Black cat breeds are frequently connected to enchantment and mystery. Some may be surprised to learn that there are numerous cat breeds with black coats of various lengths rather than just one black breed. The negative connotations surrounding our noir feline friends are rooted in tales of witches and their familiars, animals believed to be demons in disguise, despite their undeniable allure.
“And because they were thought to have meetings of their own and choose what kind of magic to wield, because we all know they’re intelligent,” says Martha Bayless, PhD, a professor at the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences and the director of folklore and public culture.
Over time, cats went from being connected to evil witches to becoming cherished pets. However, due to their dark coats, these mistreated cats are often disregarded in shelters1.
These 11 breeds of black cats will make you happy even though they can’t work magic if you’re hoping to adopt one.
Advice
There is evidence that black cats are more likely than cats of any other color to be surrendered, adopted, or even put to death. This phenomenon is known as black cat bias. If you’re looking to bring a black cat into your home, chances are good that a nearby shelter has one that will suit your needs. A black cat that is purebred might even be found.
1. Mumbai
Combining the best of both worlds, the black American shorthair and Burmese is the parent breed that gives rise to the Bombay breed. While some black cats may have yellow or green eyes, their fur is exclusively black, and they always have the appearance of tiny panthers with brilliant gold eyes. These kitties are full of character and energy. As long as their cherished human is present, they are game for practically any activity. A home where bombay cats would be left alone all day would not be a good fit for them.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 11–13 inches
- EIGHT TO FIFTY PULLS
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and outgoing
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: ebony/black
- EXTENSIONS: 9–15 YEARS
2. Maine Coon
The largest domestic cat breed, Maine coons are known for their enormous whiskers, paws, and facial features. They are frequently referred to as the gentle giants of cats.2. According to veterinarian Alejandro Caos, DVM, of The Vets, they develop close relationships with their pet parents. And if they haven’t outgrown your embrace, they still love to cuddle and be held despite their size! Maine coons come in a variety of colors, including cream, red, blue, tabby, bi-color, and solid black.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 16 to 18 inches
- PURPOSE: 8 to 18 lbs.
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and outgoing
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Long
- COLOR OF COAT: White, cream, beige, tan, chocolate, brown, sable, red, orange, and black.
- AVERAGE LIFE SPAN: 10–13 years
3. Oriental Shorthair
This feisty cat is not one to lurk in the shadows. These English-born noir cuties have gregarious personalities and are full of energy. The Oriental shorthair usually enjoys snuggling or just going from room to room with their humans in between fetch games. Oriental shorthair cats are renowned for their talkative personalities, much like many Siamese-related breeds. These cats have a unique vocalization that sounds more like a honk than a meow, in contrast to their relatives. Their sleek, short fur requires little maintenance. They come in black, as well as gorgeous lavender, cinnamon, orange, and nearly every pattern imaginable.
Overview of Breeds
- INCHES: 9–11 INCHES
- MEASUREMENT: 8–12 pounds
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and outgoing
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: fawn, cream/beige/tan, cinnamon, black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, and white
- 12–15 years is the life span.
4. Shorthaired American
American shorthairs are among the greatest cats for families because of their laid-back and amiable dispositions. Originally, these cats were kept as mousers on ships sailing to the Americas. If you have to go for the day, they will amuse themselves with lots of toys, a scratching post, and maybe a window perch where they can chirp at the birds. They are available in every hue, including pure white, blue, cream, red, and chinchilla (white roots with dark tips).
Overview of Breeds
- LEVEL: 8 to 10 in.
- 10 to 15 pounds in weight
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, gregarious, loving
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: Cream/beige/tan, red/orange, chocolate/brown/sable, black/ebony, blue/gray, and white
- 15–20 years is the life span.
5. Arabic
Persian cats have smoosh faces and regal appearances. They can have black coats or other colors. Being one of the original breeds at the first cat show in 18713, they’re a literal and figurative showstopper. Persians are gentle souls who like routine and quiet, but they also thrive in the spotlight—possibly because they love being pampered and swooned over. For this reason, older families with children would benefit from them more than those with young children or infants. Persians need regular baths and daily brushing to prevent matting in their hair.
Overview of Breeds
- HIGHT: Between 10 and 15 in.
