So can many crossbreed cats, and cats of unknown mixed ancestry (a.k.a. Lots of well known and not-so-well-known cat breeds can have grey tabby coats. What’s more, grey tabby cats can be organized by their exact color and stripe type, as well as (or instead of) their pedigree. Instead, lots of purebred, crossbred and cats of unknown mixed ancestry can have stripey silver coats. It’s essential to do your research, ask for recommendations, and visit potential breeders to ensure they are ethical and responsible.Įmbarking on the journey to bring a Tabby Maine Coon kitten into your home is exciting.Are you surprised to hear that a grey tabby isn’t just one type of cat? It’s true! There isn’t a ‘grey tabby cat’ breed. Note: This list is illustrative and not exhaustive. While Tabby Maine Coons may have a higher price due to their popularity, remember that the most important aspect is the health and personality of your future feline companion. Prices can vary greatly based on factors like pedigree, color, and pattern. Table 1: Breeders Specializing in Tabby Maine Coons Breeder Name It’s a beautiful reminder of the intricate natural processes that create the stunning feline companions we know and love. While genetics in cats can be complex, this basic understanding gives you an insight into how each Tabby Maine Coon gets its unique coat color and pattern. Ticked pattern with color bands on each hair, minimal stripes Mackerel pattern with thin, parallel stripesĬlassic or blotched pattern with thick, swirling stripes Table 2: Gene Influences on Tabby Patterns Pattern The specific versions of these genes a cat inherits from its parents will determine the type of tabby pattern it will display. The specific type of tabby pattern (mackerel, classic, or ticked) is controlled by the Tabby (Ta) gene. The ‘non-agouti’ or ‘hypermelanistic’ variant (a), if present, would lead to a solid color coat, suppressing the tabby pattern. This gene influences the distribution of color on each individual hair. The tabby pattern in cats, including Maine Coons, is controlled by the Agouti (A) gene. Regardless, it’s just one of the many endearing characteristics that make Maine Coons – ‘M’ mark or not – utterly irresistible to cat lovers worldwide. In essence, while the ‘M’ mark is a common and delightful feature of Tabby Maine Coons, it’s not a universal trait across the entire breed. Plus, variations in fur length, density, and color blending can sometimes make the ‘M’ less distinct. Solid colored Maine Coons and those with certain other patterns might not exhibit a visible ‘M’ mark. However, not every Maine Coon will have a noticeable ‘M’. The ‘M’ is especially prominent in brown, blue, red, and cream tabbies, and a bit subtler in silver tabbies. The ‘M’ mark is associated with tabby patterns, and since Maine Coons predominantly exhibit tabby patterns, you’ll find that most Maine Coon cats do indeed sport this charming mark. But does every Maine Coon have this marking? Let’s unravel this feline mystery. Do All Maine Coons Have An M On Their Forehead?Ī fascinating characteristic common among tabbies, including our beloved Maine Coon Tabbies, is the signature ‘M’ on their forehead.

Blue tabby vs gray tabby