Black Maine Coon

The black Maine Coon – there’s something special in these cats! No other Maine Coon color is as divisive or has the kind of buzz behind it as this one.

This post is part of the Maine Coon color series. See post on orange, silver, white, calico, tabby Maine Coons.

Let’s go over Black Maine Coon facts, history, personality, health, size, and of course, lots of pictures in this post.

Black Maine Coon History

Maine Coons have their roots in the New England area, but their origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. It’s believed that their ancestors were European cats who arrived with early settlers and mated with cats already living in colonial America. 

The Maine Coons unique appearance has even led to a popular legend that they are the result of breeding between a cat and a raccoon! This story likely comes from the Maine Coon’s bushy appearance and thick, fluffy tail.

Despite the rise of European long-haired breeds in the 1900s, Maine Coons remained popular with some breeders and owners, especially in America. 

In 1976, they were recognized as a formal breed by the Cat Fancier’s Association, with Black being an official color. Today, they are the state cat of Maine and still popular on the cat show circuit.

Black Maine Coon Cat Physical Features

The allure of black Maine Coon cats lies exactly in their mystery 🌌 . Stare at a large jet black Maine Coon cat’s face and the only thing you make out are its beautiful amber-green eyes staring back at you.

Maine Coon cats have a fascinating origin story – they developed in the cold and challenging climate of Maine. It’s no wonder they developed a huge size and thick, fluffy fur that keeps them warm and toasty. 

Head and Face

These amber and yellow eyes are framed by a wide black cheeks, large black ears, a black chin and nose, and the longest whiskers of any cat breed.

You’ll see tufted ears on top of the head and distinctive, oval, green-amber eyes on the face. A Maine Coon’s muzzle is square and wide, opposed to triangular like most cats. The longest whiskers of any cat add even more character to the face. 

The overall feeling of the face ranges from sweet-looking females… to more wild-seeming males, with a longer muzzle that remind people of actor Ron Perlman.

Coat

Even though you’ll likely keep your feline friend indoors, it’s still worth noting that their multi-layered coat was a necessary adaptation for their survival in the harsh New England winters. Fur on the neck, belly, flanks, and rear of legs are strategically longer for protection. 

Tail

And let’s not forget their iconic tails – long, elegant, and wider at the base, perfect for jumping with their wide set, powerful legs.

Size of a Black Maine Coon

Black Maine Coons grow up to be the same size as other color Maine Coons. The differences in size are individual and mainly depends on gender.

In both genders, their dramatically large size is probably the most noticeable aspect. And with black Maine Coons, the color just adds to it and make this large beautiful creature even seeming bigger!

Every bit of a Maine Coon conveys size, from wide calm face to the oversized paws, rugged long coat, and long luxurious tail. It’s just way more dramatic in black!

I did a complete post on the size of Maine Coons, so check it out!

Black Maine Coon Weight

Black Maine Coons are about one and a 1.5 – 2 times the weight of most normal cats. Males are generally heavier, and it can be quite shock if they jump onto your bed or chest! Females are a bit lighter, but still pleasantly hefty.

• A male black Maine Coon can grow up to be between 15 – 25 pounds, 10 – 16 inches tall, and 40+ inches in length.
• A female can grow to be between 10 – 15 pounds, 8 – 15 inches tall, and around 40 inches in length.

Price of a Black Maine Coon

To be really broad, purebred black Maine Coon kittens will cost between $800 – $2000 from CFA accredited catteries.

The price a breeder can ask for is only dependent on a few factors.

1. What is the quality of the cattery?
2. Are black kittens available?

If a breeder does well with their cattery in terms of putting out healthy kittens, plus shows their own cats on the show circuit… then that’s a quality operation.

That breeder can ask a higher price because they have proof that their cats grow up to fine standards of the breed. And that’s essentially what we all want. Their kittens are essentially more valuable because more work has been put in.

The second factor is simply availability of kittens and presence of buyers. If lots of potential buyers are contacting a breeder inquiring on kittens or upcoming litters, they can charge more.

Those looking for a black kitten only might find it difficult since you need to often get onto a waitlist for any Maine Coon kitten.

And when you add a color dimension, it only narrows the field more. But maybe others do not fancy a black cat… and you’ll be in luck!

Related: see my post on how much Maine Coons cost. It’s a deeper look at this exact question and has essential info!