- PACKAGES: 7–13 pounds
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and outgoing
- ENERGY LEVEL: tranquil
- LENGTH OF COAT: Long
- COAT COLOR: fawn, cream/beige/tan, cinnamon, black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, and white
- AVERAGE LIFE SPAN: 10–15 years
6. Sphynx
The Sphynx captivates people with its almost nude appearance and amiable disposition. They can have a range of coat colors and patterns, such as black, tuxedo, and tortoiseshell, because they have a thin layer of downy fur and pigmented skin. They may not be for everyone, but if you find their appearance captivating, you will adore their propensity to curl up with warm companions, including other animals. They are an excellent option for allergy sufferers, but remember that no cat is completely hypoallergenic.
Overview of Breeds
- LEVEL: 8 to 10 in.
- MEASUREMENT: 6–14 pounds
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, gregarious, loving
- POWER STATE: Extreme
- LENGTH OF COAT: Hairless
- COAT COLOR: fawn, cream/beige/tan, cinnamon, black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, and white
- EXTENSIONS: 9–15 YEARS
7. Manx
The Manx cat is native to the Isle of Man, a tiny island in the Irish Sea belonging to Britain. You may recognize them more by their tail—or lack thereof—than by their mousing prowess, which was bestowed upon them by ancient farmers and sailors. These placid cats come in almost every color and pattern combination, but their thick, double coats are mostly black. The most popular colors are tortoiseshell, orange, and tabby. Brush them every day to keep loose hair at bay and off the couch.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 7–11 inches
- MEASUREMENT: 8–12 pounds
- CHARM/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and loving
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: Cream/beige/tan, red/orange, chocolate/brown/sable, black/ebony, blue/gray, and white
- AVERAGE LIFE SPAN: 9–13 years
8. Bobtail Japanese
The Japanese bobtail is a black cat with a short tail that is lively, playful, inquisitive, and loves to be the center of attention. They shed little, are very smart, and are simple to groom. Although they are native to Japan, cat lovers should be grateful that they have spread throughout the country. These cats are medium-sized and have either a long or short coat. They can be solid white, chocolate, blue, bi-color, calico, or, most frequently, white with colored spots, in addition to black.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 8–9 inches
- PACKAGES: 6–10 pounds
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Playful, gregarious, affectionate, and friendly
- POWER STATE: Extreme
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: lavender/silver, red/orange, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable, black/ebony, blue/gray, and white
- EXTENSIONS: 9–15 YEARS
9. Unique Shorthair
For good reason, the exotic shorthair is known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian”—they provide all the tame characteristics of the Persian without the hair. Put another way, they only need to be brushed once a week and are generally low-maintenance cats. Although their coats are often all black, short-haired cats can also be found in various colors and patterns. The exotic shorthair’s favorite activities are often the same as those of the Persian: snuggling up with a cherished family member, being showered with love, and batting at toy mice with caution.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 10–12 inches
- 10 to 12 pounds in weight
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Warm and outgoing
- ENERGY LEVEL: tranquil
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: fawn, cream/beige/tan, cinnamon, black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, and white
- EXTENSIONS: 8–15 YEARS
10. The Siberian
The Siberian coat comes in an abundance of colors, including an opulent black hue. This big cat will have three thick coats of fur that were designed for the harsh Siberian winters, regardless of what color they are. But Siberian cats are more than just coats. In addition, they have exceptional social skills, intelligence, and affection for both people and other animals. Consider getting this energetic cat a cat wheel or engage in interactive playtimes to help them get all the exercise they require each day.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 10–12 inches
- 12 to 15 pounds in weight
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, gregarious, loving
- ENERGY STATE: Intense
- LENGTH OF COAT: Long
- COAT COLOR: fawn, cream/beige/tan, cinnamon, black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, and white
- 8–10 years is the life span.
11. Devon-Rex
Look no further than the Devon rex (or any of the other few rex cat breeds) if you’re looking for a black cat with a curly coat. But the Devon rex is distinguished not only by its ability to wear a curly black coat but also by its unusual appearance and amiable disposition. Their striking coat requires very little care; in fact, excessive brushing may break the fragile hairs.
Overview of Breeds
- ACHIEVEMENT: 10–12 inches
- PACKAGES: 6–9 pounds
- PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, gregarious, neurotic, loving
- POWER STATE: Extreme
- LENGTH OF COAT: Short
- COAT COLOR: fawn, lavender/silver, red/orange, white, cinnamon, chocolate/brown/sable, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, and black/ebony.
- EXTENSIONS: 9–15 YEARS
