Black Maine Coon cats embody feline mystique in the most lavish ways—they are huge and majestic and wear a sleek black coat that is undeniably respectable and grabs attention wherever it travels.
Their size, long, plush fur, and golden eyes possess an almost mythical quality, but their personality is sweet. Though they are a real-world example of the “mini house panther,” Black Maine Coon cats are not as common as their more colorful patterned relatives, leading to them being special, or even rare.
This slight rarity adds to the exclusive aura and mystique found with black Maine Coons.
This blog will delve into the “mini house panther’s” price, grooming, and unique characteristics.
- What is a black Maine Coon Cat?
- Shades and Variations of Black Maine Coon Cats
- Are Black Maine Coons Rare?
- How Big Do Black Maine Coons Get?
- How Much Do Black Maine Coons Cost?
- How Popular are Black Maine Coons?
- What Eye Color Do Black Maine Coons Have?
- Do Black Maine Coons Change Color as They Age?
- In summary
What is a black Maine Coon Cat?
A black Maine Coon has a black coat, both the outer coat and undercoat have only black color and follow strict breed standards in respect to color. Black Maine Coons are known for their:
• Large, muscular body and tufted bushy tail
• Tufts on ears which resemble a lynx and a ruff around the neck which looks like a lion
• Light and playful temperaments, while being gentle and intelligent, pets
• Striking yellow or golden colored eyes
• Heavy, silky fur that is longer on the neck and tail
To be considered a black Maine Coon it must have a uniformly black coat with no other color hints and no white. Many black cats are dark but have hints of different colors or small patches of white but these will not count as true black Maine Coons.
Shades and Variations of Black Maine Coon Cats
1. Solid Black
True solid black Maine Coons are pure black and are uniformly colored from root to tip. There are no other color pigment patches or white spotted patches. Their noses and toe pads are also black.
The coats may look slightly different according to the time of year; darker in summer, lighter or more “smoky” in winter.
2. Black Smoke
Black Smoke Maine Coons are similar to solid black except their outer black fur, but the undercoat is silvery white. When their fur is ruffled or the cat moves, it creates a dramatic effect that looks as if the cat is “smoking”.
The “black smoke” effect is due to the dominant black pigment gene in combination with the dominant silver inhibitor gene, where pigment is inhibited at the base of the hair shaft.
Kittens may initially look more brown or mottled, but these kittens will develop the smoky undercoat as they mature.
3. Black Tabby
Black Tabby Maine Coons are black in color with tabby stripes,-as well as white facial markings in some cases. Their tabby pattern can be a classic, mackerel, or ticked tabby, and create a wild, striped look.
The combination of the agouti gene creates the tabby stripes on a black base.
4. Bi-color (Tuxedo)
The Black and White are bi-color Maine Coons with a black coat and different amounts intruding to white color (especially on their paws, chest and face), which can evoke the visual of a tuxedo.
5. Black Silver Tabby
A black tabby Maine Coon is a black coat with silver (white) undercoating, with a shimmer.
6. Black Tortie and Black Smoke Torties
Black tortie Maine Coons are a blend of black and red patches, and the black smoke tortie has a smoke layer underneath and the tortie pattern, thus creating a more dimensional coat.
Are Black Maine Coons Rare?
Yes, they are considered rare. Black Maine Coons, particularly those that are solid, are very rare.
Most Maine Coons are bred in the more popular color patterns, such as tabby, silver, or smoke, which makes solid black Maine Coons less common in breeding programs.
In order to be a Maine Coon that is considered solid black the cat must have a solid black overcoat and undercoat and this is less often achieved by genetics.
Many black kittens are actually born with small white spots and these spots usually fade as the cat matures, and the cats that retain solid black coats will fit the breed standard of a black Maine Coon, but even these are rare.
Check out: The Orange Maine Coon Cats: Are They Truly Rare?
How Big Do Black Maine Coons Get?
A Black Maine Coon, like every Maine Coon, is one of the largest domesticated cats:
- Males 10 – 16 inches tall, 19 – 32 inches long, and 13 – 25 pounds
- Females are 8 – 14 inches tall, 19 – 32 inches long, and 10 – 18 pounds.
