Maine Coon cats are some of the most fascinating purebred felines. These cats are the largest domesticated cat breeds but also one of the most gentle ones.
It is believed that the breed was developed thanks to the seamen who sailed into New England. The ship’s cats probably left the ship and mated with other domestic cats, thus creating a new breed.
As well as their impressive size, they’re also popular for their long hair which can be various different colors and several patterns as well. The Maine Coon cat can be orange in color which means that they’re one of the most popular orange (or ginger) cat breeds as well.
Although stunning and very popular, ginger Maine Coons are rare. What’s interesting is that The Cat Fanciers Association officially recognizes this orange color as ‘red’.
There are four Red Maine Coon color classes: red solid, red tabby and white, red tabby, and bi-color color class. So, if you want to learn more about these rare beauties, read on!
How is The Orange Maine Coon Cat Determined?
The orange color is very special and it definitely adds to the cat’s grand and imposing appearance, but what determines this specific coat color? The gene that determines the orange color in Maine Coons is carried by the X-chromosome. The gene’s allele has two different forms: ‘O’ and ‘o’.
This means that male Maine Coons are more likely to have an orange coat color .
Male cats have XY chromosomes, and if the male carries an X-chromosome with the ‘O’ allele, that means that the cat will have the orange coat color. However, if the male cat carries an X-chromosome with an ‘o’ allele it will be in a brown or black coat color.
Even though female Main Coons in the orange color are possible, they’re much less common than males. The reason for that is because they have XX chromosomes so it’s a bit more complicated.
Here are the possible combinations in female Maine coons based on their alleles:
• If both X-chromosomes carry an ‘O’ allele, the result will be an orange coat color.
• If both X-chromosome carry an ‘o’ allele, the cat will have a brown or black coat color
• If one ‘O’ and one ‘o’ allele appears, the cat will be a tortoiseshell coat color.
The Orange Maine Coon Cat: Color Guide
The Maine Coon cat breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in the cat world. The reason for that is their size and gentle personality, but also their rich and thick fur that can appear in a variety of colors and patterns.
That may be a problem when choosing a Maine Coon kitten as it’s very difficult to decide which combination is the most beautiful.
Even if you choose an orange Maine Coon cat, you will still have some decisions to make because, according to CFA, there are several color classes of Red Maine Coon:
• Red Solid Color Class – this cat is characterized by rich fur in a deep and beautiful solid red color. As the name “solid” suggests, this color class has no marking, shading or ticking.
Moreover, the red solid Maine Coon has paw pads and a nose in brick red color, while the chest and lips match the coat color.
• Bi-Color Color Class – this refers to a mix of red and white colored coats. White color is permitted on the face but it’s not necessary. However, what is necessary is that all four paws are white in color, as well as the bib and belly.
• Red Tabby Color Class – this cat is characterized by red tabby fur. The nose and paw pads are a brick red color, while the chin may have a white trim. Finally, the fur markings are a deep red color.
• Red Tabby And White Color Class – according to the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the red tabby and white Maine Coon cat has ground red fur which can be ticked, mackerel, or classic. The fur has deep red markings.
The nose and paw pads are a brick red color, and the chin and lips may have a white trim. However, this color class is most recognizable for the white markings on the cat’s feet.
Other Color Patterns That Include Orange
As this breed of cat may be any one of a variety of different colors, the orange (or red) color may also be present in other color combinations of the Maine Coon cat, so let’s take a look at them too!
Tortoiseshell – Part-Color Color Class
Tortoiseshell is the name given to a cat’s color when they have black fur with red patches. Several shades of red are possible and permitted by the CFA.
Calico – Vans – Part-Color And White Color Class
The Maine Coon cat of this color class should have primarily white underparts with un-brindled areas of black and red color.
Silver Patched Tabby – Color Class
Silver patched tabby Maine Coons have fur in a clear silver color with several possible patterns including classic, ticked, and mackerel. This color class also includes a coat with dense black markings and patches of red and cream.
There may be some white trimming on the cat’s mouth and chin, but the nose leather should be the brick red color. The paw pads may be either black or pink.
Brown Patched Tabby – Color Class
This color class is characterized by fur in a ground coppery brown color with classic, ticked, and mackerel as possible patterns. Markings appear in a black color with patches of red.
As far as the nose and paw pads are concerned, they may be black, brown, or the brick red color.
Shell Cameo – Shaded And Smoke Color Class
This color class is also called the ‘red chinchilla’. The reason for the special name is the complexity of the fur color; the undercoat should be white, while the tipped red color mostly appears on the cat’s back, tail, and head
It is necessary that the chin, stomach, and ears are white in color, while the face and legs can be shaded with tipping. Finally, the nose, paw pads and the rims of the eyes should all be a matching pink color.
