Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Dr. Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD
Black Maine Coon cats are impressive animals whose appearance often stops people in their tracks. Their midnight colored coat, combined with the impressive stature typical of Maine Coon cats, make these cats truly stand out from the crowd.
Black Maine Coon Cat Physical Appearance
In general, black Maine Coon cats have the same physical traits as all Maine Coons.
General Appearance
- Size: Maine Coon cats are the largest breed of non-hybrid domestic cats. Males usually weigh between 13 to 18 pounds, but cats as big as 25 pounds are not uncommon. They are also very long! The world record for longest cat goes to a Maine Coon measuring 48.5 inches from tip of his nose to the end of his tail(1).
- Fur: These cats have dense, water-repellent fur. It is longer on the ruff, giving them a slightly lion-like appearance. It is even long between the toes, creating tufts on the bottom of their feet that help them walk on snow and keep their feet warm.
- Ears: One of the distinctive features of Maine Coons is their large ears that have tufted tips, reminiscent of lynx ears(2).
- Tail: Also notable is their long and bushy tail, perfect for wrapping around their legs and feet to help keep them warm.
- Eyes: The Maine Coon’s eyes are almond-shaped and can be green, gold, or copper, colors which are really striking against the darkness of their black fur.
The Distinctive All-Black Coloration
- Fur: The fur is uniformly black, giving them a sleek and elegant look. The depth of the black color can vary from a jet black to a slightly lighter charcoal black.
- Paw Pads and Nose: The paw pads, or “toe beans”, will be a solid black, as well as their nose. This is consistent with the rest of their all-black appearance.
- Skin: Like most black cats, the skin itself is not the same rich black color as the fur. Instead, the skin of black cats tends to be shades of dark gray.
Color Variations:
- Solid Black: The fur of solid black Maine Coon cats is entirely black, from the tip of the fur to the skin. This includes both their longer, courser outer coat hair as well as the softer and finer undercoat hair.
- Black Smoke: Black smoke Maine Coons feature a black outer coat with white or gray roots, creating a “smoky” look. This color pattern is striking, as the lighter undercoat seems to glow when the cat moves.
- Russeting: This is a phenomenon where black fur appears to have a reddish or brown tint. It can occur due to sun bleaching (if it is an outdoor cat), or if the cat’s diet is lacking in the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine.
Personality and Behavior
Maine Coon cats, including the black ones, are known to be very affectionate and loyal to their family members. They are social cats that like to be around people as well as other family pets.
They are also intelligent, active cats that like to play, explore, run and jump. Cats that do not have enough room to express these behaviors tend to get in trouble when they try to find other ways to entertain themselves, such as getting into cupboards and drawers and finding their way on top of cabinets and other furniture.
They like interactive toys and activities that keep them active and mentally engaged. They often follow their owners and are known for being vocal, with many different sounds beyond the usual “meows”.
Care and Grooming
With all that long, thick hair, Maine Coons need help keeping their coat clean and free of tangles. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting, and monthly baths with cat-safe shampoo can help keep their fur clean, soft, and shiny.
Since these are large, fast growing cats, care and attention must be given to their diets and portions adjusted appropriately as they grow. These large cats will eat more than your average cat, and need a diet that is balanced for their specific needs. As they grow older and become less active, portion control may be necessary to keep them from becoming overweight.
Health Issues
Like other Maine Coons, the black Maine Coon is prone to health problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(3), hip dysplasia(4), and polycystic kidney disease(5). Regular veterinary check-ups for these cats is highly recommended, to make sure that you catch any developing health issues early.
More Information About Maine Coon Cats
Are you interested in learning more about Maine Coon cats? We’ve got you covered! We recommend starting with our comprehensive breed information guide, and then moving on to other articles on more specific Maine Coon topics:
- Maine Coon Cat: Breed Information And Care Guide
- Where to Get A Maine Coon Cat: How To Find A Gentle Giant
- Are Maine Coon Cats Mean?
- How Big Is A Maine Coon Kitten: The Facts
- How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Live? A Vet Explains
- Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon Cat: Which Is Best?
- The Maine Coon Tabby Mix – Orange Edition
- Is It Okay To Shave A Maine Coon Cat?
- Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic?
- Is A Maine Coon Cat Part Raccoon?
- 12 Characteristics of Ragdoll Maine Coon Mix Kittens
- Maine Coon Mix Characteristics To Look For In Your Big Cat
- Why Do Maine Coon Cats Have An M On Their Forehead
- How Big Are Maine Coon Cats?
- Maine Coon Price
- Are Maine Coon Cats Good Family Pets?
- The Knotty Kitty: What To Do About A Matted Cat
- Long Hair Cat Grooming – The Right Way
Sources:
- https://largest.org/animals/largest-maine-coon-cats
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/lynx-mammal
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-and-cats/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-in-dogs-and-cats
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hip-dysplasia
- Maine Coon renal screening: ultrasonographical characterisation and preliminary genetic analysis for common genes in cats with renal cysts
[Image credits: All images are used under license or with permission]
