Blue Maine Coon Color
The “grey” Maine Coon is actually a blue Maine Coon. Blue the dilute of black pigment. The blue coloration observed in Maine Coons is a result of a diluted gene that manifests as a soft lavender-gray hue, often described as smoky. This unique shade creates a striking contrast with their expressive eyes, enhancing the overall visual appeal of their fur.
Maine Coons can exhibit a variety of coat patterns and shades within the blue spectrum, including solid blue, blue tabby, blue-silver tabby, blue patched tabby, shell blue-cream, shaded blue-cream, blue-smoke, and blue-cream smoke.
Each of these variations contributes to the breed's distinctive and captivating appearance.The fur is smoky grey in appearance, and the ear tufts can be blue or white(ish). Like all other coat colors the Blue Maine Coon can also have white on its body which is registered as blue patched tabby.
Full Grown Blue Maine Coons
Cat breeds most noted for coming in blue color include the Russian Blue, Chartreux, Korat, British Shorthair, Nebelung. Many breeds of cats come in blue color, it is recessive so selections must be made to produce it. Recessive colors require two copies of an allele are needed to express the phenotype (a recessive allele is hidden in heterozygous cats).
Scroll down for pictures of Blue Maine Coons!
What other breeds of cats coming in the blue color?
D-Locus & New D2-Locus
The MLPH gene encodes a protein known as melanophilin, which plays a crucial role in the transport and stabilization of melanin-containing cells within the body. When a mutation occurs in this gene, it results in the misallocation of these cells, ultimately leading to a lighter or diluted coat color in affected individuals.
This particular mutation associated with color dilution is recessive in nature, necessitating the presence of two copies of the mutated gene, referred to as the D allele or located at the D locus, for the manifestation of the diluted phenotype.
| Chocolate | Dilute | Basic Color Description |
|---|---|---|
| B/B or B/b | D/D | Black |
| B/B or B/b | d/d or d2 | Blue |
| b/b | D/D | Liver/Chocolate |
| b/b | d/d or d2 | Lilac |
| e/e | D/D | Yellow |
| e/e | d/d or d2 | Champagne |
The MLPH mutation has a significant impact on the pigmentation of both eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which are crucial in determining the coloration of dogs. This mutation can influence dogs of various colors, including black, brown, and yellow, with the most noticeable effects observed in black cats. When a black cat undergoes dilution due to this mutation, it is commonly referred to as a blue cats.
| D/D | Non-dilute | The cat carries two copies of the non mutated MLPH allele. In most cases the cat will express a normal, non-dilute coat color and will always pass on a copy of the "D" allele to all offspring. |
| D/d | Carrier of dilute | Both the dominant and recessive MLPH alleles detected. In most cases the cat will have a normal, non-dilute coat and is a carrier of the dilute coat color. The cat can pass either MLPH allele on to any offspring. |
| d/d | Dilute | The cat has two copies of the recessive mutated MLPH allele. In most cases the cat will have a dilute colored coat. He will always pass on a copy of the MLPH allele on to any offspring. |
| D/d2 | Carrier of dilute | Both the dominant non mutated MLPH allele and recessive d2 mutated MLPH alleles detected. In most cases the cat will have a normal, non-dilute coat and is a carrier of the d2 dilute coat color. The cat can pass either MLPH allele on to any offspring. |
| d2/d2 | Dilute | The cat has two copies of the d2 recessive mutated MLPH allele. In most cases the cat will have a dilute colored coat and will always pass on a copy of the MLPH allele on to any offspring. |
| d/d2 | Dilute | The cat carries one copy of d and one copy of d2 mutated MLPH allele. In most cases the cat will have a dilute colored coat and will always pass on a copy of either MLPH mutated allele on to any offspring. |
The terminology for this color variation can differ among breeds, with terms such as blue, charcoal, slate, or grey frequently used. Similarly, a diluted chocolate cat is often identified as lilac or isabella. Dogs exhibiting this diluted phenotype possess either a d/d or d2 genotype, and their coat color is further influenced by the E and B loci, which can be represented as B/B, B/b, or b/b for the B locus, and E/E, E/e, or e/e for the E locus.
The recessive nature of the mutations that lead to the dilution phenotype allows a dog to possess one of the two dilution variants while still exhibiting a typical coat color. Such dogs have the potential to transmit either the genes associated with full coloration or the alleles linked to the diluted phenotype to their progeny.
Consequently, It is possible for two cats that display full coloration to produce a puppy with a diluted coat. This phenomenon underscores the significance of DNA testing for the D locus as a crucial tool in breeding practices, whether the objective is to intentionally produce a dilute coat or to prevent its occurrence.
Price of a Blue Maine Coon
Should you expect to pay more?
Indeed, a "blue" Maine Coon, characterized by its exquisite blue-grey hue, can command a higher price than its more commonly colored counterparts. A buyer should expect to spend at least $2000 up to about $6000 on a for a blue Maine Coon that is registered and from health tested bloodlines. This coloration is relatively rare, which elevates its desirability among both breeders and prospective owners, thereby enhancing its market value.
The cost is influenced by various elements, including the breeder's reputation, the cat's lineage, and its overall quality and health.
The allure of a blue-grey Maine Coon lies not only in its striking appearance but also in the prestige associated with owning such a rare specimen. As a result, these captivating cats often attract a premium price, reflecting their sought-after status.
However, potential buyers should be mindful that the final price tag will ultimately hinge on a combination of factors, such as the breeder's credentials, the cat's pedigree, and the specific attributes that contribute to its overall excellence.
Color diversity
Unique hues such as blue, silver, or intricate patterns are frequently viewed as more exclusive, often leading to a higher market value than the more prevalent colors like tabby or tortoiseshell.
Ancestry and breeding
Maine Coons that come from a distinguished lineage, especially those bred by reputable breeders known for their exceptional quality, generally carry a higher price tag, irrespective of their color.
Health assessments
Trustworthy breeders conduct comprehensive health screenings for their cats, and the costs associated with these evaluations are reflected in the overall price of the kittens.
