Tabby Maine Coon: Complete Guide

When I first brought home my tabby Maine Coon cat, Pippin, I had no idea just how awesome and unique this large cat breed was! I fell in love with my quirky playful cat, which might explain how I ended up adopting two more tabby Maine Coons!

As someone who’s always loved cats, I was drawn to the Maine Coon breed for their impressive size and reputation as gentle giants. I’ve now lived with two tabby brown Maine Coons named Pippin and Bali, and one blue tabby Maine Coon called Mika.

In this article, I’ve shared my insights into tabby Maine Coons. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or thinking about becoming a pet parent for the first time, I hope you find this guide helpful.

What Is A Tabby Pattern?

The tabby pattern is the distinct striped, swirled, or spotted design you see on a cat’s fur. It’s incredibly common in many cat breeds, including Maine Coons.

What’s interesting is that the tabby pattern is a genetic trait, and it comes in a few different styles.

Range Of Tabby Patterns

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, there are officially three tabby patterns:

• Classic
• Mackerel
• Ticked

However, a few other feline resources state there is a FOURTH tabby pattern:

• Spotted

There appears to be a little confusion and contradiction across the major cat association bodies since Tica.org states there are three tabby patterns, yet in their literature, they mention a fourth pattern – the spotted tabby.

I find this contradiction a touch confusing! However, here’s what The International Cat Association (tica.org) states:

“The spotted tabby pattern is believed to be caused by modifiers which break up the mackerel or classic pattern, forming spots. The spotted tabby cat is marked by spots of the darker color, most prominent on the sides of the body, but often seen on the shoulders, flanks, legs
and feet”

1. Classic (Blotched) Tabby

The Classic Tabby, also known as the Blotched Tabby, is characterized by bold, swirling patterns that resemble marble or a butterfly’s wings.

The broad, curved lines typically form a distinctive “bullseye” or “target” shape on the cat’s sides. This pattern is what many people visualize when they think of a traditional tabby cat.

The thick, whorled lines give the coat a striking, dramatic appearance, making this one of the most visually impressive tabby patterns.

2. Mackerel Tabby

The Mackerel Tabby pattern is often referred to as the “tiger-striped” pattern due to its narrow, parallel stripes that run vertically down the sides of the cat’s body.

These stripes are evenly spaced and often extend from a dark line that runs along the spine, giving the cat a sleek, elegant appearance.

This pattern is one of the most common among tabby cats and is reminiscent of a mackerel fishbone, hence the name. The uniformity of the stripes gives these cats a streamlined and graceful look.

3. Spotted Tabby

In the Spotted Tabby pattern, the traditional tabby stripes are broken up into distinct spots or rosettes.

These spots can vary in size and shape, ranging from round to oval, and they may be arranged in a way that suggests a broken mackerel or classic tabby pattern.

The spotted pattern gives the cat a playful, dotted appearance, which can sometimes resemble the coat of a wild cat, like a leopard or ocelot.

This pattern is less common than the classic or mackerel tabby but is equally striking and unique.

4. Ticked Tabby

The Ticked Tabby pattern is the most subtle of the tabby patterns. Instead of distinct stripes or spots, each hair in a Ticked Tabby’s coat is banded with different colors, usually alternating between a dark and a light color.

This banding gives the coat a speckled or salt-and-pepper appearance, rather than distinct patterns. The overall effect is a more uniform, even-colored appearance, where the tabby markings are less pronounced.

This pattern is often seen in Abyssinian cats but can also appear in Maine Coons, giving them a refined and understated look.

Tabby Maine Coon Cat Colorings

As you may have already realized, tabby Maine Coons come in a range of different colors. Here are the 5 main tabby Maine Coon colors:

1. Brown Tabby

The first Maine Coons to arrive in Northern America were thought to have had brown tabby fur. The brown tabby is thus considered to be the classic Maine Coon color.

Brown tabby Maine Coons are very common, easy to breed, and commonly mistaken for non-Maine Coon tabbies due to their similar colorings.

Their fur exhibits a warm and rich combination of browns and blacks, often with subtle reddish undertones, creating an earthy and classic appearance that is highly regarded among cat enthusiasts (source 1).

2. Silver Tabby

The silver tabby is distinguished by its striking contrast of black and silver fur, which imparts an almost ethereal quality to the cat’s appearance.

This pattern is particularly admired for its cool, elegant tones and the sharp delineation between the dark and light areas of the coat.

Learn more about the Silver Maine Coon Cat in our fact-packed article.

