Tuxedo Maine Coon Cat: History, Facts & Pictures
Maine Coon cats are well-known for having large size and lively personalities. They have been loved for a long time. But have you ever had a Tuxedo Maine Coon? There are many different coat colors and patterns for Maine Coons. One of the most interesting ones is the tuxedo coat.
These Maine Coons have popular tuxedo-like markings, which make them one of the most popular Maine Coon variations around.
Tuxedo Maine Coon cats are not just black and white. They can be black, cream, blue, or red with tuxedo markings. These Maine Coon tuxedo cats are not only beautiful but also loyal, gentle, and affectionate.
Understanding Tuxedo Maine Coon Cat?
A Tuxedo Maine Coon is a cat with a two-color coat with white spotting on the chest, face, and paws. Maine Coons come in three main colors:
The black and red colors are caused by some pigments in the fur known as eumelanin and pheomelanin, respectively. The white color is caused by an absence of pigment.
- Cats can be completely white due to a dominant white gene partially white due to a white spotting gene.
Where Do Maine Coon Tuxedo Cats Originate From?
Maine Coon cats are believed to have originated from Maine, but their exact origin is still uncertain.
French Story
A tale suggests that Maine Coon tuxedo cats are descendants of six cats sent by Marie Antoinette to Maine during the French Revolution.
Raccoon Mix?
One theory says that Maine Coons might be a blend of domestic cats and raccoons, which could explain their brown fur and bushy tails.
DNA Findings
Recent DNA tests indicate the mix of a Norwegian Forest Cat and an unknown domestic species, suggesting a Scandinavian origin for Maine Coons.
Viking Connection
Some theory says Maine Coons originated from kittens of domestic and long-haired cats brought to America by European sailors or Vikings in the 1700s.
The Rise of Tuxedo Maine Coon
Maine Coons are famous for their friendly nature and hunting skills. Maine Coons gained popularity in the 1800s. They were first mentioned in a book in 1861’s The Book of the Cat. The Maine Coon mentioned in this book was black and white, which indicates that it might have been a tuxedo cat.
Maine Coons gained recognition throughout the late 1800s and won awards at cat shows. However, their popularity began to decline in the early 1900s, and by the 1950s, their existence dwindled.
In the 1960s, interest in Maine Coons surged again, becoming popular once again. Nowadays, Maine Coon is one of the top most popular cat breeds in the United States.
Formal Recognition of Maine Coon Cat Tuxedo
Maine Coons were first featured in a book in 1861 and appeared in a particular cat show in Maine, presenting different coat patterns including the tuxedo coloring.
A Maine Coon won the Best in Show award at the National Cat Show in New York City in 1895. The Cat Fanciers Association gave Maine Coons championship status in 1976.
Some Top Fascinating Facts About Maine Coon
1. Oldest American Breed
The Maine Coon holds the recognition of being the oldest cat breed arising in the United States and is the only long-haired local breed.
2. Love For Water
Maine Coons love Water. Their fur resists water. Maine Coons enjoy water activities and even play in bathtubs and sinks.
3. Largest Cat Breed
Stewie, a Maine Coon, grasps the record of the world’s longest domestic cat at about 48.5 inches. Normally, Maine Coons weigh between 12 to 18 pounds.
4. Tuxedo Recognition
Maine Coons are among just 8 cat breeds officially known for their tuxedo-like coat pattern.
5. Friendly Nature
Maine Coons are intelligent and friendly. Their social nature is adored by everyone. It is a big reason for their popularity.
Do Tuxedo Maine Coon Cats Exclusively Have Black and White Fur?
Tuxedo Maine Coon cats are famous because of their unique coat pattern. The pattern includes black with a white pattern on the face, chest, and paws. Tuxedo Maine Coon cats come in a variety of colors. Black and white combinations are most common.
Five Main Types of Tuxedo Maine Coons:
There are five main types of Tuxedo Maine Coons:
Cream Tuxedo Maine Coon: These cats have a dominant cream color with a white pattern.