In comparison, the average domestic cat is 9 – 10 inches tall and weighs 8 – 11 pounds. Black Maine Coons are not smaller or larger than other Maine Coons – color does NOT impact size. They reach roughly 80% of their adult size by 1 year, but may take as long as 5 years to fully mature.
RELATED POSTS: How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?
How Much Do Black Maine Coons Cost?
The cost of a black Maine Coon can be high, which reflects how rare and wanted this breed is:
- Purebred Maine Coon kittens from reputable breeders: $2,200- $6,000, depending on your location and pedigree.
- Adopted- which can be anywhere from $100-$500 (though it is probably tough to find purebred black Maine Coons in a rescue).
Cost Comparison Table:
| Color/Pattern | Typical Price Range (USD) |
| Solid Black | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Tabby (Classic/Red) | $2,200–$4,500 |
| Silver/Smoke | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Rare Patterns (Blue, White) | $3,000–$6,000 |
Solid black Maine Coons are just a little pricier due to their rarity but there are other impacts on prices like breeder reputation, pedigree and location.
Their lifetime cost (food, vet, supplies) can vary between $5,250 and $21,250.
How Popular are Black Maine Coons?
Maine Coons are one of the most preferred and liked cat breeds throughout the world and are usually ranked at the top of any list of pedigreed cats.
In 2025, the Maine Coon was recognized as the number one pedigreed cat breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association because of their gentle, easy-going temperaments and good looks.
Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them great family pets, and this is likely the reason they are such a liked breed.
As far as color goes, black Maine Coons are not considered the most popular variant within the breed. Breeders and enthusiasts lean toward the fancier coloration patterns, such as silver tabby, black smoke, or any blue tabby, rather than flat black.
This is likely for the following reasons: for a Maine Coon to even be recognized as black, it must be solid black, from root to tip, with no indication of rusting, no smoke undercoat, and must not possess any white areas.
As a result, while black Maine Coons are admired for their elegance and “mini panther” look, they are less commonly bred and seen than other color varieties.
What Eye Color Do Black Maine Coons Have?
The eye colors of Black Maine Coons are similar to the eye colors of other color Maine Coons that are not white. Black Maine Coons will generally have eye color in varying shades of gold, green, or green-gold. These colors are considered breed standards and are favored for their intensity and contrast with the black coat.
The most common are the:
- Gold: This can range from bright yellow to dark copper, sometimes with a metallic sparkle.
- Green: Ranging from pale green to bright emerald, occasionally appearing almost glowing.
- Green-Gold: A similar blend of colors that also gives the eye an interesting appearance of color.
- Amber: On occasion, with very melanin-concentrated cats, the eye color may appear to be more amber or dark copper.
Note: Blue eyes are not found in black Maine Coons; this trait is generally reserved for white Maine Coons or those with the dominant white gene.
Do Black Maine Coons Change Color as They Age?
Yes, black Maine Coons can color shift as they get older; however, their color changes tend to be mild, and generally do not change radically into an entirely different color.
Key Points
- Kittens may have slight white markings or brownish fluff that usually completely disappear by adulthood.
- Seasonal shifts may cause coats to appear darker in the summer than they do in winter, or be more smoky.
- Sun exposure can create a temporary effect of a rusty or reddish color in their respective fur.
- Aging will typically lighten coats gradually as over time the hair will become sun bleached from UV sunlight exposure, but not alter colors completely.
- No significant color changes take place except a smoking effect with a silver, “smoky”, undercoat, but only in predisposed cats (genetically).
What Does Not Happen
Black Maine Coons will not change colors to completely different colors (for example, from black to orange or cream).
Their pattern (solid, smoke, tabby) remains the same, even if the shade changes.
In summary
Black Maine Coons are a rare and graceful variation of an already iconic breed. They are gigantic, smart, and playful, but their black coats add a level of mystery and elegance to any home.
You may love the fact that they look like “mini panthers,” or that they are gentle and playful – whatever draws you to them, owning a black Maine Coon will be an experience like no other.
