If you are considering a lovely, affectionate, intelligent, and fun new cat, then the Maine Coon Tabby Mix may be right up your alley.
The Maine Coon Tabby Mix incorporates the personality traits and size of a Maine Coon and adds the very distinctive and cute appearance of tabby fur. If you have seen Maine Coon’s in real life, you understand the love for these larger-than-life cats.
The tufted ears, long bushy tail, and large footed paws, make all Maine Coons wonderful creatures. Now, picture that same cat, but now with tabby stripes or spots. It is like you are getting the best of both worlds!
Why a Maine Coon Tabby Mix?
Let’s be frank – No one wakes up stating, “I want to get a Maine Coon Tabby Mix.” I certainly didn’t. Yet, the moment I saw this big furry striped fur ball at the animal shelter with those wise-looking eyes and a take-me-home kind of appearance, I was sold!
What I discovered is that mixes like this, usually tend to be healthier than purebreds, and offers the best of both worlds: the Maine Coon placid gentle giant personality with the tabby’s ample playful, wild side. I wanted a cat with character and not solely a pretty furry face.
The Genetics – Maine Coon Meets Tabby
Let’s talk about how these beautiful cats come to be. First, remember, “tabby” is not a breed; it is a coat pattern. You’ll hear a lot of talk about “Maine Coons tabby mixes” because the Maine Coon is an example of a breed that regularly shows up having this pattern.
There are several variations to the tabby pattern:
- Mackerel – This is your typical “tiger stripes” down the sides.
- Classic – More of a swirled pattern, like marble.
- Spotted – just like it sounds, this one has spots all over.
- Ticked – Hairs are banded with multiple colours, making a shimmering effect.
It doesn’t matter whether your Maine Coon Tabby Mix looks like a striped tiger or a big ball of swirling marbles, between the mixed genes of the Maine Coon and the tabby parent make for a beautiful appearance.
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The Look: Striking Features
Upon first seeing a Maine Coon Tabby Mix, you will notice that they are large cats! Males can weigh between 12 and 18 lbs. Females are smaller than males, but they can still be heavy cats, usually weighing between 6 and 12 lbs, or so. But don’t let their size fool you—these cats are agile and graceful.
My own Maine Coon Tabby Mix, Leo, is a real looker! He has the traditional tabby stripes, which consist of dark lines on his legs, a stripe down his back, and (my favorite), rings on the end of his tail that are reminiscent of a raccoon.
Leo has big, pointy ears with little tufts on the ends (but not as fluffy as a purebred Maine Coon).
Leo’s coat is thick, soft, and a good deal of it; nevertheless, it does not have the full “lion-faced” quality seen in a cat show.
Sometimes, I joke that he is part raccoon, part cat, and part wild child.
Personality: The Best Part
Leo is the most sociable cat I’ve ever encountered. He greets everyone at the door, follows me around everywhere like a shadow, and plays fetch (yes, fetch–like a dog). Leo is also quite intelligent.
He learned how to open the pantry door (I ended up needing to buy a child lock), and he has an uncanny ability to ascertain when it is dinnertime. If I’m late, he’ll sit near his bowl and stare at me down until I give in.
Another characteristic of Leo is that he is a prankster. He will knock things off tables just to see them fall, and he actively likes to assist me in my work by sitting on my keyboard.
Don’t get me wrong, if you want a cat that is aloof and independent, you are looking at the wrong breed. Leo wants to be part of everything–he even tries to join me in the shower in the morning.
Sometimes, I feel like I have a toddler with fur. He’s clingy, curious, and always getting into something. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Health and Care: What You Need to Know
Maine Coon Tabby Mixes are overall healthy, but they can have some issues. Maine Coons do have some health issues, (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), so regular vet check-ups are important. Leo goes to the vet for a check-up every year, just to be sure.
Obesity is another issue to monitor. They can really pack the food away, and they are big-bodied, so it can be easy for them to get overweight. I measure out his food and make sure we have play time.
Dental health is also important, so I brush Leo’s teeth a couple of times a week to keep them and his gums healthy.
Grooming
Grooming is a requirement. I brush him out a couple of times a week so that he has a nice shiny coat, and to reduce the fur tumbleweeds in my house. He enjoys the brush, which makes it easier on me.
He also loves water – a couple of times he has jumped in the shower with me, which is both hilarious and annoying.
My Tip: People say mixed-breed cats are generally healthier, and Leo has held up fairly well so far. I still keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, just in case.
