Black cats, often shrouded in myths and superstitions, are among the most misunderstood and sadly, overlooked pets in shelters. Contrary to unfounded beliefs, these felines are not symbols of bad luck or witchcraft. In fact, studies reveal a disheartening trend: black cats are adopted less frequently compared to cats with different coat colors and patterns. This unfortunate bias stems from baseless negative stereotypes, but the reality is far from these myths.
Black cats are just as cute, affectionate, playful, and wonderful as any other cat. They come in a diverse array of breeds, each possessing unique characteristics and charming personalities. If you’re considering welcoming a sleek, ebony companion into your home, understanding the different breeds of black cats is a great first step. Let’s delve into some of the most common and captivating black cat breeds.
1. Bombay Cat
A sleek black Bombay cat sitting alertly in vibrant green grass
The Bombay cat is renowned for its striking, panther-like appearance. With a jet-black coat as glossy as patent leather and captivating golden or copper eyes, the Bombay is truly a head-turning breed. Beyond their stunning looks, Bombay cats are celebrated for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them exceptional companions. They are known to be quite social, often enjoying the company of their families and even getting along well with children and other pets. Characterized by a round head, expressive eyes, and a sturdy build, the Bombay is a playful and intelligent breed that thrives on interaction and makes a devoted family pet. If you’re seeking a feline that is both visually impressive and deeply loving, the yellow-eyed black Bombay cat might be your perfect match.
2. American Shorthair
A relaxed yellow-eyed black American Shorthair cat lounging comfortably on a bed
The American Shorthair is a breed known for its robust health, gentle temperament, and adaptability. While the Bombay is exclusively black, the American Shorthair boasts a wide spectrum of colors and patterns, including a classic black. Like the Bombay, they have a round face and expressive eyes, contributing to their endearing appearance. American Shorthairs are often lauded as low-maintenance pets due to their easygoing, independent, and friendly personalities. They are adaptable to various lifestyles and households, making them excellent family pets. Whether you choose a black American Shorthair or one with another coat, you’ll find them to be affectionate without being overly demanding, and playful throughout their lives.
3. Persian Cat
A luxurious black Persian cat lying gracefully on a polished floor
The Persian cat is synonymous with elegance and luxury. Famous for their long, flowing, and incredibly soft coat, which can come in almost any color imaginable including a striking solid black, Persians are a breed that commands attention. Their distinctive flat face and sweet, gentle temperament further contribute to their popularity. Black Persian cats exude a sophisticated charm. They are known for their calm and docile nature, preferring serene environments. While they enjoy being lap cats and receiving affection, their magnificent long fur requires significant grooming to prevent mats and tangles. If you appreciate beauty and tranquility and are prepared for the commitment of regular grooming, a black Persian cat can bring a touch of grace to your home.
4. Cornish Rex
A side profile of a sleek black Cornish Rex cat sitting attentively
The Cornish Rex is a truly unique breed distinguished by its wavy, incredibly soft coat. Unlike most cats with three layers of fur, the Cornish Rex only has the down hair layer, resulting in a velvety texture that is often described as suede-like or even similar to rabbit fur. This distinctive coat is not only soft but also low-shedding, making them a good option for allergy sufferers, although no cat is truly hypoallergenic. Adding to their charm are their large, expressive eyes, often gold or green, and their slender, elegant build. Cornish Rex cats are known for being active, intelligent, and people-oriented. They are often described as having a kitten-like energy throughout their lives, enjoying play and interaction with their families.
5. Devon Rex
A playful black Devon Rex kitten exploring outdoors in lush green grass
Often mistaken for the Cornish Rex due to their wavy fur, the Devon Rex is a distinct breed with its own set of characteristics. While both have curly coats, the Devon Rex’s curls are looser, and their fur is even shorter and finer than the Cornish Rex. The Devon Rex has a broader face with prominent cheekbones and exceptionally large ears, often described as “elfin.” These features give them a unique and captivating appearance. Devon Rex cats are known for being exceptionally intelligent, playful, and people-loving. They are often described as “monkey in a cat suit” due to their mischievous and curious nature. They are also known to be very social and get along well with children, dogs, and other cats, making them wonderful family pets.