Shell Cameo And White Color Class
The color of this class is almost the same as the shell cameo that we discussed earlier. The main difference is that while the cat’s face may have white on it, its paws, belly, and bib must be white.
Shell Tortoiseshell – Shaded And Smoke Color Color Class
This variety is when the undercoat is white in color while the fur on the tail and back is tipped with slight black and red shades.
More importantly, the face and legs should be shaded with tipping, while the white color appears on the cat’s chin, ears, chest, and stomach. Finally, the cat’s nose, paw pads, and the rims of the eyes should be either rose or black in color.
Shell Calico Color Class
Shell calico color class is characterized by white coloration with black patches and red shades.
Usually, the cat’s back, tail, and flanks are slightly tipped with black and red shades. The legs and face are usually softly shaded while the underparts are normally white in color.
Shaded Cameo – Red Shaded And Smoke Color Class
As far as this color class is concerned, the cat’s undercoat should be white with red shading down the sides, as well as on the tail and face. Compared to the rest of the body, the legs and face should have deeper color shadings.
This color class includes white coloration on the cat’s chin, stomach, chest, and ears, while the nose, paw pads and the rims of the eyes should be a rose color.
Shaded Cameo – Red Shaded And White Color Class
This color class is very similar to the shaded cameo. The only difference is that the face can have white coloring (but it’s not necessary), and all four paws, as well as the bib and belly, must include white coloring.
Shaded Tortoiseshell – Shaded And Smoke Color Class
The shaded tortoiseshell cat has a white undercoat with black and red shading down the sides, tail, and face. In this case, the legs usually have deeper shading, while the stomach, chin, and chest are usually white or in a slightly tipped pattern.
The main difference between the shaded and shell tortoiseshell is that the shaded tortoiseshell should have darker colorations, and the nose, paw pads, and rims of eyes should be in black or pink color.
Shaded Calico Color Class
Shaded calico color class includes white coloration with unbridled black patches and red shades that go down the sides, face, and tail. The face and legs should have deeper shadings than the rest of the body.
It is necessary in this class that the chin, chest, stomach and ear furnishings are white in color, or that they are slightly tipped. The underparts of the cat are usually white, and this color class is darker than shell calico.
Cameo Tabby – Every Other Tabby Color Class
The Cameo tabby color class refers to a classic, ticked, or mackerel ground color with red markings. The nose and paw pads should be pink in color, and the lip and chest may have white trim.
Cameo Smoke – Red Smoke And Shaded Color Class
Cameo smoke color class includes a white undercoat, tipped with deep red. The Maine Coon cat of this color class is very interesting because when the cat is standing still, the coat looks red.The white undercoat is only visible when the cat moves. The paw pads, nose, and the rims of the eyes are usually pink in color.
Calico Smoke Color Class
Calico smoke includes white coloration with unbridled patches of black and red shades. The underparts of the cat are usually white.
Tortie Smoke Color Class
In Tortie smoke cats, the undercoat appears to be white in color, tipped with black. Red patches are noticeable all over the body. Various different shades of red are accepted in this color class.
This cat looks like a tortoiseshell when standing still but the white undercoat is visible when the cat moves.
Furthermore, a tortoiseshell pattern is found on the cat’s face and ears, along with the narrow band of white at the base of the hairs, which are noticeable only when parting the fur.
The ear tufts and ruff are also white in color and it is desirable that the cat has cream or a blaze of red on its face too.
Are Orange Maine Coons Rare?
The orange Maine Coon is considered to be the rarest color for the breed. However, because of their popularity, orange Maine Coons are less rare nowadays, mostly because reputable breeders tend to breed particular colors and they would become known as the best breeders of cats in that particular color.
Where To Look For Orange Maine Coon Kittens?
As the Main Coon cat breed is one of the most popular and beautiful cat breeds in the world, it shouldn’t be too hard to find Maine Coon kittens for sale. So, there are several options where you can look for your ginger future best friend!
Reputable Breeders
If you’re looking for an orange Maine Coon kitten, the best thing to do is to look for reputable breeders first, especially if you want a healthy, purebred Maine Coon kitten.
Reputable breeders are the safest choice, mostly because they take good care of their breeding cats and kittens, testing them for genetic disease, vaccinating them, and checking them regularly.
Importantly, kittens that come from a proper breeder will come with all the necessary documentation, and usually with a health guarantee.
If you cannot find a reputable breeder in your area or nearby, you can always check for breeders in neighboring states because most breeders today are able to offer different shipping options, which means that you can easily get your Maine Coon kitten delivered from further afield.
Some breeders ship their kittens, and some have a pet nanny who delivers your kitten to your nearest airport.
