The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed native to the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. It is one of the largest domesticated cats, with a dense coat of fur that helps it survive in harsh climates. Maine Coons are known for their distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. While they usually have gold to green eyes, some Maine Coons can have blue eyes, especially those with white coats. Blue eyes in cats are a relatively uncommon trait and are most often seen in specific types of purebreds, such as Siamese, Balinese, or Ragdolls. They are considered a rare feature in Maine Coons, adding a touch of magic to their already majestic appearance.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Eye colour | Blue eyes are rare in Maine Coons but can occur, especially in those with white coats. |
Deafness | White Maine Coons with blue eyes have a 40-60% chance of being deaf. |
Weight | Healthy weight range is between 9 and 18 pounds. |
Size | Maine Coons are large, muscular cats. |
Coat | Long, shaggy, thick, and luxurious. |
Tail | Long and fans out in a plume. |
Neck | Thick ruff around the neck. |
Ears | Tufted. |
Paws | Tufted. |
Colours | White, black, blue, red, cream, brown, silver, tortoiseshell, blue cream, golden. |
Patterns | Solid colour, tortoiseshell, bicolour, tricolour/calico, tabby, smoke, shaded. |
Eye colours | Gold, green, copper, odd-eyed. |
What You'll Learn
Blue-eyed Maine Coon cats are rare
Blue eyes in cats are generally considered uncommon, and are most often seen in specific purebreds like Siamese, Balinese, or Ragdoll cats. In other breeds, including Maine Coons, blue eyes are less common. However, it is not impossible for a Maine Coon to have blue eyes, especially those with white coats.
The colour of a cat's eyes can be influenced by genetics and breeding practices. While breeders cannot guarantee a kitten's eye colour, they can use their knowledge of genetics to increase the likelihood of specific traits, such as blue eyes. This strategy has been successfully employed by some breeders specialising in blue-eyed Maine Coons.
It is worth noting that white cats with blue eyes are particularly susceptible to congenital deafness, which can affect one or both ears. This condition is caused by an absence or abnormality of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which is also involved in eye and ear development. The Maine Coon breed is believed to have a higher incidence of congenital deafness.
Despite the rarity of blue-eyed Maine Coons, they remain a sought-after variety of this beloved breed, with their striking eye colour adding to their majestic appearance.
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Blue eyes are a result of genetics
Blue eyes in cats are indeed a result of genetics. All cats are born with blue eyes, but in most cases, these eyes will change colour as the kitten matures. This is due to the presence of melanin, a pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes of animals. As a kitten grows, melanin is produced and deposited in the iris, changing the eye colour to green, yellow, gold, or copper.
However, in some cats, the melanin production process is altered by genetics, resulting in blue-eyed cats. This is more common in certain breeds, such as Siamese, Balinese, or Ragdoll cats. In other breeds, like the Maine Coon, blue eyes are considered rare. When blue-eyed Maine Coons do occur, it is often linked to their coat colour, with white or dilute calico coats being common among blue-eyed individuals.
The genetics behind blue eyes in Maine Coons can be complex. While breeders can use their knowledge of genetics to increase the likelihood of specific traits, eye colour is not guaranteed. For example, a white Maine Coon may have blue eyes due to masking genes, but this is not always the case. Additionally, some Maine Coons may have heterochromia, or odd-eyes, where one eye is blue and the other is a different colour, such as green or amber.
It is worth noting that while blue eyes in Maine Coons are visually striking, they can also be linked to congenital deafness. White cats with blue eyes are particularly susceptible, with a 40-60% chance of being deaf. This is caused by an absence or abnormality of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which are also found in the eye and ear.
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Blue-eyed Maine Coons are popular on social media
Blue-eyed Maine Coons are a rare sight, but they certainly grab attention on social media. Their striking appearance, with bright blue eyes and luxurious coats, makes them stand out from the crowd. While blue eyes are more commonly seen in purebreds like Siamese, Balinese, or Ragdoll cats, they are a rare feature in Maine Coons, making them even more captivating.
Several blue-eyed Maine Coons have become social media sensations, with their glamorous poses and unique characteristics. One such celebrity is Aquaman, an all-white, blue-eyed Maine Coon known for his serious yet playful personality. He has gained a following due to his striking looks and his polydactyl paws, with up to seven toes per paw! Another famous blue-eyed Maine Coon is Pink Panther, a fluffy white cat with icy blue eyes and a unique butterscotch-coloured patch on its head.
