Cats are more like family members than pets. You see, you don’t own a cat. Your cat owns you. And, when you decide to adopt a beautiful kitty, no one stands out quite like a Black Maine Coon cat. You see, it’s rare to come across a full black cat anyways. But, when you speak of a Black Maine Coon, then you are in the company of a truly unique creature.
So, what is a Black Maine Coon cat? The Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat breed, known as the gentle giant of cats. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. They are the state cat of Maine, USA. They are bred in a variety of colors, including red-black, black and white, and smokey grey-black.
Now, Maine Coons come in many standard tabby shades. The Black Maine Coon has a dominant black fur gene from purebred Maine Coons. And Black Maine Coon cats have another distinguishing feature, which is their striking gold-colored eyes.
Let’s take a closer look at one of the coolest domestic cat breeds on the planet!
How Big Can Black Maine Coon Cats Get?
The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cat.
And, of course, the Black Maine Coon is as big as any of its Maine Coon cousins.
Male Maine Coon cats are generally bigger than females.
A male Maine Coon cat can weigh from 13-18 pounds. Female Maine Coons are usually around 8-12 pounds.
The most distinguishing characteristic of Maine Coon cats is that they have long and heavy bodies.
The height of an adult can vary from 10-16 inches, and they can reach the length of up to 40 inches, including their tail.Â
In 2010, the Guinness Book Of World Records held the record for a male purebred Maine Coon, Stewie, as the “world’s longest cat.” Stewie measured 48.5 inches (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.
What’s So Special About The Black Maine Coon?
You have to understand that it’s not just the size or the color that makes a Maine Coon cat so well-loved all over the world. Maine Coons are intelligent creatures that are called gentle giants for a reason.
They may look intimidating with their lion-like faces and regal manes, but these cool cats are amicable, loving, and mild-tempered.
These kitties are famous for being loyal to their humans. They are kind around other pets and incredibly easy to train. Also, another element of their nature seems to be that these cats aren’t clingy. They do love to be around their family but don’t constantly seek attention.
Male Maine Coons are reputed for having ‘clownish’ personalities, while the female Maine Coon is lord over its humans and rules with far more dignity. Yet, both male and female Maine Coons seem to have a certain fascination with water.
Most other cats run screaming from taking a bath, but not the Maine Coon, who doesn’t seem to mind taking a nice swim.
Like the Siamese, Maine Coons love to talk with their humans. You’ll frequently hear your Maine Coon yowl, trill, chirp, and make other vocalizations.
Furthermore, Maine Coon cats have amazing physical adaptations to survive in the cold; their fur is water-resistant, being longer and thicker on their underside and rear. Their raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in the snow.
Maine Coons often use their tails both as a cushion to be curled up under them to protect their rear from cold surfaces and as a stole around their body to protect them from strong freezing winds.
Also, full black Maine Coon cats may have resistance to certain diseases. There is speculation that their genetic mutation, ASIP, gives all full black cats their super soft and lustrous fur and can ward off diseases such as FIV, also known as feline AIDS.
There are no specific studies to prove the theory of ASIF fighting off infections, but it is a nice perk to have in a cat if it happens to be true.
Are Black Maine Coons Rare?
While these creatures tend to be the same in size and height, with triple layers of fur and sharply pointed ears, black Maine Coon cats aren’t entirely like their regular tabby-patterned counterparts.
These cats can only be jet black if both parents are purebred Maine Coons and if they happen to inherit the right genes.
As there are three layers of fur, you may wind up with a Black Smoke Maine Coon, where the outer layer of fur is black, but the roots of the fur are of a lighter shade.
There is actually more than one shade of black Maine Coon. You see, they are less rare in the bi-color class, with tips of black fur and roots of white or red.
You will even see the shaded/smoke color class where the tips of fur are a blend of black and grey, but the roots are white.Â
No, the solid Black Maine Coon is not a myth. These cats most certainly exist, but they are difficult to come by as they have a recessive ‘non-agouti’ gene, meaning that they do not have the tabby pattern, and their fur isn’t diluted either. These true black cats belong to the solid black color class.
Why Are Black Maine Coons So Rare?
Well, you have to understand that the ancestral origins of the Maine Coon are unknown.
There are plenty of myths connected to the Maine Coon.
For example, it is rumored that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France who was executed in 1793, was to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough.
The boat in which she was to make her escape was loaded with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite Turkish Angora or Siberian cats.
Marie did not escape, but the ship made it safely to America and her pets reached the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, safely. And, it is posited that it was in Maine where these cats were bred with other short-haired breeds to develop the Maine Coon.
