The Black Smoke Maine Coon: The ‘Werewolf’ Cat Explained#

If you have spent any time on Instagram, you have seen Richie, the famous Black Smoke Maine Coon who looks more like a werewolf (or a Yeti) than a house cat.

The Black Smoke is currently the most sought-after color in the breed. It is dramatic, mysterious, and incredibly photogenic. When the cat sits still, they look solid black. When they move, the fur parts to reveal a stark white undercoat, creating a shimmering, ghostly effect.

But what actually is a Smoke? Is it a separate breed? (No). Is it rare? (Yes). Here is the genetic magic behind the “Werewolf Cat.”

The Genetics: The “Inhibitor” Gene#

A Black Smoke is genetically a solid black cat with one special addition: The Inhibitor Gene (I).

Think of a hair follicle like a printer.

Normal Black Cat: The printer has full ink. It prints black pigment (melanin) from the root to the tip of the hair.
Black Smoke Cat: The printer runs out of ink halfway through. The “Inhibitor Gene” stops the pigment cells from depositing color at the base of the hair shaft.

The result? The tip of the hair is jet black, but the bottom 50-80% of the hair is pure white.

How to Identify a True Smoke#

Breeders often sell “Poor Smokes” or “High Smokes.”

High Smoke: The cat looks almost black. You only see the white when you blow into the fur.
Low Smoke (The “Show” Look): The white undercoat is so prominent that the cat looks silver with a black mask and black paws. This is the “high contrast” look everyone wants.

The Test: Part the fur on the cat’s collar or flank. If the roots are white and the tips are black, it is a Smoke. If the roots are grey, it is just a Solid Black.

The “Ghost Bar” Myth#

Smoke cats are technically “Solids” (genetically non-agouti). However, the Ghost Markings we discussed earlier are often VERY visible on Smokes.

You might see a faint “M” on their forehead or rings on their tail. This does not make them a Silver Tabby. A Silver Tabby has distinct stripes and a pink nose. A Black Smoke has a solid black nose and “blurred” stripes.

Why Are They So Expensive?#

Supply and Demand. The viral fame of black smoke cats has driven the price up. A pet-quality Black Smoke kitten from a reputable breeder often costs $3,000 - $4,500.

Warning: Because they are expensive, scammers love them. If you see a Black Smoke kitten for $1,000, refer to our Scam Guide. It isn’t real.

Conclusion#

Owning a Black Smoke is like owning a living optical illusion. They require the same grooming as any other Maine Coon (perhaps more, to keep that white undercoat from matting), but their dramatic appearance is unmatched.

Resources & Further Reading#

Messybeast. (n.d.). Smoke and Silver Shaded Genetics.
CFA. (2023). Maine Coon Color Class: Smoke and Shaded.