Surprising Truths About Tuxedo Maine Coons
A striking combination of size, personality, and regal coloration, the Tuxedo Maine Coon is a standout version of America’s native feline giant.
In this guide, we explore its origins, defining appearance, formal status, and what makes this coat pattern truly special.
Quick Facts At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coat Pattern | Bicolor (tuxedo) – black, blue, red, cream, or tortie with white |
| Size | Males: 18–22 lb; Females: 12–15 lb |
| Origin | New England, 19th century; pattern noted in the earliest literature |
| Popularity | Widespread since 1860s; saving breed post-1950s; championships since 1976 |
| Recognition | Tuxedo pattern included in breed standards in major registries |
| Rarity | Common, not rare – white spotting gene is dominant in Maine Coons |
| Personality | Gentle, friendly, intelligent, playful, and social |
What Is A Tuxedo Maine Coon?
A Tuxedo Maine Coon is a purebred Maine Coon cat with a striking black-and-white bicolor coat pattern that resembles a tuxedo – hence the name!
These cats typically have a black body with distinct white markings on the chest, belly, paws, and sometimes the face, creating the appearance of a cat wearing a formal suit.
Physically, they share the same impressive features as all Maine Coons:
- Large, muscular build
- Long, bushy tail
- Tufted ears and paws
- Thick, semi-water-resistant fur
- Male weight: 18-22 lbs | Female: 12-15 lbs
- Height: 10-16 inches
- Length: Up to 40 inches (including tail)
The tuxedo pattern is a coat color variation, not a separate breed.
These cats are known for being friendly, intelligent, playful, and loyal, with their bold coat pattern adding an extra layer of charm and elegance.
Origins And Historical Popularity
The Maine Coon breed dates back to the early 1800s in New England. One theory suggests that Norwegian Forest Cats introduced by Vikings contributed to their development.
The tuxedo pattern itself isn’t breed-specific – it likely appeared early in Maine Coon lineage and was noted in cat literature such as The Book of the Cat in 1861.
By the late 19th century, black-and-white Maine Coons often featured prominently in cat shows, enjoying popularity before long-haired imports nearly caused their numbers to decline.
The breed’s renaissance in the 1960s solidified its prominence, and by 1976, tuxedo-patterned Maine Coons were officially accepted in championship registries.
Coat Colors
While the classic pattern is black and white, tuxedo Maine Coons can also appear in:
- Blue tuxedo (gray and white): Rarer, requiring two dilution genes.
- Red (ginger) tuxedo: Familiar yet eye-catching.
- Cream tuxedo: A pale, diluted red that is uncommon..
- Tortoiseshell tuxedo (tortie): Blending brindled colors with white.
This variety makes each tuxedo Maine Coon unique. No two coat patterns are the same.
Color Combinations Explained
Tuxedo Maine Coon cats come in a variety of color combinations that fall under the “bicolor” or “tuxedo” pattern category.
While the classic tuxedo is black and white, other variations occur depending on the base coat color and genetic modifiers like dilution or tortoiseshell patterns.
Below are the main types of tuxedo Maine Coon cats, with explanations of what makes each one unique:
1. Classic Black And White Tuxedo Maine Coon
The most iconic and widely recognized version. These cats have a solid black body with crisp white markings on the chest, paws, belly, and sometimes the face, creating the appearance of a cat in formal wear.
It’s the standard image people picture when they hear “tuxedo cat,” and it often looks symmetrical and dramatic, adding to the breed’s regal charm.
2. Blue And White Tuxedo Maine Coon (Diluted Tuxedo)
These cats have a blue (gray) base color instead of black, paired with the same white chest and paw markings.
The diluted coloring is the result of both parents carrying the dilution gene.
Blue tuxedo Maine Coons are rarer than the classic black version and often have a softer, misty appearance. Their fur tends to appear plush and smoky, making their tuxedo pattern look even more refined
3. Red (Ginger) And White Tuxedo Maine Coon
Instead of black, these cats have a rich orange/red base color with classic white tuxedo markings. Males are more likely to inherit this coloring due to genetics.
The red and white contrast is eye-catching, and these tuxedos often have warm, autumn-like hues. Their bold coloring makes them stand out from more traditional tuxedo cats.
4. Cream And White Tuxedo Maine Coon
A very pale, diluted version of the red tuxedo. These cats have a soft, buttery cream-colored coat with the usual white tuxedo markings.
Cream is one of the rarer colors in Maine Coons, especially in combination with tuxedo markings.
5. Tortoiseshell Tuxedo (Tortie And White) Maine Coon
These cats display a mix of black and red (or diluted blue and cream) in a brindled or patchy pattern, with white tuxedo markings layered over the base.
Tortie coloration is linked to the X chromosome, so tortoiseshell tuxedo Maine Coons are almost always female.
