Tuxedo Maine Coon Mix Facts

Ever met a Tuxedo Maine Coon mix? It’s like a Maine Coon wearing a sleek tuxedo. I came across one recently, and I’m hooked – keep reading to find out why!
A tuxedo cat is mostly black with white patches on its chest, paws, and face, making it look like it is wearing a tuxedo. Cats of many breeds can come in tuxedo patterns, including the Maine Coon. Tuxedo cats are not a specific breed and do not have a unique temperament due to their pattern.
The tuxedo Maine Coon cat is one of the cutest patterns a Maine Coon can come in since these black and white cats always look like they’re dressed for a fancy event!
What Is A Tuxedo Maine Coon Mix?
A tuxedo cat is any cat with a solid black coat and white markings on its:
- Chest
- Paws
- Face
They’re called tuxedo cats because their markings look like they’re wearing a tuxedo!!
Tuxedo Maine Coon mixes are black with white markings and may have long or short hair, however, are not considered an official cat breed.
They may be average in size or take after their Maine Coon ancestors and have large paws and a powerful muzzle.
Here are a few of my favorite Tuxedo cat pictures, though be warned these are not just Tuxedo Maine Coon cats because I think ALL cat breeds are beautiful:
Maine Coon tuxedo mix cats are not considered rare because purebred cats of this breed are available in the Tuxedo pattern.
Generally speaking, Tuxedo cats are quite common because domestic shorthairs and longhairs (cats without a breed) can come in this pattern.
Some people think a cat’s color influences its temperament and behavior, however, I’m here to confirm this isn’t true! Tuxedo cats do not behave differently from other cats.
Maine Coons are beautiful cats with long, shaggy coats that can come in just about any coat color or pattern, including tuxedo.
Personality And Temperament
Mix-breed cats do not have predefined personality traits and characteristics because their DNA is formed from two cat breeds rather than one.
The strength of a cat’s genetics determines which traits and physical features are passed onto any kittens produced.
A mix between a Maine Coon and a tuxedo cat without a breed will likely have a few Maine Coon Personality Traits.
The cat’s experiences at a young age will also influence its personality e.g. kittens growing up surrounded by other cats/humans will be well-socialized and open towards strangers, while cats with a rough early life are often timid.
It’s likely your Maine Coon mix will be smarter and more energetic than other cats since Maine Coons are well known for being highly intelligent and affectionate.
Maine Coons are smart and playful so owners need to ensure the toys they give them are challenging and stimulating, or else they may become bored and destructive.
These cats do best in households with durable, interactive toys and plenty of places to jump and climb.
Size
The average domestic housecat weighs between 6 and 12 pounds, while Maine Coons range between 12 and 22 pounds once they’re fully grown.
Most domestic housecats measure 18 inches long and 10 inches tall. Maine Coons range from 19 to 40 inches long and 8 to 16 inches tall!
If you’re wondering how big a Tuxedo Maine Coon mix can get, they’ll likely weigh between 6 and 22 pounds and stand 8 to 16 inches tall.
Males tend to be heavier, longer, and taller than females (source 1).
Physical Traits
Tuxedo Maine Coon mixes often inherit the long coats characteristic of both parent breeds, giving them a luxurious and regal appearance.
They typically have a large size, owing to their Maine Coon heritage, with big-boned builds and a rugged, wild look reminiscent of their ancestors.
The tuxedo coat pattern combines black and white colors, and don’t be surprised to see lynx-like ear tufts on your cat!
One of the unique characteristics of these cats is their blue eyes (not normal for a purebred Maine Coon), which can be mesmerizing against their black or white fur.
Tuxedo Maine Coons may also display white spotting or patterns on their otherwise dark coats.
How Hypoallergenic Are These Cats?
It’s unlikely that your tuxedo Maine Coon mix will be hypoallergenic since Maine Coons have long, thick fur and shed heavily year-round.
However, since the longhair gene is recessive, if a Maine Coon mates with a shorthair tuxedo cat its offspring will be shorthair as well unless the tuxedo cat has longhaired ancestors.
Still, even a shorthaired cat with Maine Coon ancestry is likely to shed and have thicker fur than the average cat, so it probably wouldn’t be hypoallergenic either (source 1).
What Should I Feed My Cat?
All cats need the following in their daily diet:
- A high amount of protein
- Moderate amount of fat
- A small amount of carbohydrates
It’s a good idea to purchase cat food that has specifically named animal proteins and little to no filler grains like corn or wheat.
You should also provide both dry food and wet food.
Dry food helps reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, while wet food is more flavorful and contains a lot more water, which helps prevent kidney disease.
History Of These Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon’s ancestry stretches back to the Norwegian Forest Cat, which was once kept by Vikings.
The working theory is that Vikings landed in what is now the United States and traded, released, or lost some of their cats, which then mated with local cats.
Over time, these cats’ offspring developed wide paws, long hair, and a bushy tail to more easily traverse the snowy landscape.
In the 1800s, Maine Coons became popular companions for sailors and farmers trying to keep pests at bay. In the 1900s, the breed became official.
While the tuxedo cat is not a breed on its own, the coat pattern is ancient. The majority of cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian records had a tuxedo pattern.
