16 Beautiful Black Cat Breeds Perfect for Every Household

Introduction

Black cats possess an enchanting quality that makes them seem mysterious to many people. Their black fur combined with their yellow green or orange eyes creates a panther-like appearance. Black cats face unfortunate superstitions about bad luck in certain cultures yet most cat enthusiasts find their appearance to be uniquely attractive.

Various pedigreed cat breeds exist with solid black coats and color patterns which include black elements. Every breed possesses unique personality traits and distinctive characteristics which make them suitable for specific households. The following section provides details about 16 common black cat breeds which can succeed in various households with suitable owners.

1. Bombay

The Bombay breed was developed to replicate the black leopard found in India and thus received its name. Their black fur stands out because of their copper or yellow eyes which create a glowing effect against their dark coat. Bombays demonstrate intense affection toward their families while remaining playful and strongly attached to their human companions. Bombays develop deep connections with specific family members while following them throughout the house.

Bombays seek family attention but they do not need continuous petting or cuddling to be satisfied. Bombays love fetch games and naturally bring their toys to their human companions to play.

2. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair which used to be known as the Foreign Shorthair exists as an elegant vocal breed that displays various coat colors and patterns including solid black. The graceful body shape of Orientals earns them their nickname as "Ornamental" due to their tubular form with long tapering tails and tall ears. Their wedge-shaped heads feature almond-shaped green eyes as their standard eye color.

Orientals present a sophisticated look but maintain their kittenlike nature throughout their entire life span. These cats enjoy playing fetch and chasing toys while performing energetic acrobatic leaps and bounds when they play.

3. Persian

The Persian black cat breed stands out because of its luxurious flowing coat and its peaceful nature. Solid black Persians stand as one of the rarest coat variations among the recognized Persian color and pattern combinations.

Their inky coats make their brilliant copper or gold eyes appear even more striking and luminous. While most Persians have the signature pushed-in “peke face,” black Persians can also have longer noses while maintaining Persian breed standards.

As their regal appearance suggests, Persians love being admired. They seek out human affection and enjoy lounging quietly in the lap or by the side of their preferred people.

4. Maine Coon

Maine Coons stand as America's sole indigenous longhaired feline breed. The Maine Coon features a rugged exterior design that includes a water-resistant long coat which exists in various color combinations including traditional black.

Their black fur is accented beautifully by bushy ear and neck ruffs. Hailing from the harsh New England climate, Maine Coons have adapted to survive cold winters and even enjoy playing in and around snow.

5. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a medium-sized breed boasting a dense, plush coat that comes in black and many other “British Blue” colors like blue, cream and red tabby. Their round faces, chunky bodies and toe tufts give them an endearing teddy bear quality. But British Shorthairs have a reputation for being much tougher than their cuddly appearance suggests.

As their name denotes, British Shorthairs have short, easy-care coats. Underneath they are extremely muscular, athletic cats – a vestige of their history as tough mousers and ratters. They love to play and learn tricks but are equally happy lounging quietly on a sunny windowsill.

6. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair shares its history as a working mouser with the British Shorthair because both breeds performed this task on ships and farms and pioneer settlements. The American Shorthair exists in more than 80 officially recognized coat colors and patterns with black being among them and has evolved into a popular black cat breed. These cats possess strong muscular frames which are completely covered by their thick short fur.

7. Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair brings together Persian personality traits with American Shorthair coat maintenance benefits. Exotic Shorthairs inherit all Persian coat colors and patterns including the eye-catching solid black. Exotics possess Persian-like flattened facial characteristics yet their noses extend slightly longer to help with breathing.

Exotics enjoy spending time quietly with their loved ones yet they possess an active mischievous nature. These cats love to fetch objects and perform tricks to earn their rewards. Exotic cats show excellent compatibility with children who show respect and with other pets and visitors who come to the house.

8. Scottish Fold

The distinctive folded ear shape of Scottish Folds serves as the origin of their name while creating an owl-like appearance in their faces. These cats exist in both long and short-haired varieties with black among all available coat colors and patterns. Their medium-length fur feels smooth against human touch. Black Scottish Folds possess an elegant appearance that stands out from other varieties.

9. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex sports a short, curly coat akin to a poodle or lamb’s wool. Devons display a lean muscular body structure along with big eyes and large ears and a pixie-like facial expression. Devon Rex cats display their elfin characteristics most elegantly through their black coats that exist alongside various other color options. Devon Rex cats have coats that feel like crushed velvet or plush chenille while remaining soft to the touch.

The playful nature of Devon Rex cats perfectly matches their cute and mischievous appearance. For your Devon Rex’s proper diet, buy WOpet’s automatic feeder.

10. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex shares with the Devon Rex its distinctive curly coat which needs minimal care. The Cornish Rex coat displays short loose curls which form a ripple pattern instead of the standard uniform short curls. The Cornish Rex coat exists in multiple color options which include black among them. The black curly coat of these cats enhances their large ear size.

11. Sphynx

The Sphynx black cat breed stands out because it lacks fur. The Sphynx breed does not always lack total hair coverage. The body of these cats features a delicate downy fur which people call "peach fuzz." As Sphynx cats grow older they can develop small hairs on their ears and tail and feet. Sphynx cats possess minimal body hair which creates a black panther effect because their remaining hair appears black.

The lack of hair on Sphynx cats makes them feel warm to the touch because their body temperature runs higher than normal. Black pigmentation dots or a mask pattern can appear on their skin surface. Sphynx cats might look intimidating but their loving nature stands out among their characteristics.

12. Siberian

The Siberian cat exists as a natural landrace breed which originated in Russia. These breeds are quickly becoming more popular among Western cat enthusiasts despite their limited popularity at present. Siberians possess triple-layer semi-long coats which exist in different black color combinations and patterns. Their coats function well in severe cold environments while remaining hypoallergenic to most human individuals.

13. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat exists as a natural landrace black cat breed which originated in Scandinavia. The main characteristic that makes these cats famous is their ability to adapt to cold weather through their thick double coats and large body size and tufted ear and toe features. The black coat of Norwegian Forest Cats enhances their wild and mystical appearance among their various color options.

Norwegian Forest Cats maintain a gentle and loyal nature despite their wild appearance when they grow up in proper environments. These cats form deep bonds with their family members and maintain excellent relationships with children and dogs and all other household pets.

14. Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail stands as an ancient Asian breed which displays its distinctive rabbit-like tail through its pom-pom structure. Japanese Bobtails enter the world with their characteristic short tails while the Manx breed lacks tails entirely. Japanese Bobtails showcase their distinctive tails along with their graceful body structure and thin leg bones. Japanese Bobtails display various coat colorations and patterns which include eye-catching solid black.

Japanese Bobtails maintain their lucky status in Japan because of their cultural roots. The lucky reputation of these cats matches their friendly and affectionate nature.

15. Manx

The Isle of Man in the Irish Sea serves as the original home of Manx cats. The lack of a tail distinguishes these cats because of a genetic mutation. Manx cats possess rounded heads and medium-length double coats which display various color combinations including solid black despite their tailless condition. The absence of a tail makes Black Manx cats seem even more enigmatic because their intentions remain hidden.

16. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll black cat breed gets its name from their famously docile, floppy personalities when handled. They have semi-long silky coats that come in a variety of pointed and mitted color patterns. While not yet common, traditional and sepia solid black Ragdolls also exist. These striking solid black Ragdolls appear even more alluring and mysterious.

Conclusion

Black cats have maintained their hold on human hearts throughout centuries because of their panther-like sleekness. Socialized black cats demonstrate loving personalities in addition to their charming nature. Many pedigreed breeds with solid black coats and color patterns featuring black fur are now available to pet owners.

The Bombay and Sphynx join many other black cat breeds which come in different body types. All black cats share identical personality traits that include being playful and loyal and showing natural social tendencies. People seeking a darkly beautiful feline companion can choose from different black cat breeds available today.