Buying or Adopting: What to Look For
Where to Find One
You can get Maine Coon Tabby Mixes from shelters, rescues or breeders. I adopted Leo from a rescue, and it was the best decision I ever made. If you choose to use a breeder, I recommend ensuring they are reputable and care about the health of any kittens they have available.
Cost
I am not going to sugar coat it; adopting a Maine Coon Tabby Mix is not going to be cheap. If you go through a breeder, prices range from $1500 to $5,000 (or more), depending on lineage and the breeder.
That being said, an adoption fee from a shelter or rescue organization tends to be much more reasonable, ranging from $100 to $400.
Red Flags
Be aware of breeders who will not let you see kittens or the mother, or do not care about what questions you have about your home. A good breeder or shelter will want to ensure that any cat goes to a good home.
Kitten or Adult?
Kittens are incredibly adorable, however, adult cats can be just as needy and may already be trained. Leo was a young adult when I adopted him, and he was easy to integrate.
How did I get mine?
I adopted Leo from a shelter, and I’m so glad I did. There are so many fantastic cats that need homes, and you never truly know what personality you will get. Plus, it’s usually much less expensive than getting one from a breeder.
But honestly, I would probably choose adoption over buying a high-end cat. You might be giving a cat a second chance, and you could also end up getting your new best friend.
Living With a Maine Coon Tabby Mix: Good or Bad?
Life is never dull with these cats. There is always something going on with Leo, whether it is ripping up cardboard boxes, running in circles chasing his tail, or “helping” me with the laundry (by sitting on it). He is also great with kids and tolerates the family dog, but he knows he is in charge.
Space Needs
You do not need a mansion, but these cats are big and active. Leo does fine in my apartment because he has plenty of toys and things to climb on.
Toys and Enrichment
Leo enjoys interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or any toy that he can bat around. He is happiest when he is busy.
Training
He knows a couple of tricks, such as “sit” and “high five”. Training has been fun for both of us and keeps his mind active.
Doubts and Concerns: What Prospective Owners Worry About
I had a lot of doubts before getting Leo. Probably you might also be thinking:
Would he be too big for my apartment?
Would he get along with my kids and dog?
Would I be able to handle his energy and shedding?
As it turns out, he fits right in. He’s big, but not too big for my space. He’s good with the kids and the dog, and while he sheds and gets into a bit of trouble, that’s just to be expected, right?
If you worry about whether you’ll be able to handle the energy or grooming needs, just remember: every cat is different, but these guys are worth the extra effort.
Final Thoughts: Is it Right for You?
If you want a cat that’s more like a best friend than a pet, a Maine Coon Tabby Mix might be perfect for you. They are smart, loving cats with a lot of personality.
Yes, they need a little more grooming and more attention, but if you’re willing to do it, they will surely repay you in laughter, cuddles, and a million other memories.
FAQs
How do I know if my cat is a Maine Coon Tabby Mix?
Look for a cat that’s noticeably larger than most domestic cats, with a long, fluffy tail and tufts of fur around the ears and paws. Their coat will have classic tabby patterns—stripes, swirls, or spots—and an “M” shape on the forehead.
Is a Maine Coon Tabby Mix right for me?
If you want a cat that acts more like a dog— is very curious, follows you everywhere, and loves to play— then a Coon tabby mix may be a good fit. Not only are they large, but their personalities are large too. These cats do not do well by themselves for long periods, so if you work long hours away from home, this may not be the cat for you.
What’s the difference between a purebred Maine Coon and a mix?
A purebred Maine Coon comes with official papers (pedigree) and is bred to a specific standard: weight, ear tufts, coat length. A Maine Coon Tabby Mix would be just as sweet and can have many of the same characteristics but may not have a full coat, tufts of fur on their ears or the weight of a purebred.
What’s the rarest color/pattern in this mix?
The rarest is probably the ticked tabby pattern, where each hair has bands of different colors, giving the coat a speckled or salt-and-pepper look. Most Maine Coon Tabby Mixes are classic or mackerel tabby, which is stripes or swirls.
Do they get along with other pets?
In my experience, yes! My Maine Coon Tabby Mix, Leo, is super friendly and easygoing. He’s never been aggressive with my other cat or my small dog. He’s more likely to try to play or snuggle than to pick a fight.
Of course, every cat is different, but in general, these mixed-breed cats are known to be good with other animals, especially if they have been introduced properly and have had proper time to acclimate.
Can they be left alone for long periods?
Not really. These cats are social creatures and get lonely if left by themselves for too long. If you work long hours or travel often, it’s a good idea to have another pet or a cat sitter to keep them company.
