Any list of the most popular cat breeds worldwide can’t go without the popular Maine Coon.
But, except for the purebred ones, there are also many hybrids of the Maine Coons with some other breeds. One of these is the Maine Coon Tabby mix.
First of all, you should know that tabby is not a specific cat breed, but rather a description of a coat type that can be seen in many domestic cats.
The tabby cat looks sort of like a miniature tiger, with fur made of wild stripes. This cat’s coat can also be a combination of stripes, spots, and swirls.
Continue reading to find out more about this hybrid’s appearance, temperament, and health.
Maine Coon Tabby Mix Appearance
It’s hard to predict what a hybrid cat will look like exactly, but, by observing both of the parents, we can roughly get an idea of what to expect.
Let’s get an idea of a Maine Coon Tabby mix.
Size
We are well aware that Maine Coon is a large breed. The expected weight range for these cats is between 11 to 25 pounds, with males usually being slightly heavier than females.
To predict how big the Maine Coon Tabby hybrid will get, it’s also necessary to look at Tabby’s parent weight.
Since many different breeds can have the tabby coat pattern, such as the British Shorthair, Bengal, Ragdoll, Egyptian Mau, etc., it isn’t so easy to estimate this cat’s average size.
Still, according to the tabby growth chart, these cats can weigh from 8 up to 21 pounds.
The male Maine Coon Tabby mix is expected to weigh 12 to 18 pounds, while females will be smaller with an average weight of 6 to 12 pounds.
Coat Color And Type
Maine Coons come in many different colors and patterns, such as blue, black smoke, cream, white, tortoiseshell, calico, etc.
According to the Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, tabby coat colors default distinct color patterns with one color predominating.
For example, if this cat has a brown to gray base, her stripes will be darker, and will range from coal black to brownish.
The Maine Coon Tabby mix can come in a couple of different coat patterns:
• Classic: This type of coat coloring refers to cats with a pronounced color pattern on their flanks and shoulders.
• Marble: Cats with this coat pattern mostly have stripes on their face, neck, and legs.
• Mackerel: This pattern is recognized by thin horizontal stripes on the cat’s sides.
• Spotted: Just as it can be concluded from its name, this coat pattern refers to cats with spots on their coat, instead of the usual stripes.
The Maine Coon has a silky and heavy coat that’s longer behind the cat’s legs and on her stomach, but shorter over the shoulders.
The Maine Coon Tabby mix is also likely to inherit this type of coat, together with a fluffy tail.
This means that you should be prepared for a lot of grooming to keep this hybrid’s fur in good shape!
Read Also: Are Tabby Cats Hypoallergenic Or Likely To Trigger Allergies?
Physical Features
This cat will usually have oval-shaped eyes that can be blue, hazel, brown, or green.
Her ears should be set wide apart and might have tufts. This mixed cat’s face is likely to come in a wedge shape.
A trait they are likely to inherit from their tabby parent is a distinctive M marking on their foreheads.
Maine Coon Tabby Mix Temperament
The Maine Coon cat is obedient, friendly, and affectionate. In a way – it even acts like a dog, since it loves to be around its humans all the time!
The Spruce Pets described tabby cats as outgoing, friendly, and adventurous. So, chances are good that these two cats’ hybrid will inherit both of its parents’ amazing traits!
You can expect a Maine Coon Tabby mix to be confident and to make a wonderful companion that enjoys human contact.
Of course, you should make sure that this hybrid is both physically and mentally stimulated, and that it has enough space to run and jump around.
Maine Coon Tabby Mix Health
One of the most important things any future owner will consider is the health of the cat they opt to buy.
With this hybrid, it’s necessary to take both Maine Coon’s and tabby cats’ potential health issues into consideration.
So, let’s see what to expect.
1. Hip Dysplasia
This condition appears due to abnormal development of the hip joint in felines, according to petMD.
Some of the most common symptoms of this condition are a cat’s avoiding stars, as well as jumping to high surfaces, and excessive licking of the hip area.
The Maine Coon is one of the breeds that are more likely to develop hip dysplasia.
Veterinarians usually prescribe supplements to support joint health in cats with this condition.
If hip dysplasia seriously disrupts the cat's daily routines and the quality of its life in general, the veterinarian may suggest surgery.
See Also: 5 Causes Of Bowed Legs In Cats, And Is Recovery Possible
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an increase in the production of thyroid hormones in felines.
The exact cause of this condition is still unknown, but there are some speculations about the living circumstances that make cats more prone to developing this disease.
Heather Vaske and her associates [1] point out how cats that are kept indoors, and those that are exposed to pesticides, flea spray, and insecticides, have an increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism.
The most common signs of this condition are increased appetite, as well as increased thirst and urination.
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that should be taken seriously, since it can greatly affect the cat’s health and her life in general.
To avoid obesity in the Maine Coon Tabby mix, it’s necessary to establish daily meals and to avoid living food available to the cat for the entire day.
Also, you shouldn’t exaggerate with the cat treats. Additionally, it’s necessary for this cat to have enough exercise to stay at a healthy body weight.
4. Periodontal Disease
This hybrid might also develop periodontal disease, which is, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, one of the most common dental diseases in cats.
This dental issue presents an infection and inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the cat’s teeth.
The plaque build-up can cause this dental problem in cats. A cat can remove some of the plaque during eating or naturally by using her tongue. But, if you don’t take good care of your cat’s teeth, the plaque will continue to build up and cause hard tartar.
If periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to the loss of teeth.
Conclusion
Many cat fanciers would prefer their pets to be purebreds, and to come from the champion bloodline.
But, I would say that hybrids are no less worthy than purebreds, and the example of the Maine Coon Tabby mix really confirms this statement!
These cats have interesting looks, and friendly and outgoing personalities, and make a wonderful choice for a family pet.
Read Next:
• A Detailed Guide To The Fascinating Bengal Tabby Kitten
• 7 Interesting Facts About The Mackerel Tabby Cat Personality
