An Unexpected Genetic Surprise from Our Polydactyl Line

At Bellatrix Cattery, every kitten is special. But once in a while, one arrives who rewrites the storybook entirely. Bear, a plush-pawed polydactyl Maine Coon with a rich chocolate coat, did just that.

When Bear was born, we were expecting beauty—of course, we were—but nothing prepared us for the surprise of his color. Chocolate in Maine Coons is rare. Exceptionally rare. So rare that when it appeared, even with our strong knowledge of lineage, we looked twice. Then we looked deeper.

📚Confirmed by DNA: The Chocolate Gene Revealed

Bear’s parents are both striking and unique. His dam, Livie Polydactyl Paws (66/66), is a shimmering Silver Marble with bold features and exceptional structure. His sire, Graf Classic Paws, a powerful Red Smoke now retired, helped build our foundation line.

Neither cat visibly carried chocolate. Yet behind their luxurious coats, both harbored a hidden secret: the recessive gene for chocolate.

We confirmed Bear’s genetics through Orivet, our trusted partner for feline DNA testing. As we quietly hoped, Bear tested positive for chocolate. The fact that both parents unknowingly carried and passed this on makes Bear a genetic gem. It also affirms the purpose and vision guiding our breeding program.

✨Why This Matters to Bellatrix

This wasn’t luck. This was the quiet reward of thoughtful pairings and long-term planning. Bear’s coat represents a milestone—not just in color, but in meaning.

We are proud to be among the very few Maine Coon breeders in the world who have uncovered a chocolate recessive pairing within a polydactyl line. It’s a beautiful reminder that Bellatrix is not just about producing stunning, healthy kittens. It’s about reaching for something rare, deliberate, and deeply rooted in care.

Bear will be cherished as a companion, of course. But more than that, he’s now part of our future. We plan to consider Bear for selective pairings beginning in late 2025, with the goal of developing even more distinctive and emotionally resonant kittens through our boutique program.

🐾A Future as Rare as His Coat

We believe genetics and heart go hand in paw. Bear reflects both. He’s a sweet soul, a velvet-footed surprise, and a quiet celebration of everything Bellatrix stands for.

If you’d like to follow Bear’s journey, from his chocolate surprise to his future role in our legacy lines, we invite you to stay close—through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or by subscribing to our kitten announcement emails. ✨

Stay Connected

Want more stories like Bear’s? Visit our blog for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. To explore current or upcoming litters, browse our available kittens page. If you have questions or would like to reserve a future kitten, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’d love to hear from you.

From our starlit couch to your home,
— Galina at Bellatrix Cattery