Maine Coons come in a variety of colors and patterns, but the classic tuxedo Maine Coon remains a staple among fanciers of this breed.
Despite this, many people are still surprised to learn that Maine Coons come in this pattern!
The tuxedo pattern in cats is a bicolor or piebald pattern. Tuxedo Maine Coons are most often black with white spotting, but the base color can also be blue, red, or cream, among other potential colors and patterns. The white spotting on tuxedo cats only covers their face, chest, and paws, which makes the cat look as though it is wearing a tuxedo.
Tuxedo Maine Coons are not quite as rare or coveted as some other Maine Coon patterns and colors, such as:
- Silver
- Gold
- Smoke
- Chinchilla
Still, the Maine Coon tuxedo cat still has a certain, undeniable charm.
Read on to learn more about what causes this adorable pattern in Maine Coon cats.
Tuxedo Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a huge, wild-looking cat breed that originated in the cold state of Maine.
These cats are prized for their loving, social personalities, as well as their wide range of colors and patterns.
If you are not sure what colors the Maine Coon comes in, make sure you read my article Maine Coon Colors And Patterns to find out!
When most people imagine a tuxedo cat, they imagine black and white coloring, but tuxedo cats can actually come in a range of colors.
One common misconception is that tuxedo cats are their own breed, but the term actually refers to a specific pattern, which can appear in a wide variety of cat breeds.
What Is A Tuxedo Maine Coon Cat?
Tuxedo Maine Coons are bicolor cats with white spotting on the cat’s chest, face, and paws.
When it comes to cat coat colors, there are actually only three main colors:
- Black
- Red
- White
If we investigate these colorings more closely we find that the black and red coloration is caused by pigments known as eumelanin and pheomelanin, respectively.
The color white, however, is actually caused by a lack of pigment.
Cats can be either:
- Completely White (as the result of a dominant white gene)
- Partially White (as the result of a white spotting gene)
White Spotting
Bicolor cats are also known as piebald cats. They have one base pigment of either red or black, along with some amount of white spotting.
The degree of white spotting present on a cat is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least amount of white spotting, and 10 being the most.
White spotting usually begins at the extremities (such as those listed below) then spreads inward on the body:
- Paws
- Face
- Chest
- Tail
The tuxedo cat pattern refers to a specific bicolor pattern where the degree of white spotting is typically between 1 and 4.
Tuxedo cats have white on their:
- Paws
- Chest
- Bellies
- May also have some white on their face or tail
Originally, the term tuxedo only encompassed solid black cats with this specific degree of white spotting, but today, many people also count cats with other colors and patterns.
The black and white tuxedo Maine Coon is the most widely recognized, but there are a variety of other possible colors, as well.
Below are the five different types of tuxedo Maine Coons you could encounter (source 1,2,3):
1. Black Tuxedo Maine Coon
The black tuxedo Maine Coon is solid black with white spotting on the:
- Face
- Chest
- Paws
This is the most common kind of tuxedo Maine Coon.
2. Blue Tuxedo Maine Coon
Also known as the gray tuxedo Maine Coon, blue tuxedo Maine Coons are a diluted version of black, with the same white spotting patterns as a black tuxedo Maine Coon.
Diluted cats are rarer than standard red or black cats, because the diluted gene is recessive, meaning a cat must inherit at least one copy of the gene from each parent.
3. Red Tuxedo Maine Coon
The tuxedo Maine Coon can also be red, although many people refer to red cats as ginger or orange.
Read my article on the ‘Orange (Red) Maine Coon Cat’ to learn more about this fascinating Maine Coon coloring.
4. Cream Tuxedo Maine Coon
Cream tuxedo Maine Coons are a diluted version of red tuxedo Maine Coons.
Like the blue tuxedo Maine Coon, cream tuxedo Maine Coons are rarer since the cat must receive at least one copy of the diluted red gene from each parent.
5. Tortoiseshell Tuxedo Maine Coon
Most tuxedo Maine Coons have only one base color and a degree of white spotting.
Tortoiseshell tuxedo Maine Coons, however, have a base of brindled red and black, or a diluted brindled coat of cream and blue.
Where Do Tuxedo Cats Come From?
The tuxedo cat’s origin is, unfortunately, something of a mystery.
We do not know when or how tuxedo cats first came into existence, but we do know that this pattern can be traced back centuries.
Some of the earliest depictions of tuxedo cats date back to Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egyptians viewed cats as sacred and often depicted them in art and writing.
They seemed to have a particular fondness for tuxedo cats, as about 70% of all cat illustrations were tuxedo cats (source 1).
Tuxedo Maine Coon Size
The size of a tuxedo Maine Coon cat is no different from the size of any other Maine Coon, since a cat’s coat color has no effect on its size.
Gender
Male Maine Coons are larger on average than their female counterparts.
Weight
A full-grown tuxedo Maine Coon can be expected to weigh between 8 – 25 pounds.
