Black cats, often shrouded in superstition and myth, are among the most captivating and misunderstood felines. Despite unfounded beliefs linking them to bad luck or witchcraft, these sleek panthers are just as loving, playful, and diverse as cats of any other color. In fact, studies reveal a disheartening bias against them, with black cats sadly being less likely to be adopted from shelters compared to their more colorful counterparts. This is a tragic reality, given that black cats encompass a wide array of breeds, each with unique personalities and characteristics that make them wonderful companions.
Just like cats with tabby, calico, white, or orange coats, black cats are simply cats. They bring joy, affection, and endless entertainment to our lives. To celebrate these ebony beauties and dispel the myths, let’s delve into the fascinating world of Black Cat Types and explore some of the most common breeds that can sport a stunning black coat.
1. Bombay Cat: The Miniature Panther
black bombay cat sitting in bright green grass
Photo by Adobe Stock/Viktor Iden
The Bombay cat truly lives up to its nickname, “miniature panther.” This breed is renowned for its striking jet-black coat that gleams like patent leather and mesmerizing golden or copper eyes that blaze with warmth and intelligence. Developed in the United States to resemble a black panther, the Bombay is a captivating blend of Burmese and American Shorthair genetics. Beyond their stunning looks, Bombays are celebrated for their affectionate and friendly nature. They are incredibly social cats who thrive on human companionship, making them ideal family pets who will happily greet you at the door and curl up beside you on the couch. Their playful spirit and expressive eyes, framed by a distinctive round head and strong jaw, add to their charm. If you desire a feline companion who is both strikingly beautiful and deeply devoted, the yellow-eyed black cat Bombay is an exceptional choice.
2. American Shorthair: The All-American Classic
yellow-eyed black cat lying on a bed
Photo by Adobe Stock/Azaliya (Elya Vatel)
The American Shorthair is a quintessential feline, known for its robust health, amiable temperament, and adaptability. While the Bombay is exclusively black, the American Shorthair boasts a diverse palette of colors and patterns, including a sleek and elegant black. Like the Bombay, they possess a charmingly round face and expressive eyes that reflect their gentle nature. Originating from working cats brought to America from Europe, American Shorthairs are built to be sturdy and resilient. They are often lauded as low-maintenance pets due to their easygoing, independent, yet friendly personalities. They are adaptable to various households and get along well with children and other pets. Whether you choose a black American Shorthair or one of their many other color variations, you’re welcoming a classic, dependable, and loving companion into your home.
3. Persian Cat: The Luxurious Black Cloud
black persian cat lying on the floor
Photo by iStock/Alper Akca
The Persian cat is synonymous with feline luxury and elegance. Renowned for their long, flowing, and incredibly dense coat, Persians are often described as looking like fluffy clouds. While their coat can come in almost any color imaginable, a black Persian is a breathtaking sight – a cascade of ebony fur that exudes sophistication. Adding to their distinctive appearance is their signature flat face and sweet, gentle expression. Persians are known for their calm and docile temperament. This fluffy black cat breed thrives in peaceful and quiet environments and is the quintessential lap cat, content to spend hours being petted and adored. However, that magnificent long fur demands commitment; lots of regular grooming is essential to prevent mats and tangles and keep your black Persian looking their best. If you are prepared for the grooming commitment and seek a serene and utterly glamorous feline companion, a black Persian is a regal choice.
4. Cornish Rex: The Velvety Black Pixie
side photo of a black cornish rex cat sitting
Photo by Adobe Stock/absolutimages
The Cornish Rex is a truly unique breed, characterized by its distinctive wavy, incredibly soft coat. Unlike the dense fur of a Persian, the Cornish Rex coat is short, fine, and lies close to the body, often likened to the texture of velvet or even crushed silk. This unusual coat is a result of a genetic mutation and sets them apart from other breeds. Black Cornish Rex cats are particularly striking, their ebony waves catching the light with every movement. Adding to their captivating appearance are their large, expressive eyes, often a vibrant gold or green, which seem to sparkle against their dark fur. Beyond their looks, Cornish Rexes are known for their playful, intelligent, and affectionate personalities. They are active cats who enjoy games and interaction, and their slender, elegant bodies give them an almost pixie-like appearance.
5. Devon Rex: The Mischievous Black Elf
black devon rex kitten walking through grass
Photo by Adobe Stock/otsphoto
Similar in appearance to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex also boasts a wavy coat, but they are distinct breeds with separate origins. While both have curly fur, the Devon Rex’s waves are looser, and their coat is even shorter and suede-like. The Devon Rex has a wider face than the Cornish Rex, with larger ears set lower on the head, contributing to their distinctive, almost elfin appearance. Black Devon Rex kittens are especially adorable, with their mischievous eyes and playful antics. These intelligent cats are known for being outgoing, curious, and remarkably people-oriented. They are often described as “monkey-like” in their playful nature and get along famously with almost everyone they meet, making them wonderful family pets who thrive on interaction and attention.