Where to Find Black Maine Coon Kittens for Sale?

The first thing to do if you want to find black Maine Coon kittens for sale is to contact a CFA registered or TICA registered breeder near you. These are large cat advocacy groups that hold the cat shows in your area.

This registration is not the end-all be-all verification of the breeder and their business, but just the initial check to see registered breeders of pedigreed cats.

Another thing to do when looking for a black Maine Coon kitten for sale is to actually go to an accredited cat show for some face time with the breeders.

There you can get a business card, chat a bit, and schedule a visit to their cattery.

Black Maine Coon Adoption

Those who want to adopt a black Maine Coon should head to a cat show or go online and talk to a cattery. They might have adult cats that happen to be black.

With kittens being most in-demand, older cats in a cattery are often available for rehoming. They might be retired breeding cats or just felines with an interesting story!

There is a low chance of black purebred Maine Coons in shelters or humane societies. Besides being gorgeous, many catteries encourage parents to send their cats back to them if they are unable to take care of the cat.

By the way: I have full posts related to this! Questions to ask before adopting a Maine Coon and how to choose a Maine Coon breeder.

Personality

While the personality of a black Maine Coon is the same as other Maine Coon, but see it differently since it’s so mysterious 👻. Personality is also a slippery slope when it comes to entire breeds, because all cats are individuals.

With that being said, Maine Coons do have common personality traits, behaviors, and characteristics across the whole breed.

Your black Maine Coon will be easy going and gentle, laidback in temperament, and just very chill in new situations and with new people. They are wonderful in households with kids, babies, and also with other pets. Your dog just might find a black Maine Coon chilling in their dog bed!

They really live up to their “gentle giant” nickname, and make wonderful therapy cats. Maine Coons are also not shy, so no more darting away into a corner when someone new comes into the house.

A black Maine Coon is just as silly and derpy any color cat!

Other characteristics of Maine Coons include being social, hanging out in a crowded living room, getting the love and adoration of their fans.

At the same time, they are fine with being alone in the house if you go out. The renown Maine Coon personality is real and special.

Related: Check out my full post on the personality of Maine Coons for deeper looks!

Color Classes

Now, when we think of black Maine Coons, some of us might only be considering a solid black Maine Coon. It’s not that simple. The CFA formally recognizes 4 different variations of black Maine Coons. Which one of these are you in love with? 🌃

Solid Black

Dense coal black, sound from roots to tip of fur. Free from any tinge of rust on tips or smoke undercoat.

Nose leather: black.

Paw pads: black or brown.

CFA Maine Coon Breed Standard

These are slinky, sleek, jet black cats people envision. These cats have all black everything and nothing extraneous.

Black and White

…a combination of black and white, with or without white on face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.

CFA Maine Coon Breed Standard

This variation of the black is more commonly known as a tuxedo cat. Find him in formal wear at your dinner table! How can you say no to the below?

These buttoned up cat buddies can be majority black with white markings like the above, or mostly white with black markings.

Black Smoke

…white undercoat, deeply tipped with black. Cat in repose appears black. In motion the white undercoat is clearly apparent. Points and mask black with narrow band of white at base of hairs next to skin which may be seen only when fur is parted. Light silver frill and ear tufts.

Nose leather and paw pads: black.

CFA Maine Coon Breed Standard

These Maine Coons look extra luxurious because that professional black has undertones of white and silver!

Black Smoke and White

…color as defined for black smoke with or without white on the face. Must have white on bib, belly, and all four paws.

CFA Maine Coon Breed Standard

Essentially the black color plus white. This black variation is totally eye-catching and so regal!

About Black Maine Coon Kittens

Solid black Maine Coons are born solid black. Black smoke kittens seem to be solid, but as they grow up, the silver and white underneath develop. Wait, what?

Black Cat Genetics

Here’s an extremely quick and basic rundown of cat genetics. There are only 2 primary colors of fur: red and black. There also other properties: what are called dilute and assorted genes.

• The gray/blue color is a “dilute” of black, and that common orange color fur is a “dilute” of red.
• There exists genes for patterns, genes for smoke, and a white “masking gene.”

Solid Black Maine Coons kittens are the result of parents that both have the dominant black gene, and where the dilute and tabby pattern genes are not expressed.

Black and white kittens have parents that carry the dominant black gene, and where the white gene is expressed.