While most female Maine Coons weigh between 8 – 12 pounds, male Maine Coons usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
Height And Length
On average, they will measure between 8 – 16 inches tall, and 19 and 40 inches long.
Female Maine Coons typically measure between 8 – 14 inches tall, while their male counterparts are usually 10 – 16 inches tall.
When it comes to length, however, both male and female Maine Coons average about the same.
Growth Rate
Even though Maine Coons are typically much larger than the average cat, they take much longer to reach full size.
These large cats have a very slow growth rate, and they do not reach full size until they are between 3 – 5 years old.
Read my in-depth Maine Coon size guide.
Tuxedo Maine Coon Personality
Cats come in so many different colors and patterns that some people, understandably, confuse a cat’s appearance with its breed.
Some people mistakenly believe that a cat’s color or pattern determines its breed, as well as its personality.
While some cat breeds, such as Himalayans or Russian Blues, have specific colorations and patterns, a cat’s coloration does not actually have any relation to its temperament.
Aside from appearance, tuxedo Maine Coons are not actually any different from other Maine Coons.
You can therefore expect a tuxedo Maine Coon to have the same relative personality traits as the rest of the Maine Coon cat breed.
Below are the key Maine Coon cat personality traits:
1. Social
Maine Coons are among the most social and loving cats.
They are curious and friendly towards strangers and incredibly loyal and affectionate towards their owners.
While not clingy, Maine Coons love to spend time near their owners, often following them from room to room so they can remain close.
2. Playful
Despite their large size and wise appearance, Maine Coons are so playful. They act like kittens well into adulthood!
These cats still find wonder and excitement in everything, even when they’re old.
Of course, this also means that Maine Coons need playtime from their owners every day, as well as a lot of toys to entertain themselves.
These Maine Coon cat toys are ideal for stimulating their mind.
3. Intelligent
Maine Coons are revered for their intelligence.
They are very emotionally in tune with their owners, and can often sense when someone is upset or happy.
They are also great at problem-solving, which can lead them into all sorts of mischief!
4. Active
Maine Coon cats are one of the most athletic cat breeds out there.
They have strong natural hunting instincts, and they also love to climb!
These cats need plenty of space to run and climb, as well as a lot of durable toys that can withstand their roughhousing.
Have you ever wondered just how high a Maine Coon cat can jump?
If so, click here to be mesmerized!
5. Gentle
Maine Coons are also incredibly gentle and patient.
In fact, they are so famous for their even temperament that they have earned themselves the nickname the “gentle giants” of the cat world.
Additionally, Maine Coons get along especially well with children and are a lot more patient with humans and pets alike.
Read more about the special family bond between Maine Coon cats and children in this article.
Tuxedo Maine Coon Price
If you have fallen in love with tuxedo cats, you might be wondering, how much is a tuxedo Maine Coon?
First things first, it is important to note that Maine Coons are not cheap, and typically range between $400 and $2,000!
If the purchase price is a barrier to you, take comfort in the fact that it is possible to find cheaper Maine Coons.
You just need to read this guide to find out how!
What we do know about the tuxedo black and white Maine Coon cat, is that it is not very rare in comparison to other Maine Coon colors and patterns, so should not cost quite as much.
Here is a great example of what you can expect to pay for tuxedo Maine Coons, depending on how you choose to get one (source 1):
Adult
If you purchase a Maine Coon from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for an adult tuxedo cat.
Here is a list packed full of registered Maine Coon cat breeders.
Kitten
A tuxedo Maine Coon kitten from a reputable, registered breeder can be expected to cost more than an adult.
You will typically have to spend between $800 and $2,000.
Since buying a Maine Coon kitten is such an expense, make sure you ask these 20 important questions before handing over your hard-earned money.
Adoption
Adoption is the cheapest way to get a Maine Coon cat, but it is also the most difficult.
Finding a Maine Coon at a shelter is no easy task, and they tend to be snatched up quite quickly by other fanciers of the breed.
Still, if you are lucky enough to find a tuxedo Maine Coon at a shelter, you will only have to pay between $100 and $250. This cheaper price makes the extra effort you have to put in worth it!
If you are new to cat adoption, here is a complete guide to Maine Coon adoption, including a few important factors that are important to keep in mind.
Retired Cat
Once Maine Coons reach a certain age, they are no longer able to compete in shows or continue to breed.
Many breeders choose to sell their retired Maine Coons so they can settle down for a peaceful life in their forever home.
Retired Maine Coons typically cost between $400 and $1,200. You can expect to pay a smaller amount for a tuxedo Maine Coon cat.
Are Tuxedo Maine Coons Rare?
Tuxedo Maine Coons are not rare.
In fact, this pattern is actually one of the most common in Maine Coon cats.
This color combination and pattern passes easily from parents to kittens, while other colors and patterns are more difficult to produce, such as the following Maine Coon colorings:
- Silver
- Chinchilla
- Smoke
Tuxedo Maine Coon For Sale
If you are looking for tuxedo Maine Coon kittens for sale, you will have to do some research to ensure you are getting a cat that was ethically raised.
