All Black Maine Coon: Looks, Personality, Care and Price
Picture a cat the size of a small dog. Its fur is thick and black, like velvet. Its gold eyes follow you across the room. That is an all black Maine Coon, and it is hard to forget.
Lots of people fall for photos of these cats. Then the questions start. Is the color rare? Does black fur need special care? Why does it turn brown in the sun? Does color change the price?
This article answers all of that in short, simple words. You will find out what makes a true all black Maine Coon, how these cats act, and how to keep that dark coat shiny. There are also health facts, buying tips, and a few things most other pages skip.
What Is an All Black Maine Coon?
An all black Maine Coon is a Maine Coon with a solid black coat from nose to tail. It has no stripes, no spots, and no white patches. Black is not a separate breed. It is simply one of the many colors the Maine Coon can have.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) accepts black as a solid color for this breed. Its standard lists green, gold, or green-gold as the eye colors for black Maine Coons.
The Maine Coon is also the official state cat of Maine. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, built for cold winters and hard work.
Here are the quick facts:
- Weight: males about 13 to 18 pounds, females about 8 to 12 pounds
- Lifespan: often 12 to 15 years
- Coat: long, thick, and shaggy, with a heavy ruff around the neck
- Eyes: green, gold, or green-gold
- Personality: gentle, social, and playful
Solid Black, Black Smoke, or Brown Tabby?
Not every dark Maine Coon is a true all black Maine Coon. Some only look black from far away. These three looks are easy to mix up.
Solid Black
Every hair is black from root to tip. When the cat moves, you only see black. This is the classic all black Maine Coon look.
Black Smoke
The top of each hair is black, but the part near the skin is pale silver or white. When the cat walks, you see flashes of light color. It is a gorgeous look, but it belongs to a different color class.
Brown Tabby
A brown tabby has dark stripes on a brown base. In dim light it can look black. Up close, you can see stripes on the legs and tail, and an “M” mark on the forehead.
To check, look at the cat in bright daylight. Part the fur and check the roots. Look at the belly and tail too.
Why Some Black Maine Coons Look Brown or Striped
Black coats can surprise new owners. These are the three most common changes.
Rusting
Sunlight is the top cause. Strong sun fades the dark color, so the fur looks brown or rusty, mostly on the back and tail. Some breeders say diet, age, and stress can play a part too. Rusting alone is not harmful. See a vet if the color change comes with weight loss, itchy skin, or low energy.
Ghost Stripes
Some black kittens show faint stripes, often called ghost markings. They are common in kittens and usually fade as the adult coat grows in. In bright light, a few may still show on a grown cat.
Small White Spots
A tiny white spot on the chest is called a locket. It is harmless and does not change how your cat acts or feels. But a cat with white spots is not a solid black cat in the show ring.
How Does a Cat Get a Black Coat?
Coat color comes from genes passed down by both parents. A kitten needs the gene for black pigment. It also needs two copies of a gene called non-agouti, which hides tabby stripes. One copy comes from each parent.
Two black parents can still have kittens in other colors. They may carry unseen genes, such as the one that turns black into soft gray (called blue). Good breeders track these genes and know what to expect.
Are All Black Maine Coons Rare?
Not very. Brown tabby is the look most people picture, but many breeders raise all black Maine Coon kittens. Be careful with any seller who calls a black kitten “extra rare” to charge more. Rarity is a sales line, not a health feature. Ask for papers before you believe the label.
If you like other looks, the calico Maine Coon has pretty patches of white, black, and orange.
Size and Looks
An all black Maine Coon grows big and grows slowly. Full size takes three to five years. The body is long and muscular. The head is wide, with a square muzzle and tall ears topped with fur tufts. The tail is long and bushy. A black coat makes those ear tufts and the neck ruff stand out even more.
All kittens are born with blue eyes. Adult eye color usually settles within a few months. A grown, solid black cat with blue eyes is unusual in this breed. It may point to mixed ancestry or other genes, so ask the seller for details.
Here is a fun fact. A Maine Coon named Stewie measured about 48 inches from nose to tail tip in 2010 and earned the record for longest domestic cat.
Personality and Behavior
An all black Maine Coon has the same sweet nature as other Maine Coons. People call them gentle giants for good reason. These cats like to be near their people. They often follow you from room to room. Most do well with kids, other cats, and friendly dogs.
They are also smart. Many pick up tricks, open cabinets, and play fetch. They chirp and trill more than they meow. Some love water and will paw at a dripping tap.
Is there a link between coat color and personality? No proof says so. A cat’s mood depends on its genes, early handling, and home life, not its color.