White is actually not a color, but lack of color… and cats with this “masking” gene can have white anywhere.

Black smoke kittens must have have the dominant black gene, and a parent that also has the smoke undercoat.

Black smoke and white Maine Coon kittens have the dominant black gene, plus a parent with the smoke gene, and also a white gene that’s expressed.

To read more on this interesting topic check out CFA Basic Feline Genetics and Maine Coon color calculators.

Black Maine Coon Care

Diet

Maine Coons do not require any special diets, but can require more food due to their larger size, especially if you have a big male. As obligate carnivores, their diet should contain high amounts of animal proteins like chicken, fish, and duck.

To maintain optimal health, an ideal diet for Maine Coons should consist of more than 50% protein, less than 20% fat, and no more than 3% carbohydrates.

Grooming

Black (and all color) Maine Coon cats are a long-haired breed that sheds. To keep your furry friend’s coat healthy and comfortable for her, be ready to do regular grooming like brushing, deshedding, occasional dematting and even more occasional baths.

Inadequate grooming leads to painful matting, inflammation, and most commonly, more hairballs. 

While Maine Coons do shed, it’s not as much vs other breeds like Siamese or Persians. Still, you’ll want to be in a space where you can easily vacuum or sweep. 

During the seasonal transitions in the spring and fall Maine Coon cats may experience heavier shedding than usual. So, keep up the slick brushing, deshedding, and have a lint roller handy!

Now if the shedding seems too much, it might be related to health or diet. Try cat foods that are heavy on healthy fats and omega fatty acids to boost the skin and coat.

Health

Maine Coons are robust, vibrant cats, and typically healthy due to their natural evolution. That said, they are still at risk for certain conditions. 

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease that can affect Maine Coons. This condition causes the heart muscle to enlarge, and it is usually detected through a heart murmur or echocardiogram.

Hip Dysplasia is another concern for Maine Coons as they age. Due to their large size, they may experience hip pain or difficulty jumping and playing.

Periodontal Disease, a condition that impacts the teeth and gums of all cats, including Maine Coons. Consistent cleaning and upkeep of your cat’s mouth can help prevent this condition.

Obesity is a common issue in Maine Coons, and it can cause stress on their bones and joints. Be mindful of feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian to keep them within a healthy weight range.

Exercise

Maine Coons are athletic cats that require regular exercise to expend excess energy and  provide mental stimulation. Similar to all cats, Maine Coons have an innate desire to scratch, jump, and play.

And on a practical level, if you value your drapes, furniture, or toes you will want to tire out your cat before they get bored and destructive. 

The ancestor of your Maine Coon was an amazing hunter by trade, and this lives on in Fluffy. Some parents say their Maine Coons prefer to stay on ground-level, but others say their size doesn’t diminish their need for climbing.

So, it’s crucial to provide a large-enough cat tree or other perch. Cat furniture offers a single space that fulfills climbing and scratching needs, and may discourage jumping on tables, counters, and shelves.

Attention

Maine Coons are cat show royalty with a regal long haired-coat, so you might expect them to be high maintenance and needing your attention constantly.

The opposite is true: Maine Coons are not overly dependent or clingy! You may find this surprising because of their social and human-oriented nature, but its the case. Maine Coons know how to be alone for a few hours, and they’re very well behaved, even at meal times and you haven’t woken up 🙂

Don’t get me wrong, they’re social and love to snuggle up with their humans, but they’re not clingy like some other breeds, who follow you around the house and meow all day. 

Maine Coons are independent and have a cool, aloof side to them, a great match for us cat people who need our alone time too. They won’t give you the cold shoulder, but they’ll also give you some space to breathe. That’s why their personality is so well known.

Frequently Asked Question

Is the Black Maine Coon Rare?

It depends on which category of black Maine Coon. Solid black Maine Coons are the most rare since four essential things need to happen. Both parents need to carry a dominant black gene, the kitten has to not show the dilute gene, nor show the tabby gene.

With black smoke and black and white Maine Coons, kittens just need to have a dominant black gene and one parents with smoke or white gene. Much more likely.

How Much is a Black Smoke Maine Coon?

Black Smoke Maine Coon prices depend on the cattery. In general, proper catteries charge at least $1000 – $1200 for a purebred kitten. Black smoke, blue smoke, or silver cat may cost more because of demand and how much rarer those coats are.

Gary H.

I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.