They often have multicolored faces, bold patchwork bodies, and vivid contrast. No two tortie tuxedos ever look alike, making them one of the most unique tuxedo variants.
6. Smoke Tuxedo Maine Coon
These cats have a solid black (or blue, red, etc.) coat with a silvery-white undercoat, giving the fur a smoky appearance. When paired with white tuxedo markings, they have a ghost-like shimmer in motion.
The smoke effect adds depth and dimension to the tuxedo pattern and is most visible when the fur is ruffled or in bright light.
Key Tuxedo Features (All Variants):
- Large tufted paws and long, bushy tails are typical of Maine Coons
- White bib/chest
- White paws (sometimes referred to as “gloves” or “socks”)
- White belly
- Optional white facial markings or blaze on the nose
Rarity And Breed Recognition
Tuxedo Maine Coons are common, not rare, since the white spotting gene is widespread in the breed.
Tuxedo patterns are among the octet of coat styles recognized in breed standards, such as the CFA and TICA. This means tuxedo Maine Coons hold equal footing with tabbies and solids in show merit. Thus, they are far from novelty items.
Temperament
Tuxedo Maine Coons share the breed’s signature personality:
- Affectionate
- Intelligent
- Social
- Playful
- Gentle
They often follow their owners room to room, enjoy games that mimic their natural hunting instinct, and form strong bonds with family members.
Their bicolor pattern doesn’t affect personality, but it certainly enhances their charm.
Show Standards And Formal Recognition
Cat organizations like CFA, TICA, FIFe, and ACFA include tuxedo coloration within the Maine Coon breed standard.
According to Wikipedia:
“Tuxedo Maine Coons qualify for championship titles alongside tabbies and solids. Their coat is shown based on pattern clarity and balance, not uniqueness“, making them mainstream in competitive circles.
Price
The cost of a Tuxedo Maine Coon cat or kitten depends on several key factors, including whether the cat is:
- Purebred with registration
- Its pedigree
- Breeder reputation
- Geographic location
- Whether it’s being purchased as a pet, show, or breeding-quality cat
Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing:
Tuxedo Maine Coon Kitten Cost (Purebred)
| Type of Breeder | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable Pet Breeder | $1,200 – $2,000 | Includes pedigree, health screening, vaccines, and basic socialization |
| Show or Breeding Quality | $2,500 – $4,000+ | From champion bloodlines; may include breeding rights |
| TICA/CFA Registered Mixes | $700 – $1,200 | May have Maine Coon traits but limited lineage tracking |
- Tuxedo coloring does not increase price – it’s a common pattern and not considered rare by breeders.
- Reputable breeders typically don’t charge more for coat color unless paired with elite lineage or rare genetics (e.g., smoke tuxedo).
Adult Tuxedo Maine Coon Cost
| Situation | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retired Breeding Cats | $500 – $1,200 | Adults (2-6 years) retired from breeding programs, often well-trained |
| Rescue or Adoption | $75 – $300 | From shelters or Maine Coon rescue groups; may not be purebred |
Adopting an adult tuxedo Maine Coon can be a budget-friendly and rewarding choice, especially if you’re not committed to a kitten’s energy and training needs.
What’s Included In The Price?
Most reputable breeders include:
- TICA or CFA registration paperwork
- First vaccinations and vet check
- Deworming and flea control
- Pedigree certificate (3-5 generations)
- Kitten starter pack (toys, food, litter sample)
Always ask for documentation of health screening, especially for breed-specific conditions like HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and hip dysplasia.
Avoid Backyard Breeders Or Craigslist Deals
If someone is selling a “Tuxedo Maine Coon” for under $500 and can’t provide health records, registration papers, or allow you to meet the parents, it’s likely not a genuine purebred.
These cats might be beautiful but may not grow to the expected Maine Coon size (18-22 lb for males, 12-15 lb for females), and could have hidden health issues.
Summary Of Cost By Region
| Region | Typical Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $1,200 – $2,500+ |
| United Kingdom | £900 – £2,000+ |
| Canada | $1,500 – $3,000 CAD |
| Australia | AUD $2,000 – $4,000 |
Why Tuxedo Maine Coons Captivate Us
Their striking, formal appearance combined with the breed’s loving, outgoing nature makes tuxedo Maine Coons irresistible. They enjoy the outdoors, are excellent family pets, and look as graceful as they are regal.
As part of Maine Coon history and modern cat fancy, they continue to be a beloved favorite in homes, shelters, and shows alike.
What Is A Tuxedo Maine Coon Mix?
A Tuxedo Maine Coon mix is any cat with Maine Coon blood (sometimes partial) featuring tuxedo markings.
These mixes can vary in size, coat length, and appearance, depending on the other breed involved.
While they may inherit Maine Coon traits, like tufted ears or large paws, their overall build and personality can differ widely.
They’re not formally recognized as a separate breed, but they retain the elegance and appeal of both the Maine Coon and the tuxedo pattern.