Also, if you’re going to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder, be prepared to pay a high price, and remember to factor in all the other costs of owning a Maine Coon kitten.
Adoption And Rescue Centers
If you’re looking for a somewhat cheaper option, you can look for Maine Coon kittens in adoption or rescue centers.
Believe it or not, these centers do have a lot of purebred cats who are abandoned for some reason. So, if you are lucky, you may come across a Maine Coon cat or kitten who needs a new home and a loving family.
Free Maine Coon Kittens
You may also come across Maine Coon kittens for free. However, remember that the reason why they’re free is usually because it’s an accidental litter, and now the pet owner wants to give them away to new homes for free.
However, if you’re looking for a purebred Maine Coon kitten then you should be careful if you come across free or very cheap kittens. Kittens from accidental litters are usually not purebred, therefore they may be prone to diseases and other health issues.
The best advice is that if you don’t want to breed your Maine Coon cat properly, then spay/neuter it in order to avoid this problem.
Orange Maine Coon Cat Price
Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds, and their price reflects this. Even though the highest price is at reputable breeders, still, it’s the best and safest option if you really want a purebred and a healthy kitten.
Of course, coat color influences the price, and as the orange coat color is less common than others, the price of the orange Maine Coon kitten may be higher than average.
The average price of an orange Maine Coon kitten is somewhere between $400 and $2000, or even more. It depends on the type of quality you’re choosing.
’Pet quality’ is the cheapest, therefore if you want your cat to be just your friend then this quality is perfect for you. However, if you plan to take your cat to shows and competitions, then you will have to be ready to pay a bit more for a show-quality kitten. If you want a breeding-quality cat in order to develop a breeding business, you should be prepared to pay a very high price.
This is just the beginning of the cost of raising a Maine Coon ginger kitten. Bear in mind that you will need to spend a lot more on providing your kitten with everything she needs, especially in the first year of owning it.
You will need initial supplies such as a litter box, litter, food, bowls, toys, scratching posts and similar. You may always want to look for cat trees for large cats, as well as bigger cat beds so that your Maine Coon will be comfortable.
Of course, the most important thing to do (and one of your largest costs when you own a purebred pet) is to take the kitten for vet checks regularly. Pet insurance can be a great help in managing unexpected vets bills.
Characteristics Of The Orange Maine Coon Cat
Although the coat color doesn’t affect the cat’s personality, some cat lovers and owners believe that ginger Maine Coons are a little bit different than the rest!
Whether that’s true or not, it’s no surprise that these cats are called “gentle giants” because their personality is simply lovely. Some common traits of the Maine Coon include:
• Gentle – even though this is one of the largest cat breeds, they have an easy-going and gentle personality which is why they’re often called “gentle giants”. They aren’t aggressive and it often seems like nothing bothers them at all.
• Affectionate – these cats are overly affectionate towards their owners, and they enjoy spending quality time with their owners, especially if it includes cuddles and snuggles.
• Loyal – Maine Coons are known to be one of the most loyal cat breeds. Usually, cats are very independent, however, these big cats adore their owners and families and they never want to leave your side – which makes them perfect family pets.
• Friendly – these cats are incredibly friendly;they don’t mind if you have guests or unknown people around. However, in these scenarios, male Maine Coons tend to be more friendly than female Maine Coons.
• Playful – a playful nature is characteristic for Maine Coons. They adore playing and interacting with their humans, exploring, and playing with interesting toys that keep them busy for a while.
• Intelligent – Maine Coons are incredibly intelligent, which means that it’s possible to teach them some tricks. They need plenty of active time to play and explore in order to keep them both physically and mentally active and stimulated.
• Water Lovers – although it’s well-known that cats aren’t big fans of water, Maine Coons are an exception! These cats simply adore water, which is so unusual for cats. This is actually a good thing because these cats require frequent bathing and it’s a good thing they’re not afraid of it.
• Good hunters – As Maine Coons are great hunters, be prepared for surprises that your feline will bring to you. You should know that cats give you the prey they caught as a sign of their love and affection for you.
• Good with other pets – the best thing about these cats is that they’re so gentle that they make great pets for families that have other pets or even small children. They’re friendly towards other animals, so they won’t cause any problems with aggression as it’s just not in their nature.
Orange Maine Coon Appearance
Besides the fascinating red coat color, these cats are also popular for their size. With the Norwegian Forest Cat, they are one of the largest cat breeds.
When it comes to the size of this particular cat, there are two possible theories. The first one says that it was Marie Antoinette who brought large Angora cats to Maine, Wiscasset, that later bred with shorthair domestic cats and that’s how Maine Coons developed.