6. Maine Coon: The Gentle Black Giant
fluffy black maine coon cat with striking green eyes
Photo by Adobe Stock/Елена Якимова
The Maine Coon is often referred to as the “gentle giant” of the cat world, and for good reason. This is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with some males reaching up to 25 pounds! They are characterized by their substantial size, thick, shaggy coat built to withstand harsh winters, and distinctive tufted ears and bushy tails. While Maine Coons come in various colors, a black Maine Coon is particularly majestic. Their black fur enhances their imposing size, creating a truly striking and regal appearance. Despite their size, Maine Coons are known for their sweet, gentle, and playful personalities. They are excellent family cats who are patient and tolerant, even with children. Their intelligence and trainable nature also make them a joy to have around. If you have the space and desire a large, loving, and impressive feline companion, a black Maine Coon is a magnificent choice.
7. British Shorthair: The Plush Black Teddy Bear
black british shorthair with golden eyes playing on a cat tree
Photo by iStock/Hasret Sonmez
Another popular black cat breed is the British Shorthair. These cats are known for their sturdy, stocky build, round faces, and endearingly charming “Cheshire cat” smile. Their coat is dense, plush, and incredibly soft, often described as velvety or teddy bear-like. While British Shorthairs come in a range of colors, the black variety is particularly striking, highlighting their robust physique and round, expressive eyes which are often a brilliant copper or gold. British Shorthairs are known for their calm, dignified, and undemanding personalities. They are independent cats who are content to entertain themselves but also enjoy gentle interaction and affection from their families. Their laid-back nature and adaptability make them excellent companions for various lifestyles.
8. American Bobtail: The Black Cat with a Wild Tail
An American Bobtail cat is easily recognizable by its defining feature: a short, “bobbed” tail, which can be straight, slightly curved, or even knobby. No two bobtails are exactly alike, making each American Bobtail unique. Beyond their tail, these cats are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and remarkable adaptability. They are often described as dog-like in their loyalty and enjoy interactive play and even leash training. While American Bobtails come in various colors, a black coat accentuates their slightly wild appearance and their alert, intelligent eyes. They are also known for their love of water and their ability to get along well with children and other animals, making them versatile and engaging family pets.
9. Manx: The Tailless Black Wonder
black cat with green eyes sitting
Photo by Adobe Stock/Carla Nascimento
The Manx cat is famous for its most distinctive trait: the absence of a tail, or a significantly shortened tail, due to a natural genetic mutation. This taillessness is the hallmark of the breed, but Manx cats are fascinating in many other ways as well. Along with their unique physical appearance, black Manx cats are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate personalities. They are often described as being very dog-like in their devotion to their families. Manx cats are also renowned for their exceptional hunting skills and their impressive jumping ability, attributed to their powerful hind legs which are longer than their front legs. Their sturdy build and rounded appearance, combined with their playful and loyal nature, make them captivating and rewarding companions.
10. Exotic Shorthair: The Black Persian Look-Alike
black exotic shorthair cat lying on a gray background
Photo by photo by Volchanskiy/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The Exotic Shorthair cat is essentially a Persian cat with a short coat, often affectionately nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian.” They retain the Persian’s sweet, gentle temperament and distinctive flat face but with a plush, dense, short coat that requires significantly less grooming. Black Exotic Shorthairs possess a striking appearance, their ebony fur contrasting beautifully with their large, round, expressive eyes. They have a cobby body, short legs, and a generally rounded appearance that adds to their cuddly charm. Exotic Shorthairs are calm, affectionate, and easygoing cats who love to be pet and cuddled. They adapt well to various living environments and make wonderful companions for those who adore the Persian look and personality but prefer a lower-maintenance coat.
11. Siberian Cat: The Hardy Black Hunter
Siberian cats are magnificent, semi-longhaired cats originating from the harsh Siberian climate. They are characterized by their thick, luxurious triple coat, bushy tail, and substantial size. While Siberians come in a variety of colors, black Siberians are particularly striking, their dark fur enhancing their robust build and wild, intelligent gaze. Known for being highly skilled hunters, Siberians retain a strong prey drive. Their personalities are diverse; some are laid-back lap cats who crave constant companionship, while others are more independent and adventurous, embodying their heritage as natural hunters. Regardless of their individual personalities, Siberians are generally affectionate and playful with their families and are known to be relatively hypoallergenic compared to other long-haired breeds, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers.
12. American Curl: The Black Cat with Curled Ears
black fluffy american curl cat lying down
Photo by Adobe Stock/atiger
The American Curl is immediately recognizable by its uniquely curled ears, which curl backward towards the center of the back of the skull. This distinctive feature is due to a natural genetic mutation that arose spontaneously in California. American Curls have a silky, semi-longhaired coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including a sleek black. Black American Curls are particularly elegant, their ebony fur contrasting beautifully with their striking curled ears and expressive eyes. These cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced. While they enjoy curling up for a nap, they are also sociable and thrive on attention and interaction with their human families.
