A black cat symbolizes nighttime, peacefulness, mystery, exploration and magic.
These spiritual meanings are associated with black cats, as they are nocturnal and the color of the night sky.
Some people believe that black cats can help them connect with different metaphysical dimensions and access their intuition.
Western cultures, particularly during the Middle Ages, associated black cats with witchcraft and bad luck.
In contrast, in Japanese culture, black cats are considered good luck, especially for single women, believed to attract potential suitors.
Many people today, including myself, see black cats as nothing more than incredibly enchanting pets.
Image credit: Ion Elceban
What Makes A Maine Coon Black?
The color of a Maine Coon’s coat, including the striking black, is determined by their genetics.
Without going too deep into the science, the color of a cat’s fur is determined by two pigments: eumelanin, which produces black or brown color, and pheomelanin, which makes red or yellow color.
In the case of black Maine Coons, they have a high concentration of eumelanin, giving them their dark color.
The “non-agouti” gene prevents the usual banding pattern on the hair, resulting in a solid black color.
What Does a Black Maine Coon Look Like?
Identifying a black Maine Coon is a delightful process.
Their color, size, and distinctive features make them a stand-out breed.
Color: A black Maine Coon is entirely black, from the tips of their fur to their skin. They should have no spots, patches, or other colors present.
Even their nose and paw pads are black.
Eyes: The eye color can range from green to gold and even copper. Some black Maine Coons also have stunning blue eyes, a trait usually seen in white cats.
Ears: Maine Coons have large, tufted ears, which also applies to the black Maine Coon. The tufts, or ‘lynx tips,’ are often a distinguishing feature of the breed.
Whiskers: Interestingly, a black Maine Coon’s whiskers are also black, which contrasts with many other breeds where the whiskers are white.
Paws: Their paws are large, strong, and round, designed for their originally intended lifestyle as mousers in a harsh climate. The paw pads are black, matching the rest of their coat.
Patterns: Black Maine Coons can be either solid black or smoke. A solid black Maine Coon has black fur all the way to the roots, while a black smoke Maine Coon has black fur that fades to white at the roots, giving them a ‘smoky’ appearance.
Why Special? 10 Facts about Black Maine Coon Cat
- Black Maine Coon cats have a dominant black-fur gene along with traits of purebred Maine Coons. They have all-black fur, or black-and-smoke color combinations with gold eyes.
- Black Maine Coon cats are rare compared to other coat colors and patterns. They are often mistaken for other breeds, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Bombay Cat.
- Black Maine Coon cats have the longest fur of all the different Maine Coon cat breeds. Their fur is short, soft, and silky, and it helps them survive in cold climates.
- Black Maine Coon cats have large almond-shaped eyes set wide and at an oblique angle. Their eyes can be green, gold, copper, or odd-eyed (one eye of each color)
- Black Maine Coon cats have strong and muscular bodies, which are not very tall. They have a medium-sized head, and medium to small eyes. They also have large ears with tufts of fur at the tips.
- Black Maine Coon cats have black nose leather and black paw pads. They also have black whiskers, unless they have some white fur on their face.
- Black Maine Coon cats are known for their gentle temperament and playful personality. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and enjoy interacting with humans and other animals.
- Black Maine Coon cats are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. They are considered to be originated in Maine, where they were recognized as the official state cat in 1985.
- Black Maine Coon cats can weigh between 9 to 25 pounds and measure between 9 to 17 inches in height. They are the largest non-wild cat hybrids and often outweigh the Savannah Cat.
- Black Maine Coon cats can live up to 13 to 14 years on average. They are generally healthy, but may be prone to health issues, such as hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and polycystic kidney disease.
Related: When Do Maine Coon Cats Stop Growing?
What Is the Personality of A Black Maine Coon?
Maine Coons, including the black variants, are known for their friendly, sociable, and playful nature.
They’re often referred to as the “dogs of the cat world” due to their interactive and affectionate behavior.
How Much Is A Black Maine Coon?
The price of a Maine Coon can vary depending on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, location, and color.
Black Maine Coons are quite popular, so they may be a bit pricier.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2000 for a Maine Coon kitten.
You can check out other posts about how to get a Maine Coon cat.
Related:
How To Take Care of A Black Maine Coon?
Taking care of a black Maine Coon isn’t much different from caring for Maine Coons of other colors.
They require a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and plenty of playtime.
Their thick fur needs regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. I brush my cat a few times a week, and he loves it!
Related: How to Prepare for A New Maine Coon Cat: the 2023 Cat Essential Checklist
Myths About Black Maine Coon
As with black cats in general, black Maine Coons are subject to various myths.
Some people believe they bring bad luck, while others think they’re more aggressive or aloof than other colors.
From my experience, I can assure you these are just myths. Black Maine Coons are just as sweet, loving, and sociable as their more colorful counterparts.
In conclusion, black Maine Coons are a stunning variant of a magnificent breed.
Their striking appearance and delightful personality make them a true joy to have as part of the family.
If you’re considering adopting a Maine Coon, don’t overlook the enchanting black Maine Coon. They’re a bundle of love wrapped in a luxurious black coat.
From my experience, life with a black Maine Coon is filled with affection, fun, and an endless fascination with its majestic appearance.
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