Maine Coon — Color Genetics & EMS Calculator

The Maine Coon presents one of the most expansive genetic color matrices in pedigree feline genetics, expressing virtually all EMS codes across the A, B, D, O, S, and Ta/Ti loci. Professional breeders rely on an accurate EMS color calculator to navigate combinations spanning solids, tabbies, torties, smokes, and bicolors across 64+ valid code permutations. Understanding the interaction between the Agouti (A) locus and the Inhibitor (I) locus is essential for predicting smoke and shaded phenotypes in Maine Coon feline genetics programs.

Maine Coon colour genetics: frequently asked questions

Which recessive colours do Maine Coon cats commonly carry?
Approximately 15–20% of tabby-pattern MCOs carry a hidden non-agouti (a) allele at the A locus, producing solid offspring when paired with another carrier. Dilution (d) is widely distributed in the population; matings between two heterozygous (Dd) cats statistically produce 25% dilute offspring. Chocolate (b) and lilac (b + d) are valid within the MCO standard and occur as rare recessives.
What colour restrictions apply to the Maine Coon breed standard?
Maine Coons cannot carry the colourpoint allele (cs) — pointed MCOs are not recognized under FIFe or TICA standards and any cs expression constitutes a disqualifying fault. The Amber (e/e at the Extension locus) allele, while documented in Norwegian Forest Cats, is not accepted in the MCO standard. White (W locus) dominant white is permitted, but must be differentiated from high-grade bicolor (Van, 01) in EMS registration.
Which coat patterns are typical for the Maine Coon?
Classic blotched tabby (22) and mackerel tabby (23) are the dominant pattern expressions. Spotted tabby (24) is accepted and occurs naturally. Ticked tabby (25) is considered atypical and is not universally accepted across all registries; FIFe does not list it as standard for MCO. The Inhibitor (I) locus produces silver/smoke variants across all base colors and pattern combinations.

Popular EMS Colors

MCO n 22Black Classic Tabby
MCO a 23Blue Mackerel Tabby
MCO ns 22Black Silver Classic Tabby (Silver Tabby)
MCO f 22Black Tortie Classic Tabby
MCO n 03Black Bicolour
MCO as 11Blue Silver Shaded

Calculate Colors for Maine Coon

Free online cat color genetics calculator. Select the breed and appearance of the sire and dam to predict kitten coat colors, patterns and probabilities based on feline color genetics.

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Enter the appearance of both parents to calculate color predictions.

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