality and the tabby’s distinctive coat patterns e.g. stripes, swirls, or spots.

These beautiful cats often inherit the Maine Coon’s friendly and intelligent nature, along with the tabby’s playful and adventurous spirit.

Official Cat Breed

The Maine Coon tabby mix breed is not specifically recognized as a breed, given that it is a first-generation crossbred.

Appearance

A Maine Coon Tabby mix typically showcases a blend of the Maine Coon’s physical traits and the distinctive patterns of a tabby.

These cats are often large and muscular, with tufted ears, a bushy tail, and a long, shaggy coat that is a hallmark of the Maine Coon breed.

The tabby influence brings eye-catching coat patterns, including stripes, swirls, or spots.

Common features of the Maine Coon tabby mix cat include:

1. Size: Medium-large and sturdy, with a muscular build.
2. Ears: Tufted, with lynx-like tips.
3. Tail: Long and bushy.
4. Patterns: Distinctive tabby markings, such as classic (swirled), mackerel (striped), spotted, or ticked patterns.
5. Colors: Can vary widely, including brown, silver, red, blue, and cream, often with striking contrasts.

Despite the similarities between a pedigree Maine Coon cat and a Maine Coon Tabby mix, there are notable differences that are the result of mixed genetics.

While both may share the Maine Coon’s tufted ears, bushy tails, and sociable personalities, the Maine Coon Tabby mix often tends to be smaller due to crossbreeding.

Additionally, unlike the purebred Maine Coon’s long, dense fur, a Maine Coon Tabby mix might have shorter to medium-length fur.

Personality Traits

The personality traits of the Maine Coon mix will combine traits from Maine Coon and tabby lineages, though which traits they inherit will be unique to each cat.

It is expected that the Maine Coon tabby mix will display the following personality traits:

1. Friendly and Sociable: Maine Coon Tabby mixes are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They enjoy human interaction and often get along well with other pets.
2. Intelligent and Curious: These cats are highly intelligent and curious, often exploring their surroundings.
3. Affectionate: Mixes are typically affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. They may follow their humans around the house and seek out attention.
4. Playful and Energetic: Known for their energetic nature, these playful cats enjoy interactive play sessions that stimulate their minds and bodies, engaging in activities that mimic hunting behavior.
5. Gentle and Patient: Known for their gentle disposition, mixes are often patient and tolerant, making them good companions for families with children.
6. Loyal: These cats tend to be loyal to their owners.
7. Vocal and Communicative: Maine Coons are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including chirps and trills. Mixes may inherit this trait.
8. Independent: The Maine Coon Tabby mix will have an independent streak. They can entertain themselves and are not overly demanding of attention.
9. Adaptable: They adapt well to various living environments, whether it’s a bustling household or a quieter home.

Colors and Patterns

The Maine Coon Tabby mix features a variety of coat colors and patterns, combining the Maine Coon’s 75+ colors and patterns with tabby markings.

Common colors of this cat mix include:

• Brown
• Silver
• Red
• Blue
• Cream

Patterns can be:

• Classic Tabby (mc): The recessive allele (mc) results in the bold, swirling patterns of the classic tabby.
• Mackerel (Mc): The dominant allele produces the narrow, parallel stripes of the mackerel tabby pattern.
• Spotted: While not a specific gene, the spotted pattern is thought to result from a modifier gene that breaks up the mackerel stripes into spots.
• Ticked Tabby: Each hair is banded with multiple colors, giving a speckled or flecked appearance without distinct stripes or spots.

One of the most recognizable features of a tabby cat is the “M” shape on the forehead, formed by the arrangement of darker fur in the pattern.

If you’ve heard this is a Maine Coon cat marking, I’m sorry to tell you that this is factually untrue. Learn more about this.

Price

Due to its prevalence and lack of purebred status, the Maine Coon tabby mix is much more affordable than a registered purebred Maine Coon kitten.

Maine Coon tabby mix kittens usually cost between $500 and $1000. However, you may find a Maine Coon tabby mix for adoption, where the price is lower ($100 to $200).

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Maine Coon Tabby mix cat can vary depending on various factors such as:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Exercise

These cats typically live between 12 to 15 years, but with proper care and attention, these cats may live longer.