Grooming an All Black Maine Coon
The long coat needs steady care. Black fur also shows dust, lint, and flakes, so a good routine matters.
- Brush two to three times a week with a steel comb and a slicker brush.
- Check the armpits, belly, behind the ears, and back legs. Mats form there first.
- Brush every day in spring and fall, when cats shed the most. Our post on Maine Coon shedding offers a simple plan.
- Bathe only when needed. Every few months is plenty for most cats. Use cat shampoo, rinse well, and dry the coat fully. This Maine Coon bathing routine walks you through each step.
- Limit long hours in strong sun if you want to avoid rusting. Black fur also soaks up heat, so keep your cat cool in summer.
- Trim the nails every few weeks.
Lots of white flakes in the coat can mean dry skin. Mention it to your vet.
Feeding and Exercise
Maine Coons are large, but they can still gain too much weight. Feed a balanced cat food with high quality protein as the first ingredient. Measure meals, and keep fresh water out all day. Ask your vet how much food suits your cat’s age and weight.
Play for 20 to 30 minutes a day with wand toys and puzzle feeders. Get a tall, sturdy cat tree, since these cats are heavy. Buy a big litter box too. A small one gets messy fast.
Health Facts Every Owner Should Know
Coat color does not make a cat healthier or weaker. You may read claims online that black cats have stronger immune systems. No solid proof backs that up, so do not pay extra for it. All black Maine Coons share the same health risks as the rest of the breed.
These are the main ones:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): a heart disease where the heart muscle gets too thick.
- Hip dysplasia: a loose hip joint that can cause pain and limping.
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): a gene condition that weakens the back legs.
Good breeders test their cats for these problems and share the results. Your vet can listen to the heart and may suggest a heart scan. With good care, a Maine Coon often lives 12 to 15 years, and you can read more in our post on Maine Coon lifespan.
How Much Does an All Black Maine Coon Cost?
A kitten from a reputable breeder often costs around $1,000 to $2,500, and sometimes more for show or breeding lines. Color alone rarely changes the price much. Health tests, papers, vaccines, and good early care are what you pay for.
Adoption costs less. Rescues and shelters sometimes have Maine Coon mixes and black cats. Some shelters say black cats wait longer for a home, so adopting one is a kind choice. A black cat that looks like a Maine Coon may be a mix, and only registration papers can prove a pure one.
Also plan for yearly costs such as food, litter, vet visits, toys, and grooming tools.
Buying Checklist
- Ask to see registration papers and the parents’ health test results.
- Meet the mother cat and see where the kittens live.
- Wait until the kitten is at least 12 weeks old before it goes home.
- Ask for vaccine and vet records.
- Get a written contract with a health promise.
- Walk away if the seller rushes you, will not show the parents, or sells a “rare black” at a high price.
Tips for Living With a Black Cat
- Photos: Black fur soaks up light. Take pictures near a window and skip the flash.
- Night safety: Black cats are hard to see in the dark. Use night lights and watch your step on stairs and in doorways.
- ID: A microchip and a breakaway collar with a tag help if your cat slips outside.
- Halloween: Some shelters limit black cat adoptions in October. Keep your cat inside around Halloween to be safe.
- Myths: In some places, black cats mean bad luck. In others, like parts of the UK and Japan, people see them as lucky. Your cat does not mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all black Maine Coons rare?
No. Brown tabby is more common, but black is a standard color and many breeders offer it. Do not let a seller use “rare” to raise the price.
Do all black Maine Coons have blue eyes?
No. Most have green, gold, or green-gold eyes. Kittens start with blue eyes, but the color changes as they grow. Blue eyes on a grown solid black cat are unusual.
Why is my black Maine Coon turning brown?
Sun is the most common reason. Strong light fades the dark color and makes the fur look rusty. Move the favorite napping spot out of direct sun. If the change comes with other signs, like weight loss or itching, call your vet.
Do black Maine Coons shed a lot?
Yes, like other Maine Coons. They shed more in spring and fall. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are all black Maine Coons good with kids?
Most are gentle and patient. Still, every cat is different. Teach children to be soft with the cat, and watch young kids during play.
Are black Maine Coons hypoallergenic?
No. No cat is fully free of allergens. If someone in your home has allergies, spend time with the cat before you bring one home.
Final Thoughts
An all black Maine Coon is a big, soft, loving cat with a striking look. The color is only the coat. The real treasure is the gentle personality. Check the coat in daylight, ask for health tests, brush often, and keep your cat out of harsh sun. Do that, and you will have a calm, shiny companion for many years.
For medical advice about your own cat, talk with your vet.
