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Breed Overview
Height:
10–16 inches
Weight:
22–30 pounds
Lifespan:
10–13 years
Colors:
Black smoke, red smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, tortoise smoke, and blue tortoise smoke
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a low-shedding cat
Temperament:
Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets
The Smoke Maine Coon is not a specific breed of a Maine Coon Cat but rather a coloration of this fantastic feline. The coat is usually black but can be any of several colors. It usually looks solid at first, but closer inspection reveals the light-colored undercoats that create the smokey appearance. The tips of the hairs have solid pigment, but there is a lighter band toward the base. These large, intelligent, and unusually friendly cats make fantastic companions and pets.
Smoke Maine Coon Characteristics
Smoke Maine Coon Kittens
Smoke Maine Coon kittens are a breathtaking and rare variety of Maine Coon. Their unique smoky coats are due to a recessive gene that creates a light-colored undercoat with dark tips, which become more distinct as the kittens grow.
When you start looking for a smoke Maine Coon cat breeder, you’ll find it’ll require a lot of patience due to the rarity of this variation. Responsible breeders care about the well-being of the kittens and will be able to provide health guarantees and medical records when you are ready to adopt.
Smoke Maine Coon kittens are generally more expensive and you might have to join a waiting list because they are so rare. However, it is recommended you find a responsible breeder despite wait times to get a healthy loving companion with a striking appearance and the friendly personality that Maine Coons are known for.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Smoke Maine Coon
All Maine Cats, including the Smoke variety, are known for their friendly and loving nature. They can stay active and playful well into their old age. They are wary of strangers but quickly come around and make friends. They tend to stay close but are unlikely to climb on you or sit on your lap.
The Smoke Maine Coon is a very intelligent cat capable of solving simple problems and completing small tasks. They are naturally curious like most cats and will watch you closely to get what they want. They will tap you lightly to let you know they are trying to communicate with you and often lead you to the source of their problem.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes, the Smoke Maine Coon cat is friendly and will make a fantastic addition to any home, especially those with families. Their large, cuddly appearance will attract children and adults, and they are sturdy enough to handle rough play by toddlers without becoming aggressive.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, the Smoke Maine Coon cat gets along with other animals well. They may be shy during initial encounters with other pets, but it’s not uncommon to see the Smoke Maine Coon playing with the other cats and dogs. They never become aggressive, and the large Smoke Maine Coon’s size is a deterrent for other cats who may choose to become aggressive.
Things to Know When Owning a Smoke Maine Coon:
In this section, we’ll list a few things you should consider before contacting a breeder.
Food & Diet Requirements 🐟
Your Smoke Maine Coon cat will eat a diet similar to most cats, just more of it. You should follow the package’s directions, which will tell you how much to feed per pound. We recommend dry cat food because it provides all the nutrition your cat needs, and the crunchy texture helps clean teeth as they chew, which can slow the onset of dental disease.
Tooth decay and dental disease is a big problem for cats. You should do what you can to prevent it, including brushing their teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste.
Exercise 🐈
Luckily, cats get most of the exercise they need on their own. However, 15 to 30 minutes of playtime per day will help your Smoke Maine Coon cat stay fit, and it will give to time to bond. Having playtime right before bed can help expend excess energy that might have your pet running around at night, keeping you awake.
One way to get your cat moving quickly is to use a laser pen. The laser pen will be one of your cat’s favorite toys. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and will help your cat run while you remain still. The only thing you need to worry about with the laser is shining it in their eyes.
Training 🧶
The Smoke Maine Coon cat is a very intelligent animal, and though you can’t train cats like dogs, your cat will learn a few ticks if they know they will get treats. Cats have an unbelievably accurate inner clock, so if you have medication to take and have trouble remembering, experts suggest giving your cat a treat at that time, and they will remind you each day.
Grooming ✂️
The Smoke Maine Coon is a long-haired cat and will require frequent brushing to keep the fur from becoming tangled and matted, especially on the back legs. First, go over the cat with a metal comb to get deep into the undercoat, then use a soft-bristled brush to go over the topcoat and remove loose hairs and dander.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Let’s take a look at some health issues common to the Smoke Maine Coon.
