🐱 The Code to Tabby Genetics
Fun Feline Facts, News & Updates
February 4, 2025
Agouti vs. Solid Fur – What Gives Maine Coons Their Patterns?
Have you ever wondered why some Maine Coons have bold tabby markings while others are a sleek, solid color? It all comes down to the agouti gene!
This gene controls whether a cat’s fur has banded hairs (like in tabbies) or a uniform color.
If a Maine Coon inherits at least one agouti gene, their coat will show those beautiful stripes, swirls, or spots. But if they inherit two recessive non-agouti genes, their fur will be a solid color - like black, blue, or cream - without any visible tabby pattern.
Interestingly, even solid-colored Maine Coons technically have tabby genetics! You might notice faint ghost striping in certain lights, especially on kittens.
No matter their coat, Maine Coons are always stunning - whether they’re rocking a classic tabby look or a rich, solid shade!
13 Signs of Maine Coon Intelligence
Posted 5 days ago | Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
What makes this cat breed so special? Are Maine Coon Cats smart? There is so much to learn about them. Here are 13 traits that show their intelligence!
(This post was in our last email, but we forgot the link! OOPS!)
What is a Maine Coon & Tabby Mix?
Posted 4 days ago | Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Are you curious if (or want to confirm that) your kitty is a Maine Coon mixed with tabby? Let's talk about it and solve the mystery!
The Coonie Care Crash Course
Depending on when you joined us and started getting our emails, you may or may not have received our fun mini-course, The Coonie Care Crash Course.
It’s recently been updated and expanded! If you are interested in getting it, you can sign up here!
Photo Albums:
Meet the beautiful Binxy! 🖤 This two-year-old, 18-pound Maine Coon is growing fast and keeping her family on their toes!
From leggy teen to plump purrfection, she's always up to something fun. Whether it’s outsmarting her toys or analyzing the laser dot with laser focus (she’s too clever for her own good!), she’s a goofball with a big personality.
Thanks to Lee in Florida for sharing this stunning portrait of Binxy as she grows into her majestic self! 😻
Has your Coonie joined our albums yet? We’re ready for some new additions! 🐱 You can use the form here to come join and be featured in the next email!
That’s it for today! More to come as I continue to go through the site, writing new posts, updating old ones, and adding beautiful Coonies to our Albums! See you next time! 🐾
PS: Let’s Get Social and Connect:
When it comes to social media, I’ve learned it’s best to be consistent in a few areas rather than spread yourself too thin! Here are the places we update regularly:
Our public Facebook page
Our Pinterest
Our Member’s Area
PPS: To get fun new cat facts every day, check out our daily digest - Maine Coon Musings!