3. Red (Orange) Tabby

The red tabby is known for its vibrant and fiery coloration, with shades that range from deep, intense orange to softer, more muted reds.

Although less common, the red tabby’s bright and bold appearance makes it exceptionally eye-catching and distinctive.

Learn more about Maine Coon coloring that most people get wrong! Read our red Maine Coon cat guide.

4. Blue Tabby

The blue tabby presents a unique and somewhat rare coloration, characterized by a grayish-blue tint to the fur. This subtle yet striking hue adds a touch of elegance and rarity, making it a sought-after variation within the tabby patterns.

Here’s a gorgeous picture of a Maine Coon cat – SPOILER ALERT!!! It’s Mika, my blue tabby Maine Coon cat. Learn more about his special coloring.

While some blue Maine Coons do actually look blue in color whilst resting, many other cats included within this official color classification do not. Instead, they are commonly mistaken for being ‘gray’.

But, ‘gray’ isn’t actually an official Maine Coon color at all. If you are interested in finding out more, read my article “Gray Maine Coons Don’t Actually Exist!“.

5. Cream Tabby

The cream tabby is a delicate and pale variation of the red tabby, offering a soft, pastel-like appearance. The gentle coloration of the cream tabby is both beautiful and understated, providing a refined alternative to the more vibrant tabby patterns.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Cream Tabby Maine Coon cat.

Identifying A Tabby Maine Coon

Keep reading to learn how to identify a tabby Maine Coon kitten or cat.

Physical Traits Beyond The Coat Patterns

Maine Coon cats are renowned for their distinctive tufted ears, bushy tails, and large, muscular builds. These physical features, combined with their tabby patterns, contribute to their striking and impressive appearance.

The contrast between marbled fur and sleek stripes often highlights the robust frames typical of the breed.

Behavioral Traits of Tabby Maine Coons

Tabby Maine Coons are known to be just as affectionate and playful as their solid-colored counterparts.

While some may exhibit a more relaxed temperament, others can be particularly curious and energetic.

Despite these individual variations, they consistently display the hallmark traits of the Maine Coon breed:

• Friendliness
• Loyalty
• Dog-like behavior

Caring For A Tabby Maine Coon

Here are the care needs of a Maine Coon cat:

Grooming Requirements

Maine Coons possess long, thick fur that necessitates regular grooming to maintain optimal coat condition. Regular brushing, ideally several times a week, is essential to prevent matting and minimize shedding.

Proper grooming not only maintains the health of the coat but also enhances the distinct tabby patterns, allowing them to appear more vibrant and well-defined.

Dietary And Nutritional Considerations

A balanced diet is vital for preserving the health and vibrancy of a Maine Coon’s coat. Providing a mix of high-quality dry and wet food can support overall health, and may contribute to the richness and brightness of the cat’s fur.

Proper nutrition is integral to maintaining the physical condition and appearance of these cats.

Health Considerations

While Maine Coons are generally robust and healthy, they are susceptible to certain hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of potential health issues.

Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight is also important in promoting the overall well-being of the Maine Coon.

Acquiring A Tabby Maine Coon

Buying From A Breeder

For those seeking a specific tabby pattern or coloration, it is important to find a reputable breeder who adheres to responsible breeding practices.

Inquiries regarding the cat’s lineage, health history, and the breeder’s commitment to the well-being of their cats are essential in ensuring that the adoption process is both ethical and satisfactory.

These are the best TICA registered Maine Coon cat breeders, across the world.

Alternatively, you can opt to find your nearest breeder in our breeder list in the United States, by state.

Adopt From A Shelter

Prospective owners should also consider shelters as a source for adopting a tabby Maine Coon. Many shelters house Maine Coons or Maine Coon mixes, offering an opportunity to find a perfect companion.

Adopting from a shelter not only provides a home to a cat in need but also offers a rewarding experience for the adopter.

The ‘M’ Marking On Tabby Maine Coons

Tabby Maine Coons are the only Maine Coon pattern that has an ‘M’ shape marking across their forehead, which is distinctive because the fur in this area is darker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tabby Maine Coons are not just visually stunning with their intricate patterns and rich colors; they are also gentle, affectionate, and make wonderful companions.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of a brown tabby, the striking beauty of a silver tabby, or any other variation, these cats offer a blend of personality and elegance that’s hard to resist.

Caring for a Tabby Maine Coon involves regular grooming, a balanced diet, and a commitment to their overall health.