Grey Maine Coon: Facts, Patterns & Traits (With Pictures)

Beautiful gray Maine Coon cat standing outdoors in the garden

If you’re curious about grey Maine Coon cats or haven’t heard it before, you’re quite lucky. This guide will dive deeper into the facts about this cat variety, including color genetics, appearance, temperament, costs, etc.

Grey Maine Coons are actually one of the most stunning varieties of Maine Coon, so you should expect no less from them. They can also be considered one of the most popular cat breeds globally.

We’ll never know; you might end up opening your home to a grey Maine Coon. So sit back, scroll down, and enjoy reading.

What Is a Grey Maine Coon? Can Maine Coons Be Grey?

Side view of a grey tabby Maine Coon cat standing in the backyard

A grey Maine Coon is a large and elegant-looking cat with sparkling silver fur. They are officially categorized as blue Maine Coon cats and come in various grey color variants. Some of these variants include grey smoke, grey tabbies, and grey cream.

Technically, these Maine Coon cats are colored grey to the average eye. However, according to the Cat Fanciers Association Inc., they are referred to as blue due to color genetics, just as orange ones are officially under red Maine Coons.

As much as they are aristocratic-looking, these cat breeds are absolute gentle giants and affectionate. Moreover, aside from the grey color variations, they also come in different patterns, making them more fascinating.

With regards to the first-ever grey Maine Coon cat, however, we may provide Maine Coons’ history and information that the grey variant emerged through dilution and color genetics.

As the name suggests, Maine Coon cats originated from the United States, specifically in a state called Maine. Due to the popularity of Persian cats, their species depleted. Fortunately, the breed reappeared in the 1950s.

Since then, they have been recognized as the quintessential American cat. Aside from being great pets, they have excellent skills for hunting mice and other rodents. That’s why they are beloved by cat lovers.

Are Grey Maine Coons Rare?

Technically, grey Maine Coon kittens are initially considered rare because of the recessive dilute genes both of the parent breeds should have. So it would really take time and patience to breed them.

However, it is essential to note that it’s easier to breed a gray Maine Coon with advanced breeding techniques. So currently, they may be more common than other Maine Coons.

Grey Maine Coon Appearance: What Does a Grey Maine Coon Look Like?

Fluffy grey Maine Coon cat sitting on diy scratching post cat tree outdoors

A solid grey Maine Coon cat usually has grey background fur or grey stripes. However, they have a variety of grey color schemes and patterns. They can be in a solid color class, bi-color color class, tabbies colors class, etc.

Don’t worry. We will go through them and see their differences in the next section of this article.

Additionally, compared to other cat breeds, they have longer coats, basically medium to long ones, and have a distinct lion-like mane. Due to color genetics and dilution genes, they usually have green, copper, blue, or even amber eyes.

They may look like wild felines with raccoon-like tails. Their ears are triangular, erected, and pointy. They may have a snobbish look, but they are amiable creatures.

Their average height is between 7 and 16 inches, and they weigh around 8 to 27 pounds. However, it is essential to note that a grey Maine Coon size can depend on genetics and gender. Some can grow bigger or smaller.

Like most cat breeds, the female Maine Coon is smaller and lighter compared to the male ones.

In addition, they are not just giant cats; they are also long in length when it comes to size. They can grow at around 18 to 42 inches, partly getting them to jump at higher spaces.

Check out this video to see what a grey Maine Coon cat looks like:

Mr. ViVo | Most handsome Maine Coon cat in the world.

Grey Maine Coon Color Variations and Patterns

Smoke grey Maine Coon cat with yellow eyes lying on a white background

Not all blue/grey Maine Coon cats are the same. As mentioned above, they have numerous color variations and patterns, just like black and orange Maine Coon cats

So we’ve listed down the common ones. These are what sets them apart from each other.

Solid Grey Maine Coon

This solid grey Maine Coon has the same solid grey color or blue tinge all over its body. Although, it may vary from a dark or light solid grey or blue coat.