13. Japanese Bobtail: The Lucky Black Bobtail
Like the Manx and American Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail cats are distinguished by their short, pom-pom-like tail. This breed is considered lucky in Japanese culture, and the bobtail is a natural genetic mutation, not a result of docking. Japanese Bobtails are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and highly social personalities. They are very people-oriented and enjoy being involved in family activities. While they come in various colors, a black Japanese Bobtail is a striking and elegant feline. They are also known for being vocal and communicative, often “talking” to their owners. Climbing is one of their favorite activities, so providing a cat tree or cat shelves is essential to satisfy their active and curious nature.
14. Scottish Fold: The Black Cat with Folded Ears
black scottish fold cat with yellow eyes sitting on a windowsill
Photo by iStock/1001slide
Another endearing black cat breed is the Scottish Fold, instantly recognized by their unique folded ears, which give them an owl-like or teddy bear-like appearance. This distinctive feature is due to a genetic mutation affecting cartilage. While Scottish Folds come in many colors and patterns, a black Scottish Fold is undeniably charming, their folded ears adding to their already sweet and appealing face. Like most cats, Scottish Folds enjoy playing with toys and are naturally curious and playful. They have a calm and sweet temperament, making them wonderful companions and a great fit for families and individuals alike.
15. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Black Viking Cat
black longhaired cat with green eyes standing in green grass
Photo by Adobe Stock/puteli
Norwegian Forest Cats, often affectionately called “Wegies,” are robust and beautiful cats originating from Norway. They are known for their thick, long, water-resistant double coat, essential for surviving cold climates, and their striking green, gold, or copper eyes. Black Norwegian Forest Cats are particularly impressive, their dark, dense fur enhancing their sturdy build and giving them a slightly wild, Viking-like appearance. Along with their dashing good looks, Wegies are known for their love of water and their agile climbing abilities, a testament to their forest-dwelling ancestry. Despite their independent nature, Norwegian Forest Cats are gentle and patient, including with children, making them affectionate and adaptable family pets. It’s wise to cat-proof your house for these adventurous climbers.
16. LaPerm: The Black Curly-Coated Charmer
The LaPerm breed is defined by its unique curly or wavy coat, a spontaneous genetic mutation that originated in Oregon. LaPerms can have varying degrees of curl, from tight ringlets to looser waves, and their coat can be many different colors, including a striking black. Black LaPerms are particularly eye-catching, their ebony curls giving them a distinctive and stylish appearance. Despite their unique coat, LaPerms require surprisingly little grooming, needing only occasional brushing. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and sociable cats. LaPerms enjoy being around people and are often described as having a dog-like loyalty and devotion to their families, making them wonderful and engaging companions.
17. Oriental Shorthair: The Sleek Black Vocalist
black oriental shorthair in a tree
Photo by Adobe Stock/Rita Kochmarjova
Oriental Shorthairs are elegant and striking cats, closely related to Siamese. They are characterized by their slender, svelte bodies, almond-shaped eyes, and large, pointed ears, giving them a distinctive, sophisticated appearance. While Oriental Shorthairs come in a wide array of colors and patterns, a solid black Oriental Shorthair is a vision of sleekness and grace. These cats are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and highly social nature. They thrive on interaction and love interactive toys and learning tricks. Perhaps most famously, Oriental Shorthairs are known for their wide range of vocalizations, including their characteristic “honk,” making them communicative and engaging companions.
18. Selkirk Rex: The Plush Black Teddy Rex
The Selkirk Rex is another Rex breed known for its unique coat, but unlike the Cornish and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex boasts a plush, curly coat that is denser and softer. Their fur can range from wavy to tightly curled, and the curls are present from birth, becoming more defined as they mature. Selkirk Rex cats come in a variety of colors, and a black Selkirk Rex is truly a sight to behold, resembling a plush, curly black teddy bear. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing personalities make them delightful pets. They are known for being gentle and tolerant, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
19. Sphynx: The Hairless Black Beauty
black sphynx cat looking at a vase of flowers
Photo by Adobe Stock/bondvit
The Sphynx cat is famous for its lack of fur, but surprisingly, they still come in different colors, including black. While they appear hairless, they possess a fine layer of downy fuzz that gives their skin a suede-like texture and makes them surprisingly warm to the touch. Black Sphynx cats are particularly striking, their ebony skin accentuating their elegant lines, large ears, and expressive eyes. Despite their lack of fur, Sphynxes still require regular bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy. This extroverted breed thrives on attention and is known for being playful, affectionate, and even dog-like in their devotion. They love to play with their humans and are always up for cuddling, making them incredibly engaging and unique companions.
20. Ragamuffin: The Large and Loving Black Lap Cat
The RagaMuffin is a large and gentle breed known for its exceptionally friendly and docile nature. They are related to Ragdolls and share their relaxed and floppy temperament. RagaMuffins are semi-longhaired cats with a plush, rabbit-like coat that comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, including a beautiful solid black. Black RagaMuffins are particularly striking, their ebony fur enhancing their substantial size and soft, expressive eyes. They are affectionate and gentle cats who crave human companionship and are often described as the ultimate lap cat. RagaMuffins make wonderful pets for those seeking a loving, sociable, and undemanding feline companion who will happily become a cherished member of the family.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