However, another theory claims that Viking ships had large wild longhaired cats onboard to deal with any mice or rats. The story goes that when they got off the boat, they bred with short-haired domestic cats.
So, whatever happened in order to create the Maine Coon, the one thing we know for sure is that today we have big beautiful felines that make excellent cat friends..
Male Maine Coon cats may weigh somewhere between 15-25 lbs. Their height ranges from 10-16 inches, and their length is typically somewhere between 19-40 inches.
As far as female Maine Coons are concerned, they’re somewhat smaller than males, but when you compare them to average domestic cats, they’re still much larger. Females may reach a height of 8-12 lbs. Their height ranges from between 8-14 inches, and their length is typically somewhere between 19-40 inches.
There are certain things you should pay attention to when considering the Maine Coon’s size:
• Weight – keep in mind that male Coons are somewhat bigger than females, as is the case with every other cat breed. However, the most interesting thing about this breed of cats is that Maine Coons are very slow developers, which means that they don’t reach their full size until they turn 3 or 4 years old.
This is important information, mostly because you should pay attention to the cat’s feeding schedule and avoid overfeeding it as this may lead to obesity which is fairly common in this breed.
• Height – these cats aren’t the tallest cat breed, however they do still reach a height that is above average and this adds to their appearance, making them look even bigger.
• Length – Maine Coons are known for their long, muscular bodies. Even though the average length is 19-40 inches, they can become longer. An interesting fact is that the longest cat in the Guiness World Record Books is actually an Orange Maine Coon named Stewie, who is an impressive 48.5 inches long!
So, if you decide to get a Maine Coon feline for yourself, remember that these cats are very big and there is no way to accurately predict how large your Maine Coon cat will grow.
Therefore, you should provide the cat with a lot of space in your home, especially comfortable spaces where the cat can enjoy its chill time.
Health & Lifespan Of Orange Maine Coons
Again, coat color doesn’t affect a cat’s health or a cat’s lifespan. However, here are a few general things you should know about if you choose the Maine Coon to be your pet friend.
These cats have a typical lifespan of 13-14 years, which is very good and shows that these cats are very healthy.
However, as with every other cat breed, Maine Coons do have certain health issues that are characteristic of the breed. These issues can be divided into two categories; minor conditions, and more serious ones.
Minor conditions include:
• Obesity – Main Coons are prone to obesity, therefore it’s very important to pay attention to their feeding schedule to avoid overfeeding. If you’re feline weighs 20% more than the average weight, then your Maine Coon is obese.
• Stomatitis – a disease that includes chronic inflammation of the cat’s mouth.
• Periodontal disease – a condition caused by a bacterial infection under the gumline, leading to pain and inflammation of the tissue.
More serious health problems include:
• Hip dysplasia – this condition usually happens when a cat has a misaligned ball and socket joint, and this is much more common in large cat breeds. Cats with hip dysplasia experience pain when moving, so limping is also possible.
• Spinal muscular atrophy – this is a genetic disease, common for this cat breed, that includes loss of motor neurons and certain abnormalities when moving around.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a condition that causes the thickening of the walls of a cat’s heart.
• Polycystic kidney disease – an inherited disease caused by mutation that leads to the development of kidney issues.
So, when buying a Maine Coon kitten you should look for reputable breeders, because they test their breeding cats for these diseases so that they produce the healthiest kittens possible.
Name Ideas
If you’re getting a ginger Maine Coon kitten and don’t have a name in mind, check out some of the following names ideas and find the perfect one for your new feline friend!
• Yellow cat names
Wrapping It Up
An orange Maine Coon is rare, making it a very special thing to see. They’re not as common as, for example, gray or other Maine Coon colors..
When choosing an orange-colored Maine Coon cat or kitten, you need to be quite precise as there are several color classes of red Maine Coon, according to CFA: red solid color, bi-color, red tabby, and red tabby and white. Of course, orange colors can appear in other color coat patterns as well.
Maine Coons are one of the largest cats but also one of the sweetest, most gentle and loyal cat breeds. The color doesn’t affect the cat’s personality, possible health conditions, or other things about them; the orange color just adds to the Maine Coon’s striking appearance.
If you want to have a purebred orange Maine Coon kitten then you should look for a reputable breeder, and pay the asking price for a completely healthy kitten. However, if you want to save some money, then you can check in adoption or rescue centers or similar.
Maine Coon cats are very popular, especially orange ones, which is why they’re not cheap. The average price for an orange Maine coon kitten is between $400 and $2000+, depending on the quality. Bear in mind that the cost of owning a Maine Coon cat should be factored into your monthly budget.
If you truly want a ginger Maine Coon as a best friend, then do your research into local breeders and find the perfect cat that will suit you and your home.!