The male cat tends to get their color gene from the mother, and the female cat gets their color from each parent. The pattern itself that cats have on their fur can come from either of the parents. But, for a kitten to be a solid color, you need at least one parent to be a solid color.
So, as mentioned earlier, the best bet for breeders to get a black Maine Coon cat is to have two black Maine Coons to breed together, with at least one of them being solid black. And, as you already know that a solid Black Maine Coon cat is rare from the start, breeding Maine Coons for solid black kittens becomes quite a challenge.
Now, there are more chances to take a female full black Maine Coon and breed her to bear solid black colored kittens, but the likelihood for male kittens then becomes higher. And, that presents a problem for future breeding where you have more male black Maine Coons and fewer female black Maine Coons.
However, a black cat has long been linked with superstition as well, so Black Maine Coons were bred less frequently. However, the demand for Maine Coons, particularly the solid black ones, has gone up considerably. But if you’re looking to adopt a Black Maine Coon, you’ll need to have steep pockets.
How Much Does A Black Maine Coon Cost?
The price of a purebred cat can depend on many different factors. You have to consider their age, breed, heritage, color, temperament, and gender.
Moreover, the prices also significantly vary when you think about the breeder, location, and demand.Â
A reputable breeder of the purebred Maine Coon can charge anywhere from $400-$2500 for a kitten.
But, if you are looking to buy a Maine Coon of a particular color, especially solid black, then you can expect the price to go even higher.
There are a few variations of color to be found in Black Maine Coon.Â
The only way to be sure that you do end up with a purebred Black Maine Coon kitty with jet black fur is to adopt a kitten with two solid black colored parents.
Reputable breeders usually let you meet the parents of the kitten you want, provide the necessary paperwork, and even have records of all the vaccinations of your kitten.
Moreover, most breeders don’t allow kittens to be adopted below the age of 12 months, as they want the kittens to grow and learn in a litter and from their mother. Any younger, and they can develop separation anxiety, among other issues.
The safest way to get a kitten from a breeder is to talk with other pet parents who have used the same breeder. This way, you will have a better idea of whether they follow safe practices, don’t abuse the animals, offer fair prices, and produce healthy kittens.
And, of course, you also need to do some serious background checks on the internet about the breeder by going through the reviews of previous customers.
The same rule of thumb applies when you want to adopt a pet. There seems to be a greater chance of getting precisely what you want when you go with reputable breeders rather than opting for adoption. But, there isn’t anything more satisfying than adopting a pet kitten from the pound either.
And who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and come across a black Maine Coon or mix at your local shelter!
Caring For A Black Maine Coon
Many of the needs of a black Maine Coon are no different from any other breed of cat.
Any feline you adopt must be provided with appropriate nutrition, exercise, grooming, medical care, and love. But some elements of caregiving stand out when you speak mainly of a black Maine Coon cat.
Nutrition
Black Maine Coon cats don’t fall into the average cat category, as these are one of the largest domestic felines. So, it is natural that their nutritional needs are going to be a bit different.
When it comes to Maine Coons, you need to make sure that they get a diet that is high in protein to support their skeletal development and physical growth but does not lead to obesity.
Most Maine Coon owners are cautioned to practice portion control and feed only wholesome, natural, and healthy meals. Any food item that has a high caloric or fat content is a definite no-no. Many vets believe that you should feed your cat at least three or four times a day. But, unhealthy treats should be kept at a distance.
And, you also need to ensure that your fluffy giant gets extra minerals and vitamins for a happy, long and healthy life.
Grooming
Maine Coons have three coats of fur. So, it would be best if you groomed them pretty regularly. You need to brush your cat’s fur around 4-5 times a week.
A metal comb with a wide-tooth set will help you get rid of the tangles easily without hurting your kitty. You can even look for brushes for long-haired cats. The brush side will groom your fur baby to perfection, and the bristle side helps to keep the skin clean of dirt and bugs.
Surprisingly, Black Maine coons shed much the same as any other kitty. But, they have more fine hair. Therefore their hair shedding doesn’t create much of a mess in your house, and it will tend to clump together to create easily cleanable balls of fluff.
Moreover, the large prominent ears of the Maine Coon are dirt collectors. So, you have to clean up their ears more often. And, the big floppy legs of the Maine Coon come with extra-long nails. You’ll have to clip them when they get too long and check to make sure they are free of breakage and infection.
Using the guillotine-style nail clippers proves to be quite useful. You see, these nail clippers run a lower risk of clipping the nerve, and quickly slice through the cat’s claw to avoid cracking it.
