Black Smoke Maine Coon Cats

“Smoke” refers to a coat pattern where the hair shaft is light at the base (near the skin) and darker at the tips. In a black smoke Maine Coon, the tips are black while the undercoat is pale silver or white. This creates a smoky, shimmering appearance—especially noticeable when the cat walks, stretches, or is brushed.

Black smoke is not the same as:

• Solid black (no pale undercoat)
• Black silver tabby (visible tabby striping)
• Blue smoke (a softer gray-blue tone)

Black smoke Maine Coon kittens can change in appearance as their coats develop. Many kittens look darker at first and become more obviously “smoky” with age, coat length, and grooming. Seasonal shedding can also reveal more silver undercoat at certain times of the year.

Common features include:

• Dark outer coat with a lighter base
• Silver “flash” when fur is parted
• Dramatic ruff and tail contrast as coat length increases

Color doesn’t determine temperament, but Maine Coons are widely loved for their consistent breed personality. Black smoke Maine Coons typically share the same traits owners adore across the breed:

• Affectionate and social (without being clingy)
• Intelligent and curious
• Gentle with children and respectful with other pets
• Playful and kitten-like well into adulthood

They often follow their people from room to room and enjoy being part of daily routines.

Black smoke coats can look especially glossy and dramatic when well maintained. Regular grooming helps prevent tangles, reduces shedding, and keeps the undercoat clean and bright.

Simple grooming habits:

• Brush 2–3 times per week
• Use a comb for the ruff, belly, and tail
• Keep nails trimmed and check ears regularly
• Maintain a high-quality diet to support coat condition

Black smoke Maine Coons are considered more “specialty” than common colors, and availability depends on genetics and breeding pairings. If black smoke is your dream color, it’s best to stay flexible and focus first on the right breeder, health standards, and temperament match—then color.

If you’re looking for a specific color, joining a waitlist is often the best path.

👉 Join our Maine Coon kitten waitlist

Families who love black smoke are usually drawn to the bold contrast, dramatic coat, and “regal” look. While color preferences are fun, we always encourage families to prioritize health, structure, and temperament first—those qualities are what create a wonderful lifelong companion.

👉 View available Maine Coon kittens

While both black smoke and high smoke Maine Coons fall under the “smoke” category, the difference lies in how much of each hair shaft is light versus dark.

A black smoke Maine Coon has a predominantly dark outer coat, with a silver or white undercoat that becomes visible when the fur is parted or when the cat is in motion. At rest, black smokes often appear nearly solid black, with the lighter base hidden beneath the darker tips.

A high smoke Maine Coon, on the other hand, has a much lighter coat overall. In high smokes, the majority of each hair shaft is silver or white, with dark color limited to the tips. This creates a brighter, more silver appearance even when the cat is still, with dramatic dark tipping along the ears, face, spine, and tail.

Key Differences at a Glance:

• Black Smoke: Dark-dominant coat, silver undercoat visible mainly when the fur is parted
• High Smoke: Silver-dominant coat, dark color present mostly at the tips
• Overall Appearance: Black smokes look darker at rest; high smokes appear lighter and more silver overall

High smoke Maine Coons are often mistaken for silver cats due to their brightness, but the presence of dark tipping distinguishes them from true silver tabbies. Both coat types are striking, and preference typically comes down to whether a family is drawn to a darker, dramatic look or a brighter, silver-forward appearance.