While we don’t know how far back this pattern stretches, it’s neat to think that humans thousands of years ago liked the pattern just as much as we do! (source 1).
Are These Cats Friendly?
Maine Coons are known for being gentle and laidback but they’re also highly social and affectionate. Therefore a Tuxedo mix cat with Maine Coon ancestry is likely to fit in well with just about any family!
These large cats are open and friendly towards strangers and even more loving towards family members.
The Maine Coon is also one of the best breed options for families with small children, as they are so easygoing and don’t mind playing dress-up or having tea parties!
Coat Color
If you mix a Maine Coon and a tuxedo cat, the cat could have a solid black or black-and-white coloring, or it may have the colors or patterns of its Maine Coon parent.
Maine Coons can come in a wide variety of colors (75 colors, in fact!), including:
- Red
- Black
- Blue
- Cream
- White
They also come in a wide range of patterns including:
- Tabby
- Calico
- Tortoiseshell
- Solid
- Particolor
Feline Health Issues
Even though Maine Coons are considered a hardy breed, they are prone to some inherited conditions, such as:
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy: This condition weakens the muscles around a cat’s spine and hind legs. The atrophy worsens over time until the cat progresses from an odd swaying gait to severely reduced mobility in its hind legs.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: Pyruvate kinase deficiency occurs when the cat’s body cannot produce enough of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which provides energy to red blood cells. These red blood cells die prematurely, leading to anemia.
Domestic cats are usually healthier than purebred cats but can still suffer from certain conditions.
Here are some general cat health issues that you may find in a domestic tuxedo cat:
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism causes a cat’s metabolism to increase. Cats with this condition are often thin despite eating the same or even more than usual. They tend to be hyperactive as well.
- Kidney Disease: All cats are prone to kidney disease, especially during their senior years. One of the best ways to prevent kidney disease is by providing plenty of wet food.
If you have a tuxedo Maine Coon mix, here are some of the feline health problems it is more likely to suffer from:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is a genetic condition that leads to thickening in the walls of the heart. Eventually, the heart walls become so thick that blood can no longer pass through, and the affected cat dies. Sadly, there is no cure for this condition.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: This incurable condition causes cysts to form inside the cat’s kidneys. Many cats with this condition live without complications.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of a cat’s femur is irregularly shaped so that it grinds against the hip joint. Over time, this grinding wears down the joint until it becomes loose and painful.
Exercise Requirements
Since Maine Coons are so playful and energetic, a mixed Maine Coon will still need a lot of exercise.
My purebred Maine Coons need at least 20-30 minutes of playtime across the day to calm down, so your Tuxedo mix may benefit from this amount too.
Buy furniture that your cat can run and jump on! This will help them exercise without owner assistance, e.g. these extra large cat trees or shelves along the walls will do the trick!
Alternatively, why not take your cat for a walk on a leash or harness? Here’s where to begin with this.
The Maine Coon’s intelligent, doglike personality means a tuxedo Maine Coon mix will likely learn how to go on walks quickly.
I’ve personally found this outdoor experience to be a great bonding activity between you and your pet, and it’s the perfect way to get your Maine Coon some exercise if it’s feeling pent-up.
If you’re in the UK like I am, remember that cat folks here don’t often walk their cats down the street so you might get some bizarre looks!!
Price
A purebred Maine Coon with a tuxedo pattern costs $1,000+, particularly if you’re purchasing from registered and reputable breeders.
A tuxedo Maine Coon mix will likely cost less but may be harder to find.
Grooming Needs
I suspect your tuxedo Maine Coon mix will not be so different from a purebred Maine Coon, when it comes to grooming.
Therefore, you’ll likely need to brush your cat 2-3 times a week, and more during the spring when shedding is heaviest.
However, if your Maine Coon tuxedo cat has short hair, it probably won’t need to be brushed more than once a week.
Lifespan
Maine Coons have an average lifespan of 12 – 15 years, whereas the average domestic cat has a lifespan of 12 to 17 years.
Therefore, you can expect your tuxedo Maine Coon mix to live somewhere between the ages of 12 – 17 years.
Trainability
Even though domestic cats are generally less intelligent than Maine Coons, a mix between the two will probably be eager to please and eager to train.
Clicker training or providing plenty of positive reinforcement through treats and praise will encourage your cat to learn more tricks and commands.
A lot of Maine Coon mixes even learn to play fetch, my tabby Maine Coon certainly does. Watch him go, in this YouTube video I made.
Will My Maine Coon Mix Get On With Other Pets?
Since Maine Coons are considered the gentle giant of the cat world, they get along remarkably well with other cats and dogs. Here’s more about this.
These cats long for companionship, and become depressed and lonely if they don’t get to spend enough time with their owners.
As a result, many Maine Coon cat lovers make sure to provide their feline friend with another cat or dog as a companion.
Conclusion
The tuxedo Maine Coon mix is an adorable cat with a black coat and white markings on its belly, throat, paws, and face.
Their Maine Coon ancestry means they tend to be intelligent, playful, and incredibly affectionate.
A Maine Coon tuxedo mix may have long or short hair, but they’re likely going to need more grooming than the average shorthaired cat.
Overall, the tuxedo Maine Coon mix is a sweet, loving cat with a beautiful pattern and a big personality!