And Maine Coons are prone to gingivitis, so you need to take extra care about brushing your cat’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week or more. If your cat absolutely hates having their teeth brushed, you may want to try a harmless water additive to fight off infection and freshen their breath.
If your cat loves treats, you may also want to consider switching their normal treats out with dental treats that are both enjoyable and offer an extra measure of protection against decay and gingivitis.
Medical Care
Most large pets need to get regular checkups, be it cat, dog, bird, or rabbit. But, your Maine Coon is especially prone to vestibular disease. And, if you aren’t particular about its vaccinations, diet, exercise, or grooming, then your cat can suffer from clumsiness and loss of balance due to vestibular disease.
You see, Maine Coons have huge ears that are more susceptible to foreign objects such as dirt or even tiny bugs. And, if you don’t pay more attention to your cat’s upkeep, it will show symptoms of vestibular disease such as vomiting, darting of the eyes, or tilting of the head.
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are common in Maine Coons, too, due to their size. Keeping a close check on their diet and exercise can prevent it. And, regular visits to the vet will keep you updated on their need for the necessary minerals and vitamins.
Furthermore, Maine Coon cats are genetically predisposed to cardiomyopathy. It is an ailment that comes from an overactive thyroid or taurine deficiency. The symptoms are pretty mild, such as loss of interest, lethargy, or rapid breathing. But, if cardiomyopathy is not detected early, it can lead to severe blood clotting in the hind legs and paralyzation.
Exercise
Maine Coon cats need to exercise more than any other cats. Their size may make these cats appear more attractive, but size does present health problems in cats when adequate care is not given. And, you will soon see that your Maine Coon loves to pounce or play as much as any other kitty.
In short, you have to provide plenty of exercise for your Maine Coon, not just to vent out all of that extra energy but also for its health and vitality.
Cat play tunnels, catnip toys, string toys, cat food puzzles, feather toys, lasers, and other interactive cat toys will prove to provide a positive channel for preventing obesity and boredom.
Pet parents even find that having an extended cat enclosure for your Maine Coon will be greatly helpful in providing your cat with the necessary exercise and entertainment they need.
There’s no denying that a little bit of sunlight and a whole lot of fresh air can only do a body good. But, if you are in an area that has extended summer months with high temperatures, then it’s best to provide a diversion for your Maine Coon inside the house, preferably with the air conditioning turned on.
Maine Coons aren’t built for dealing with the heat. These creatures are equipped to deal with freezing weather.
Love And Attention
Maine Coons are exceedingly affectionate and they love their human family. If you don’t provide a safe and caring environment for your Maine Coon, they may start to suffer from stress and separation anxiety.
Now, these cats are not clingy at all. But, every pet deserves your time and love, and when you hope to adopt a creature as lovely as the black Maine Coon, you need to appreciate its worth.
Furthermore, Maine Coon cats are well-known to be exceptionally loyal pets. If you ever look through the internet about Maine Coon cats, you’ll find plenty of YouTube videos of Coon parents boasting about their kitty’s constant need to follow its human around.
No, these cats don’t follow you to pester or bother you. They’ll only follow you where they think that you might need them. It’s your cat’s way to make sure that you’re okay. Such behavior only goes to show that your kitty seriously cares for you.
Do Black Maine Coons Make Good Pets?
Black Maine Coons don’t just make good pets; they make fantastic pets! You’ll love to have this gentle giant in your home as your newest family member.
They won’t be climbing onto tables and desks trying to throw things off, as these kitties don’t tend to be destructive either.
These cats are laid back, mild-tempered, and very loving. They are superb with children as they seem to enjoy the extra attention, particularly from younger children.
If you happen to have a multiple-pet household, your black Maine Coon won’t blend into the background. They are going to the center of attraction due to their vivid beauty and will easily mingle with all their other family members without much of a fuss.
Have you heard that Maine Coons are also known as the ‘dogs of the cat world’? They are always happy to play, cuddle, and follow their humans around. The more your Maine Coon is around you, the more loyal and loving they seem to become. Between a cat and a dog, we’ll take a Maine Coon any day!
Conclusion
Maine Coon cats are much the same as many other cat breed. Yet, the defining difference between other cat breeds and the Maine Coon is that there’s more to love. When you come across a Black Maine Coon cat that’s black through and through, know that you are in the presence of a true rarity.
However, when a purely Black Maine Coon cat walks through your threshold, you’ll have your lives enriched with happiness and prosperity, according to Scottish folklore.
And, even if you don’t believe in superstitions related to black cats, you will have your lives enriched with happiness because these beautiful and rare creatures bring bundles of joy wherever they go.
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