6. Maine Coon
A majestic fluffy black Maine Coon cat with striking green eyes staring intently
The Maine Coon is often referred to as the “gentle giant” of the cat world, and for good reason. This breed is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their substantial size (weighing up to 25 pounds or more), muscular build, and long, flowing coat. While Maine Coons come in various colors, a black Maine Coon is particularly striking, enhancing their majestic appearance. They possess tufted ears, a long, bushy tail, and a rugged charm. Despite their imposing size, Maine Coons are renowned for their gentle and good-natured personalities. They are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, often described as “dog-like” in their loyalty and desire to be near their families. Their thick coat makes them well-suited for colder climates, and they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming for a long-haired breed.
7. British Shorthair
A charming black British Shorthair with golden eyes playing on a cat tree
The British Shorthair is a breed that embodies a sturdy and dependable presence. With their stocky build, round face, and dense, plush coat, they have a teddy bear-like appeal. Their coat is incredibly soft and dense, often described as velvety or plush. British Shorthairs are known for their calm and dignified temperament. They are not overly demanding of attention but are affectionate and enjoy being around their families. Their large, round eyes, often a striking copper or gold against a black coat, add to their captivating charm. They are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making them excellent companions for various households.
8. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a breed distinguished by its naturally short, “bobbed” tail, which can be straight, slightly curved, or even knotted. This unique tail is a result of a natural genetic mutation and is a defining characteristic of the breed. American Bobtails are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability. They are often described as dog-like in their personality, being playful, trainable, and even enjoying walks on a leash. They are also known to be quite social and get along well with children and other pets. While they can come in various colors and patterns, a black American Bobtail is a striking and unique feline companion.
9. Manx Cat
A tailless black Manx cat with expressive green eyes sitting alertly
The Manx cat is famous for its most distinctive feature: its lack of a tail, or a very short tail, due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This taillessness is the hallmark of the breed, though some Manx cats can have partial tails (stubbies) or even full-length tails (longies), though these are not show cats. Beyond their unique physical appearance, Manx cats are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts and impressive jumping abilities, thanks to their powerful hind legs which are longer than their front legs. Manx cats are often described as dog-like in their loyalty and devotion to their families.
10. Exotic Shorthair
A charming black Exotic Shorthair cat lying down on a soft gray background
Often referred to as the “lazy man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair shares the same endearing flat face and gentle temperament as the Persian but with a short, dense, plush coat. This short coat requires significantly less grooming than the Persian’s long fur, making them a more convenient option for those who love the Persian look but prefer less maintenance. Exotic Shorthairs have a round face, large, round eyes, and a cobby body. They are known for their calm, affectionate, and easygoing personalities. They are lap cats at heart and thrive on human companionship, adapting well to various living environments.
11. Siberian Cat
Siberian cats are magnificent felines originating from the harsh climates of Russia. They are known for their thick, luxurious, triple coat, which protected them from the cold Siberian winters. This coat is not only dense but also surprisingly hypoallergenic for some allergy sufferers, although individual reactions can vary. Siberians are also skilled hunters and possess a robust, muscular build. Their personalities are as varied as their coat colors; some are laid-back and cuddly, while others are more independent and adventurous. They are generally playful, affectionate, and enjoy being part of a family.
12. American Curl
A fluffy black American Curl cat lying comfortably down, showcasing curled ears
The American Curl is instantly recognizable by its uniquely curled ears, which curl backward towards the center of the back of the skull. This distinctive ear shape is a result of a natural genetic mutation that occurred spontaneously in California. American Curls have a silky coat that comes in various colors, including black. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, getting along well with children and other pets. While they enjoy cuddling, they are also active and sociable cats that thrive on attention and interaction.
13. Japanese Bobtail
Like the Manx and American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail is known for its short, distinctive “bobbed” tail, which is often kinked or curled and is as unique as a fingerprint in each cat. Japanese Bobtails are intelligent, playful, and highly social cats. They are known to be very vocal and enjoy “talking” to their humans. They are also known for their love of climbing and high places, so providing cat trees and shelves is essential for their well-being and entertainment. They get along well with other pets and children, making them wonderful family companions.