Health

Maine Coon Tabby mix cats may be prone to some health problems commonly seen in both Maine Coons and tabbies. These may include:

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Maine Coons are predisposed to this heart condition, which can cause thickening of the heart muscle and potentially lead to heart failure.
2. Hip Dysplasia: Both Maine Coons and some larger tabby breeds may be susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to mobility issues and arthritis.
3. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD is an inherited condition that can affect both Maine Coons and certain tabby breeds, causing the formation of cysts in the kidneys and potentially leading to kidney failure.
4. Obesity: Maine Coons and some tabby breeds have a tendency to gain weight if not provided with a proper diet and exercise, resulting in obesity-related health issues such as diabetes and joint problems.
5. Dental Problems: Like all cats, Maine Coon Tabby mixes can develop dental issues such as periodontal disease if dental hygiene is not maintained.

Grooming

Maine Coon Tabby mix cats have moderate grooming requirements due to their semi-long to long fur and dense undercoat.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to keep them looking their best:

1. Regular Brushing: Weekly brushing helps prevent matting and reduces shedding. A slicker brush or wide-tooth comb removes loose fur and prevents tangles.
2. Bathing: While not usually necessary, occasional baths can help keep their coat clean and reduce shedding. Use a cat-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
3. Ear Cleaning: Check their ears regularly for wax buildup or debris and clean them with a damp cotton ball or a vet-recommended ear cleaner.
4. Nail Trimming: Trim their nails every few weeks to prevent them from becoming overgrown. Use a cat-specific nail clipper and be careful not to cut the quick at the base of the claw.
5. Dental Care: Brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
6. Eye Cleaning: Keep their eyes clean by wiping away any discharge with a damp cotton ball or pad. If you notice excessive tearing or redness, consult your vet.
7. Fur Trimming (Optional): Some owners choose to trim the fur around their cat’s rear end to prevent fecal matter from becoming trapped. Be cautious when using scissors and consider seeking professional grooming assistance if unsure.

Exercise Needs

The exercise needs of a Maine Coon Tabby mix cat vary depending on individual temperament, age, and health status.

Generally, they require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Here’s an overview:

• Active Play Sessions: Maine Coon Tabby mixes are energetic and enjoy engaging in active play sessions. Providing them with interactive toys, such as feather wands or laser pointers, can stimulate their natural hunting instincts and provide mental and physical stimulation.
• Outdoor Exploration: They enjoy exploring outdoor environments, such as a securely fenced yard or a catio. Outdoor exploration allows them to satisfy their curiosity and provides opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.
• Vertical Space: These cats often enjoy climbing and perching in high places. Providing cat trees, shelves, or climbing structures indoors allows them to engage in vertical exercise and satisfies their instinct to climb.
• Interactive Games: Maine Coon Tabby mixes often enjoy interactive games that involve chasing, pouncing, and hiding.
• Exercise: Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of active play or exercise each day to keep them healthy and prevent obesity.
• Age Considerations: Kittens and younger cats may have higher energy levels and require more frequent and vigorous exercise, while older cats may prefer gentler activities.

Maine Coon Vs Tabby

Maine Coon and Tabby cats are distinct breeds with unique characteristics, but they also share some similarities. Here’s a comparison between the two:

Maine Coon

• Size: Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their muscular build and long, bushy tails.
• Coat: They have long, dense fur that is semi-water-resistant, making them well-suited for colder climates.
• Personality: Maine Coons are friendly, sociable, and intelligent cats. They are known for their gentle demeanor and affectionate nature.
• Origin: They are a natural breed originating from the state of Maine in the United States.

Tabby

• Size: Tabby cats come in various sizes, ranging from small to large, depending on their breed and individual genetics.
• Coat: Tabby is not a specific breed but a coat pattern seen in many domestic cats. Tabby cats have distinctive patterns, including stripes, swirls, spots, or ticking, overlaid on a background color.
• Personality: Tabby cats are known for their diverse personalities, as they can exhibit traits found in various breeds. They are generally intelligent, social, and adaptable companions.
• Origin: Tabby cats are not a specific breed but a coat pattern seen in many domestic cats worldwide.

Summary

Maine Coon Tabby mix cats are stunning felines with gentle giants’ temperaments and long hair that come in various coat colors. Their distinctive green eyes and large paws add to their allure.

These shaggy-coated, large cats are part Maine Coon, known for their friendly nature and affectionate behavior.

While they may have some of the distinctive features of purebred Maine Coons, they also inherit traits from other breeds, such as Norwegian Forest Cats.

You can find Maine Coon Tabby mix cats in local shelters.