However, it should be in the same shade of solid grey coat from their nose until the tip of their tails for them to be considered solid gray Maine Coons.

Grey & White Maine Coon

Grey and white Maine Coons have a combination of white and grey fur on their bodies. Their face can be with or without white color. However, it has been noted that there must be white furs on all their paws, bib, and belly.

Grey-Cream Maine Coon

Grey cream Maine Coon cats are part of the parti-color color class, and as the name suggests, they are a grey cream fur combination. So you can expect the cat to have grey background fur with patches all over.

Grey-Cream & White Maine Coon

These types of Maine Coons are basically white cats with patches. Specifically, they must have a white undercoat with several patches of grey and cream all around their body.

Grey-Silver Tabby Maine Coon

These Maine Coons should have a light or sparkling silver appearance with their background coat, deep grey stripes, and regular tabby patterns. The Cat Fanciers’ Association prefers them with old rose-colored noses and paw pads.

Grey-Silver Patched Tabby Maine Coon

This type of grey Maine Coon is similar to the grey silver tabby. However, this class has a white undercoat, and their regular grey tabby markings have cream patches.

Grey Tabby Maine Coon

A grey tabby Maine Coon has a warm fawn undercoat with a light grey background and deep grey markings. In this color class, the association also prefers old rose paw pads and nose leather for this type of Maine Coon kitten.

Grey Patched Tabby Maine Coon

Closely similar to the blue tabby Maine Coon with just a slight addition. This type of Maine Coon cat, aside from the dark stripe or dark grey markings, must have patches of cream on its body.

Grey Tabby & White Maine Coon

These grey Maine Coon kittens must have a greyish ivory base color and black stripes or dark grey markings, with or without white on the face. In addition, they should have white fur on their bib, belly, and paws. 

Moreover, the CFA accepts grey, cream, cream silver, and silver cameo tabby.

Grey Patched Tabby & White Maine Coon

This color class is the same as the tabby and white variant. However, these Maine Coon kittens have patches on their body. Accepted patches are cream, grey, and grey silver.

Chinchilla Grey Silver Maine Coon

These grey Maine Coon cats have a white undercoat and sparkling silver fur on their backs, flanks, and head, with their tail tip being grey. Additionally, they are white in specific areas such as the chin, chest, ear tufts, and stomach.

They can somewhat appear to be shaded silver or smoky silver depending on the color dominance of their parents’ genes.

Shaded Grey Silver Maine Coon

This shaded grey silver Maine Coon color class has a white undercoat with grey tips shaded down on the sides, face, and tail. Their eyes, nose, and lips are also outlined in grey.

Moreover, they are also white on the chin, chest, stomach, and under the tail, and CFA prefers their nose and paw pads to be old rose in color.

Shaded Grey-Cream Maine Coon

These blue cream Maine Coon cats have a white undercoat with a mantle of grey and cream shading down their face, sides, and tail. CFA accepts rose to grey colors in noses, paws, and rims of eyes. They can also be patched.

Grey Smoke Maine Coon

This smoke color class has a white undercoat with deep grey tips. The cat’s fur may look grey while resting, but the undercoat should show when it moves. They have a grey nose and paw pads and white on the ear tufts and frills.

Grey-Cream Smoke Maine Coon

These Maine Coon cats have the same appearance as the grey smoke color class but with grey and cream patterns and patches, especially in the ears and face.

They should also have a narrow white band at the base of the hairs, and they are preferred to have a blaze of cream on the face.

READ NEXT: Black Maine Coon: Do Solid Black Maine Coon Cats Exist?

Grey Maine Coon Color Genetics: What Makes a Maine Coon Cat Grey?

Grey Maine Coon kittens are from recessive genes that undergo a dilution process. This gene is called the dilute gene that lightens the black pigment of the fur, and it is responsible for the existence of gray Maine Coons.