Breeders have also played a role in the popularity of blue-eyed Maine Coons on social media. Oxymoron, a Maine Coon cattery, specialises in breeding blue-eyed cats, and their kittens are sure to catch attention online. Similarly, Marwood Maine Coons, a Canadian cattery, has gained recognition for their blue-eyed cats, including Isla Blue Ridge, a queen with light sky-blue eyes and an air of mystery.
Blue-eyed Maine Coons are not just popular for their looks but also for their personalities. These cats are known for their sweet and gentle temperaments, making them excellent companions for humans and other pets. They are adaptable and easygoing, fitting well into busy households. Their laid-back nature, coupled with their striking appearance, makes them ideal candidates for social media stardom.
While blue-eyed Maine Coons are a rare breed, their distinctive features and charming personalities have made them a favourite among social media users. From glamorous models like Aquaman to breeders' stars like Pink Panther, these cats have captured the hearts of many, showcasing the unique beauty and charm of Maine Coons with bright blue eyes.
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White Maine Coons with blue eyes are susceptible to deafness
White Maine Coons are known for their majestic appearance, combining the breed's large size with a striking pure white coat. They are highly sought after due to their distinctive look. However, it is important to note that white Maine Coons with blue eyes are susceptible to congenital deafness. This condition is linked to the same gene responsible for their coat colour, known as the KIT gene.
The KIT gene controls the production of melanocytes, which are cells responsible for pigment production in a cat's skin, fur, and eyes. In white Maine Coons, a mutation in the KIT gene suppresses the production of melanocytes in the hair, resulting in a lack of pigment and a white coat. This same mutation can also affect the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment or deafness.
Approximately 40-65% of white cats with blue eyes are born deaf in at least one ear. Cats with two copies of the white spotting gene (S/S genotype) are particularly likely to have congenital deafness if the gene affects their inner ear development. The absence of pigment in the inner ear structures, especially in those with blue eyes, can lead to varying degrees of hearing loss.
This condition, known as congenital deafness, occurs when melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, do not develop properly in the inner ear. It is a type of sensory deafness that involves degeneration in the cochlea, resulting in the loss of vital inner and outer hair cells. This can have significant implications for the cat's safety, as deafness may mask the sound of approaching predators or oncoming cars.
If you are considering purchasing a white Maine Coon with blue eyes, it is essential to ensure that the breeder has carefully bred their kittens from parent cats that are free of the deafness variation. While deaf Maine Coons can still live happy lives, it is important to provide them with extra protection and supervision, especially if they are allowed outdoors.
In addition to the risk of deafness, white Maine Coons are also more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage from UV rays due to their lack of pigment. It is crucial to provide them with indoor environments or supervised outdoor access with sun protection to prevent skin issues and potential melanoma. Using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas of their skin, such as the ears and nose, is recommended when outdoors.
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Blue eyes are acceptable under breed standards
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed native to the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and is characterised by its large size and dense coat of fur.
Maine Coons are known for their distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. They have a long and rectangular body, a long tail, a large head with tall ears, a broad chest, and thick legs. Their coat is heavy and silky, with a shaggy appearance that is longer on the stomach and behind the legs.
The eyes of a Maine Coon are usually gold or green, but some can have blue eyes, especially those with white coats. Blue eyes are a relatively uncommon trait in cats and are most often seen in specific types of purebreds, such as Siamese, Balinese, or Ragdolls. They are considered rare in other breeds, including Maine Coons. However, all eye colours are accepted under breed standards, except for blue or odd-eyes in cats with coat colours other than white.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) are two organisations that recognise the Maine Coon breed. While blue eyes are generally acceptable under breed standards, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the CFA and TICA do not accept certain colours and patterns in the Maine Coon breed, such as chocolate, lavender, and the Siamese pointed patterns. Additionally, blue or odd-eyes are not accepted in cats with coat colours other than white.
Breeders play a crucial role in influencing the eye colour of Maine Coon kittens. While it is impossible to guarantee the eye colour of a kitten at birth, breeders can use their knowledge of genetics to increase the likelihood of specific traits, such as blue eyes. This strategy has been successfully employed by specialised catteries like Oxymoron and Marwood Maine Coons, resulting in the birth of blue-eyed kittens.
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Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. While white cats with blue eyes are particularly susceptible to congenital deafness, it's also possible for them to be deaf in only one ear.
Deafness in blue-eyed Maine Coons is caused by an absence or abnormality of melanocytes, which are melanin-producing cells found in the eye and ear.
Blue eyes are not as common in Maine Coons as gold or green eyes, but they can occur, especially in white-coated Maine Coons.
If your cat is not responding to its name, coming when you call it, or seems disoriented, it may have hearing loss. You can take your cat to the vet for some simple tests to determine hearing loss.