This is because there are a lot of breeders who put cats in unsafe conditions, just to make quick money.
In fact, a lot of scammers will even claim they are selling purebred Maine Coons, when they are actually selling Maine Coon mixes or even cats without a drop of Maine Coon blood in them!
Take a looking at my Complete Guide To Buying A Maine Coon Cat to ensure you do not fall for the most common scammer cat traps.
To find a tuxedo Maine Coon, you should search for breeders that are registered with associations like TICA or CFA, whose seal of approval means the breeder is producing high-quality cats in loving, safe conditions.
It is also best to find breeders near you, so you can ask to see the cats in person.
A responsible breeder such as these will let you see where the kittens will be raised, as well as the mother’s living conditions.
Of course, if you cannot afford to purchase a purebred Maine Coon, you can always keep an eye out for Maine Coons at local shelters, or consider buying a Maine Coon Mix.
My article how to tell if you own a part Maine Coon cat will be super useful for readers looking to spot a Maine Coon mix at their local shelters.
It is much harder to find a purebred Maine Coon available for adoption, but with time and patience, you might just get lucky!
Tuxedo Maine Coon Breeders
Maine Coon breeders tend to have one or more breeding pairs, and they often specialize in certain colorations and patterns.
The following Maine Coon breeders, located in the United States, have tuxedo Maine Coons:
- At Last Cats
- Maine Coon Connections
- Coonomagic
All three of these catteries are TICA registered and have a wide variety of Maine Coons available.
‘Coonomagic’ has many black and white cats with varying degrees of white spotting, including some tuxedo cats!
‘At Last Cats’ and ‘Maine Coon Connections’ both have many cats with tuxedo patterns, although they tend to be in a variety of colors besides solid black (source 1,2,3).
Tuxedo Maine Coon Mix
It is possible to find a tuxedo Maine Coon cross that is not a purebred Maine Coon.
Maine Coon mixes can be mixed with other cat breeds, or simply with domestic shorthairs or longhairs.
Tuxedo Maine Coon mix kittens are often cheaper than purebred Maine Coons, but it is harder to predict what the resulting cat will look like or act like.
If you want a tuxedo cat mixed with Maine Coon, you might have a hard time finding this specific combination.
After all, reputable breeders are usually only concerned with breeding pedigree Maine Coons, rather than mixing them with domestic shorthairs.
Still, it is definitely possible to come across a tuxedo Maine Coon mix in a shelter, or even as a stray!
Are Tuxedo Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, a cat’s color and pattern do not affect whether or not it is hypoallergenic.
Maine Coons in general are not hypoallergenic.
Tuxedo Maine Coons are no less hypoallergenic than Maine Coons of any other color or pattern.
Whilst this breed does not shed as much year-round as many other long-haired cats, they still shed a lot during the spring and summer months.
They also produce plenty of allergens like dander and sebum (source 1).
Are Tuxedo Cats Always Male?
It is common for Maine Coon owners to wonder if tuxedo Maine Coons can only be male. Thankfully, though, this is not actually the case.
Maine Coon tuxedos can be either male or female, although tortoiseshell or calico tuxedo cats can only be female.
Why Are Black And White Cats Unpopular?
As adorable as black and white cats are, they do not seem to shine quite as much as cats of other colors and patterns.
So why are black and white cats so unpopular?
Here are a few likely reasons (source 1):
1. They Are Common
The biggest reason black and white cats are less popular is because they are quite common.
Many people prefer the rarer Maine Coon colors and patterns listed below, to the more common black and white cats:
- Cream
- Silver
- Tortoiseshell
- Colorpoint
2. People Assume Their Personality
Many people mistakenly believe that a cat’s color and pattern affect its personality.
Some people believe that black and white cats have boring personalities, or are less intelligent than cats of other colors.
3. They Are Seen As Unlucky
Black cats are often viewed as unlucky, and while black and white cats do not have quite as much of a bad rap as solid black cats, some of that superstition might still apply to them.
Tuxedo Maine Coon Cat Pictures
Tuxedo Maine Coons have an elegant, mature appearance.
Even as kittens, the tuxedo markings are bold, and closely resemble the stately attire they were named after.
The classic white paws and chest, often accompanied by a white chin or blaze on the face, make the tuxedo Maine Coon cat stand apart from other patterns and colorations.
Conclusion
A lot of cat owners fall in love with black cats that have a white chest, belly, and paws, and they cannot help but wonder, can a Maine Coon be a tuxedo cat?
The tuxedo Maine Coon is actually a rather common pattern found in this breed though, which means you can easily find a tuxedo Maine Coon to purchase, from a responsible breeder.
Related Questions
Tuxedo Maine Coon Short Hair
Maine Coons have long, thick fur, so a short-haired tuxedo cat cannot be a purebred Maine Coon. Short hair tuxedo cats might be a Maine Coon mix, but more commonly, they are simply domestic shorthairs.