The dilution effect happens because the dilute gene alters the distribution of the dark pigment throughout that cat’s coat, making them lighter and non-uniform. Hence, the different patterns and gray shades.

For a grey Manie Coon kitten to emerge in a breeding process, it must have two of this dilute gene, specifically, one gene from its parents. A skilled and reputable breeder will be able to identify the specific color class of a litter.

READ NEXT: Tortoiseshell Maine Coon – Facts, Traits & More (With Pictures)

Grey Maine Coon Temperament: Do Grey Maine Coons Make Good Family Cats?

Blue gray Maine Coon cat walking towards camera in the backyard

Grey Maine Coon cats are great family pets because they are gentle, kind, and affectionate. They also love kids and are often playful. Moreover, they are pretty vocal and chatty. The meow and purr sound is an understatement.

Moreover, they are adaptable and friendly to other pets as well, including dogs and other cats. With their laid-back energy towards everyone surrounding them, it’s very easy for them to win hearts.

According to grey Maine Coon owners, these cats are hydrophilic. They may be one of those breeds in the cat world to love water, even submerging in them undoubtedly.

They adore being close to their family all the time, so they may be suitable for homes committed to taking care of them. Lastly, they are brilliant and respond well to clicker training.

Grey Maine Coon Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Grey Maine Coons Healthy Cats?

The average lifespan of a grey Maine Coon cat is around 12 years old, and they still continue to grow annually. Grey Maine Coons can reach their full-grown size at 3 to 4 years of age compared to other cats.

In general, a grey Maine Coon cat is a healthy pet. However, there may be some health conditions that they are prone to as kittens and as they progress further in their life.

Some health issues surrounding grey Maine Coons are the following:

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is one of the cats’ most common health problems. This happens when the ventricle walls, a primary muscle of the heart, thickens. This can increase heart rate, heart function deterioration, and heart call death.
  • Feline Obesity: This condition occurs when at least a 20% weight increase in grey Maine Coons. Obesity is often caused by free feeding and is a lifestyle-related problem. It is advised that pet owners should have a concrete feeding regimen to avoid this condition.
  • Feline Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetically inherited condition wherein the hip’s ball and socket joint is malformed. Hip dysplasia can result in pain and decreased mobility and is often common in large breed cats such as grey Maine Coons.

Those are just some health concerns you should look at. A healthy lifestyle, regular vet visits, and quality care for your grey Maine Coon cat can keep them sick-free and even extend their lives. 

How Much Does a Grey Maine Coon Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses

Grey Maine Coon kitten for sale and adoption

A grey Maine Coon kitten can cost around $600 to $1,000 from reputable breeders and can even go up to $2500 if you intend them to compete in cat shows.

Different factors contribute to the Maine Coon kitten price. Generally, an adult cat may be cheaper than a kitten. In addition, the location of the breeder and registration papers may play a role too.

A more affordable option in acquiring grey Maine Coon cats. They could cost between $200 and $500, plus you get to save a life.

It is also essential to note that acquiring a grey Maine Coon cat is just the first expense. Taking care and raising them will cost you more.

To give you an overview regarding finances, here is the summary of the initial costs you have to go through when you own a grey Maine Coon cat:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$20 – $50
Food and Water Bowls$10 – $25
Litter Box$20 – $160
Litter Sand$15 – $25
Collar and ID Tag$5 – $20
Cat Bed$15 – $30
Cat Carrier$20 – $60
Toys and Scratching Post$15 – $70
Grooming Essentials$25 – $35
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $250
Initial Vaccine Shots$25 – $50
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications$30 – $100
Neutering or Spaying$200 – $500
Microchip$40 – $60
Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30
Total Initial Cost$555 – $1,465

The items on the list are essentials before opening your home to a grey Maine Coon cat. We can share a quick tip here: invest in high-quality items since they are more durable and practical than cheaper ones.

