The “Short Hair” Maine Coon: Does It Exist?#

I see this listing on Craigslist all the time: “Purebred Short Hair Maine Coon Kittens.”

Let me be very clear: There is no such thing as a Short Hair Maine Coon.

The long coat is a defining characteristic of the breed. It is written into every breed standard (TICA, CFA, FIFO). If a cat has short hair, it is—by definition—not a Maine Coon.

However, genetics are tricky. Here is why your short-haired cat might still have Maine Coon blood.

The Recessive Gene#

The gene for long hair is Recessive.

• To be a Maine Coon, a cat must inherit two copies of the long-hair gene (one from mom, one from dad).
• Since all purebred Maine Coons have two copies, they can only pass on the long-hair gene. Two purebreds will always produce long-haired kittens.

The Mix Scenario: If a Maine Coon mates with a Domestic Shorthair:

• The kittens will get one “Long” gene (from the Coon) and one “Short” gene (from the domestic).
• The “Short” gene wins (it is dominant).
• Result: The kittens will look like regular shorthaired cats, even though they are 50% Maine Coon.

The “Summer Coat” Confusion#

Sometimes, a purebred Maine Coon looks shorthaired in July. During the Seasonal Blow-Out, they drop their ruff and pantaloons. They can look surprisingly sleek. But if you check the tail, it will still be a plume. A true shorthair has a thin, tapered tail.

Conclusion#

If someone tries to sell you a “Short Hair Maine Coon” for a high price, it is a scam. It is likely a mix. It might be a wonderful cat with a great personality, but it is not a purebred.

Resources & Further Reading#

• UC Davis Veterinary Genetics. (2020). Feline Coat Length Genetics.
• CFA. (n.d.). Maine Coon Breed Standard.