Black Tuxedo Maine Coon: This type of Maine Coon is mostly black with white markings on the chest, paws, and face.
Blue Tuxedo Maine Coon: Blue is close to the black one but with grayish-blue color instead of black.
Red Tuxedo Maine Coon: Some refer to red cats as “orange” or “ginger,” but tuxedo Maine Coons can also have red fur.
White Tie with Cream Coon: Cream tuxedo Maine Coons are rarer than blue tuxedo because they have to inherit the diluted red gene from both parents. Cream tuxedo Maine Coons have a softer color.
What Size Do Maine Coon Tuxedo Cat Reach?
The coat color of a cat does not affect their size. Male Maine Coons are larger than the females. An adult Maine Coon tuxedo cat weighs between 8 and 25 pounds. Female Maine Coons range between 8 and 12 pounds while males are generally between 15 to 25 pounds.
Maine Coons’ height can vary between 8 to 16 inches and in length from 19 to 40 inches. On average, females are 8 to 14 inches tall while males are 10 to 16 inches. Maine Coons are larger than the regular house cats. They reached their full size in three to five years.
How Common Are Maine Coon Tuxedo Cats?
Maine Coon Tuxedo cats are the most common coat pattern for Maine Coon cats. Other colors like Silver, Smoke, and chinchilla are rare and more challenging breeds.
See Also: Black Smoke Maine Coon.
Is a Maine Coon Tuxedo a Good Pet?
Maine Coon tuxedo cats make fantastic pets! They are among the famous cat breeds in the US. They are great with kids, other cats, and with dogs. They don’t require much care besides grooming because they are generally healthy.
Their nails require regular nail trimming and long coats need brushing because they shed a lot. The Maine Coon is friendly, sociable, and energetic. They love following people around all day.
You can also play games with them, such as fetch. They enjoy outdoor activities. Always watch them when they are outside and keep them on a leash.
Cost of a Maine Coon Tuxedo Cat
Tuxedo Maine Coon’s cost may leave you questioning if splurging on a tuxedo Maine Coon is worth it?
Maine Coon is expensive, ranging from $400 to $2,000. If you want a less expensive cat, there are some affordable options available. Tuxedo-patterned Maine Coons are inexpensive because their black and white color is more common.
Here’s what you can expect to pay based on the age of the cat
Tuxedo Maine Coon Kitten: When Buying a tuxedo kitten from a licensed breeder, expect to pay more than for an adult cat.
Adult: A tuxedo Maine Coon from a reputable breeder may cost you from $600 to $1,200.
Senior: Old Maine Coon is no longer used for breeding or show. Retired Maine Coon range from $400 to $1,200.
Check shelters or rescue groups. Maine Coon from shelters costs around $100-$250. Doing some research saves your money and gives a home to a rescued cat.
Adopting vs. Buying: Tuxedo Maine Coon Factors
You should research to ensure that a tuxedo Maine Coon kitten is ethically raised before buying from a breeder.
When you are searching for a Tuxedo Maine Coon, look for a TICA and CFA-recognized breeder. Both organizations make sure that their members prioritize the health and well-being of their cats.
If possible, also visit the breeders in your area and assess the living conditions and the cats themselves.
Conclusion
Tuxedo Maine Coon stands out as both a stunning and captivating cat breed. While their history is a mystery, their popularity can’t be denied. These cats are a beautiful addition to any family and will stay loyal by your side. You won’t regret it after buying a Maine Coon tuxedo cat.
Looking for more Maine Coon colors and patterns? Our guide covers plenty, including orange, grey, tabby, calico, an more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest tuxedo pattern?
The rarest pattern is cream and white among all the tuxedo cats and other bicolor breeds.
Are Tuxedo cats mostly females?
No, Tuxedo cats are not only female. People often think tuxedo cats are male because of their appearance, but they can be equally female too. Girls can rock tuxedos too!
What color do tuxedo cats’ eyes contain?
Tuxedo cats possess green eyes. The green can be bold or even have a hint of yellow. Some tuxedo cats may also have striking yellow eyes.