RELATED: How Much Does a Maine Coon Cost? (2023 Price Guide)

Places to Find Grey Maine Coon Kittens for Sale and Adoption

If you’re interested in owning a grey Maine Coon cat, you may be eager to know where to find them. But one piece of advice, stay away from backyard breeders to ensure their health and quality.

To help you out in your search, we will be providing you with different places you can check to find your next furry companion.

Below are some places where you can see grey Maine Coons for sale:

  • Coono Magic – This cattery is CFA-registered based in New York, making it a trustworthy breeder. They specialize in breeding varieties of Maine coons, including the grey ones. They take pride that every kitten in their cattery has personal medication and attention.
  • King Klaudr Coons Cattery – This Maine Coon-dedicated cattery has been TICA-affiliated and well-trusted over the years. They show immense passion for breeding a healthy lineage of this amazing cat. All their kittens are from champion lines ensuring high quality.
  • Sassy Koonz – Sassy Koonz is specialized in producing 100% European Maine Coons including different color variants like blue Maine Coons. You can expect every Maine Coon kitten to be in tip-top shape and health.

Aside from the catteries mentioned above, you might want to check out our chosen top 10 best Maine Coon breeders. You’ll undoubtedly be in risk-free transactions with them.

RELATED: 10 Best Maine Coon Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

On the other hand, if you want to adopt this grey cat instead, we’re more than willing to help you get started.

Here is a list of services you can use if you want to adopt grey/blue Maine Coons:

  • Adopt-a-Pet – This non-profit adoption service is famous for having one of the largest pet collections on its site and is a go-to for pet finders that consider adopting. They usually have Maine Coon cats, but you may have to browse often for grey Maine Coons.
  • Best Friends – This organization aims to connect loving homes for abandoned animals, including Maine Coon cats. However, you may need to check their site from time to time for blue Maine Coons.
  • Petfinder – This service is excellent for aspiring owners to connect to rescue shelters near their areas, as they have a location-based service. Furthermore, you can also filter your search if you want female or male kittens, coat colors, and age.

Aside from those services, here’s our article regarding the best Maine Coon rescues for adoption to further equip you with your search.

RELATED: 10 Best Maine Coon Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cute tabby grey Maine Coon cat with dirty fur

What Is the Rarest Maine Coon Color?

Aside from the rare gold and silver Maine Coons, technically, the rarest color variety in the Maine Coon universe would be the solid red Maine Coons. The single solid red shade should be the same color from the root to the tips.

It is quite a challenge to acquire them in a single shade of red. It has also been noted that in every litter of red Maine Coon cats, most are male kittens. 

What Is the Most Popular Color of Maine Coon Cats?

The most popular color of Maine Coon Cats is the orange variation, also known as red according to the official Maine Coon coloring. This should not be confused with the rarest color, the solid red Main Coon cat.

Orange Maine Coons have different shades and patterns, while the solid red Maine Coons have only one shade of color.

Do Grey Maine Coons Shed a Lot?

Surprisingly, grey Maine Coon cats are light to moderate shedders despite their long coats. Maintaining their coats can be as easy as just brushing them daily.

However, it is essential to know that they are not hypoallergenic, so they can still trigger asthma or allergies.

READ NEXT: 6 Types of Orange Maine Coons Explained (With Pictures)

Final Thoughts: Is a Gray Maine Coon the Right Cat For You?

A grey Maine Coon cat, formally known as the blue Maine Coon, is a large breed cat with a wide array of long fur colors and patterns. Whatever fur color you prefer, we assure you they are great family companions.

Despite their long fur, these gray cats are actually mild shedders. You may need to brush them every day to maintain their coats. However, they are essentially clean pets, and they love water, so cleaning them won’t be hard.

In addition, they are affectionate to their owners, including kids, so this may be the perfect pet if you love cuddles and bonding moments. Although they can be pretty chatty by using varying sounds, they are undeniably adorable.

If you’ve decided about opening your home to a grey Maine Coon, let us know in the comments below! What do you love most about them?

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