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Maine Coon kittens are my favorite kind of kitten. They always have been, and they always will be. When they’re born, they’re already bigger and fluffier than a regular kitten, and they grow like weeds for several years after.
When they’re first born, though, is when they’re the cutest. Before their features sharpen and they start to look like little lions, Maine Coon kittens are some of the most precious beings ever. Especially when they look like tiny polar bears:
Black Diamond Maine Coons is a cattery with some of the most beautiful cats in the game. They specialize in European-style Maine Coons, so the ones who grow up to look like little lions. They also have a lot of Maine Coons with this sort of coloring!
When this little kitty was young, he looked nearly identical to a polar bear cub, especially in his face. He looked like the kind of guy you’d find out in the tundra, battling a seal to survive! However, he’s in fact a cat, safe and sound with his caretaker. He also has different-colored paws!
Maine Coon Growth Cycle
The video includes two clips: this cat as a small “polar bear” baby, and another when he’s a little more grown. He’s still a kitten, but he’s a few weeks older now, which means he’s grown a lot. Maine Coons grow rapidly for the first year of their life! Eventually, they end up looking like:
Maine Coons don’t reach full-grown until about 3-4, but after about 2 years, you’ll notice that they seem to “stop” growing. They might not get any bigger, but a lot of things about them are still changing. Their facial features sharpen, their coats continue to fill out, and their growth plates close.
What Are ‘Smoke’ Maine Coons?
Black Diamond Maine Coons has all sorts of pretty kitties, but one of the main things they specialize in is “Smoke” cats. They come in tons of different colors, and they’re so beautiful!
Black Smoke Maine Coon Image via Shutterstock / wei.hwc
(Image via Shutterstock / wei.hwc)
“Smoke” refers to a specific pigmentation structure. Essentially, the base of the fur is dark and full of pigment, but as you get further towards the tip of the fur, it loses the pigment, typically becoming either light grey or white. It gives the appearance of a shroud of smoke.
The coloring is typically not all over the cat: it’s usually concentrated in different areas. The neck is a big one, often leading to that “collared” appearance. They’re so regal, and I know this sweet polar bear boy will make the best addition to a loving home someday!
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.