- Periodontal Disease
- Obesity
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Minor Conditions:
- Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease is a term used to describe several conditions that lead to tooth decay. Experts estimate that up to 85% of cats over the age of four have some type of dental issue, so it’s important to stay vigilant about keeping them clean. Crunchy food is better since the hard kibble will help scrape away plaque, and as we mentioned earlier, regular brushing is also important. Red, inflamed gums are usually the first signs, and they may also experience bad breath, drooling, loss of appetite, and facial swelling.
- Obesity – Obesity is another problem affecting more cats than ever before, and it can lead to a long list of other health issues that can shorten your pet’s life. It can also make it hard to breathe and to clean themselves. The best way to avoid obesity is to avoid overfeeding them. Use a high-quality brand of dry cat food with whole meat like chicken, beef, and turkey listed as its top ingredient, and limit the treats you provide to 10% of their daily calories.
Serious Conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia – Hip Dysplasia is common in all colors of the Maine Coon. A malformed hip joint is the root of the condition, and the large size of the cat causes it to progress faster than it might in a smaller breed. Hip dysplasia signs include decreased activity, a reluctance to climb stairs, and a narrow stance with the back legs closer than usual. Maintaining a proper weight can slow the progression, and medication can help relieve pain, and in some cases, your cat may require surgery.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy – Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that results in a loss of the nerve cells in the spinal cord. It does not appear to cause pain nor affect mental abilities, but it will result in a loss of muscle mass. Some cats can live long, healthy lives with spinal muscular atrophy, while others may lose the use of their hind legs early in life.
Male vs Female
Like all Maine Coons, male Smoke Maine Coons tend to be noticeably larger than females and will need more space in the home, especially when fully grown. The males are also more outgoing and require more attention, while the females are more independent and enjoy a few minutes to themselves.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Smoke Maine Coon
1. Smoke Maine Coon cats are native to America.
No one is completely sure how these cats came to be in America, but they have been here since colonial times. There are several theories about how they came to be, but the most likely reason is that they are descendants of long-haired cats living on ships to remove mice and rats.
2. Smoke Maine Coon cats are fascinated with water.
While most cats run from water, the Smoke Maine Coon cat enjoys being around water and likes to play in it. You can often find them in the shower after you leave, and they may even choose to get in with you for a short time.
3. The Maine Coon is the largest cat breed in the world.
The Maine Coon cat, which includes the Smoke Maine Coon, is the world’s largest cat. A full-grown cat can reach up to 35 pounds, more than twice that of most breeds.
Final Thoughts
The Smoke Maine Coon is a magnificent cat and a great family pet. Maine Coons, in general, are the more friendly breeds and are considered healthy. They enjoy being close to people in their family and get along well with other pets. We hope you have enjoyed our in-depth look at these cats and decided to add one to your family. Of course, no matter the coloration, the Maine Coon will make a loving companion.
Featured Image Credit: Michar Peppenster, Shutterstock
I'd say about four years ago, my sisters boyfriend found some Maine Coon kittens in his area and gave one to my sister (our family). She named the kitten Sagey. We kept her in our bathroom right beside my room when we first got her. Every day before and after school I looked forward to checking in on Sagey. She was extremely friendly and playful! Now, she is one of our family cats and is still super playful, energetic, vocal (super talkative in high pitch to welcome people and get food), and affectionate ♥︎. I love her so much and I want to know how to care for her better. She's had 3 kittens since to which she gave birth ON my bed lol (the kittens are grown now and my sisters took them) and she is even kind to our dog Freckles! (who nips and jumps at the cats for no darn reason) — Sagey is so affectionate and will lick my face, wag her goofy smoky-grey furred tail in my face, rub against my legs, and for some reason hide under beds to tackle my feet and bite my toes :_) and follow my feet. she is so affectionate and I love her so much !! I think I just realized that she is a smoky grey Maine Coon mama kitty and I want her to get the care she deserves. Thank you for this valuable info!
Hi Stella, thanks for sharing her story with us. Sagey sounds adorable! Please consider sending us her picture for our weekly contest: https://www.catster.com/