14. Scottish Fold
A charming black Scottish Fold cat with distinctive folded ears sitting on a windowsill
The Scottish Fold is instantly recognizable and adored for its unique folded ears, which give them an owl-like or teddy bear appearance. This ear fold is caused by a natural genetic mutation that affects cartilage throughout their body. While they are famous for their folded ears, not all Scottish Folds have folded ears; some have straight ears (Scottish Straights). Scottish Folds are known for their sweet and gentle temperament. They are playful, curious, and adaptable, enjoying playing with toys and interacting with their families.
15. Norwegian Forest Cat
A majestic black longhaired Norwegian Forest Cat with piercing green eyes standing in green grass
The Norwegian Forest Cat, or “Wegie” as they are affectionately called, is a large and robust breed originating from Norway. They are known for their thick, water-resistant double coat, which protected them from the harsh Scandinavian winters. Their coat is long and flowing, giving them a majestic appearance. Norwegian Forest Cats are also known for their love of water and their climbing prowess. Despite their somewhat independent nature, they are gentle and patient cats, even with children. They are intelligent, playful, and affectionate with their families.
16. LaPerm
The LaPerm is a breed celebrated for its curly or wavy coat, which is a result of a natural genetic mutation. The curliness of their coat can vary from tight ringlets to looser waves, and the texture can range from soft to springy. LaPerms are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming compared to other curly-coated breeds. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and sociable cats. Often described as having a dog-like loyalty, LaPerms enjoy being around people and are known to be quite devoted to their families.
17. Oriental Shorthair
An elegant black Oriental Shorthair cat gracefully perched in a tree
The Oriental Shorthair is a striking and slender breed closely related to the Siamese. They share the same elegant body type and almond-shaped eyes as the Siamese but come in a vast array of coat colors and patterns, including a sleek solid black. Oriental Shorthairs are known for their large, bat-like ears, which further accentuate their unique appearance. They are highly intelligent, curious, and social cats. Orientals are known for being very vocal and communicative, often “talking” to their humans with a wide range of vocalizations, including a distinctive “honk.” They thrive on interaction and enjoy playing with interactive toys and learning tricks.
18. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is another Rex breed known for its unique coat, which is plush and ranges from curly to wavy. Unlike the Cornish and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex’s curls are denser and more substantial, giving them a somewhat shaggy or sheep-like appearance. Their curls are present from birth and become more defined as they mature. Selkirk Rex cats come in various colors and patterns, including black. They require regular grooming to prevent matting, especially in their dense curls. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing personalities, making them wonderful family pets.
19. Sphynx Cat
A curious black Sphynx cat intently looking at a vase of flowers
The Sphynx cat is famous for its hairless appearance, although they are not truly hairless but covered in a fine down-like fuzz that feels like soft suede. Despite their lack of fur, Sphynx cats still come in various skin colors and patterns, including black. They have a distinctive wrinkled skin, a lean, muscular body, large ears, and expressive eyes. Sphynx cats are known for being exceptionally warm to the touch due to their lack of insulating fur. They are extroverted, affectionate, and highly people-oriented cats who thrive on attention and interaction. Despite their lack of fur, they require regular bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy.
20. Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a large and gentle breed known for its sweet and docile temperament. They are closely related to Ragdolls and share many similarities, including their large size and relaxed nature. Ragamuffins come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including black. They have a semi-longhaired, plush coat that is soft and rabbit-like to the touch. Ragamuffins are known for being exceptionally affectionate and loving cats who crave human companionship. They are often described as “puppy-like” in their devotion and are ideal lap cats, making them wonderful companions for those seeking a loving and sociable feline friend.
In conclusion, the world of black cats is rich and diverse, with a breed to suit almost every preference and lifestyle. From the sleek and elegant Bombay to the fluffy and gentle Maine Coon, black cats showcase a stunning variety of appearances and personalities. By looking beyond outdated superstitions and embracing these beautiful felines, you might just find your perfect companion in one of these remarkable black cat breeds.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
