What Breeds of Cats Are Black? 17 Black Cat Breeds

In a nutshell: Black cats dazzle with sleek fur and bold vibes—meet 17 breeds that blend mystery, charm, and purr-fect companionship!

Black cats captivate with their glossy coats and enigmatic stares, making them feline royalty in the eyes of many. But what breeds of cats are black, and what gives them that shadowy allure? This guide unveils 17 stunning black cat breeds, from panther-like Bombays to fluffy Maine Coons, each with unique looks and personalities. Whether you’re drawn to their mystique or debunking superstitions, we’ve got the scoop—complete with care tips and links to explore more, like our sleek black cat breeds dive and Egyptian-connected guides on the Sphynx and Abyssinian. Let’s pounce into the world of black cats!

Contents

• What Makes a Cat Black?
• Types of Black Cat Fur
• Popular Black Cat Breeds
• Other Black Cat Breeds
• Caring for a Black Cat
• Why Choose a Black Cat?
• FAQs

What Makes a Cat Black?

The magic of a black cat’s coat lies in genetics. A high concentration of eumelanin—the pigment behind dark hair and skin—creates that deep, inky hue. Controlled by the dominant “B” gene, black fur blocks out other colors, while melanin also shields against UV rays. Fun fact: sunlight can fade black coats to a rusty brown over time! Curious about their mystique? Check our deeper dive at Sleek Black Cat Breeds.

Types of Black Cat Fur

Black cat coats aren’t one-size-fits-all—here’s a rundown of their stunning variations:

• Jet Black: Pure, glossy black—think midnight skies, common in breeds like the Bombay.
• Tuxedo: Black with crisp white patches on the chest, paws, or face—a dapper classic.
• Smoke: Black roots with silver-tipped ends, creating a misty, ethereal glow.
• Black Tabby: Dark stripes or swirls on a black base—subtle but striking.

These styles pop across breeds, adding flair to their shadowy charm.

Popular Black Cat Breeds

These eight breeds showcase black fur at its finest—meet the fan favorites:

Bombay

The Bombay is a mini-panther with jet-black, short fur and copper-gold eyes. Bred in the 1950s to mimic wild cats, they’re sleek (10-15 lbs), playful, and vocal. Their glossy coat needs minimal brushing—weekly does it.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons, giants at 10-25 lbs, sport long, shaggy black fur and tufted ears. Known for their dog-like loyalty, they’re gentle and social. Brush their thick coats 2-3 times weekly to keep them tangle-free.

British Shorthair

British Shorthairs, with plush black fur and round faces, weigh 7-17 lbs. Calm and cuddly, they’re low-energy companions. Their dense coat needs a weekly brush to stay sleek.

American Shorthair

American Shorthairs, sturdy at 8-15 lbs, rock short, jet-black coats. They’re adaptable and easygoing—perfect for families. A quick weekly brush keeps their fur pristine.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthairs, slim at 6-12 lbs, flaunt glossy black fur and wedge-shaped heads. Chatty and agile, they’re attention-seekers. Brush weekly to highlight their shine.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds, 6-13 lbs, pair black fur with adorable folded ears. Sweet and quiet, they love lounging. Their short coat needs weekly brushing—long-haired variants need more.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cats, 9-20 lbs, boast long, thick black fur and bushy tails. Hardy and independent, they’re climbers. Brush 2-3 times weekly, especially in shedding season.

Sphynx

Sphynx cats, 6-12 lbs, aren’t truly furry but can have black skin pigmentation. Wrinkly and warm, they’re affectionate and quirky. No brushing—just weekly baths to manage oil. See more in our Sphynx guide.

Other Black Cat Breeds

Beyond the big names, these nine breeds also rock black coats with flair:

• American Bobtail: Short-tailed, 7-16 lbs, with shaggy black fur—brush 2-3 times weekly.
• American Wirehair: Wiry black coats, 6-12 lbs, rare and resilient—weekly brushing.
• Bengal: Sleek, spotted black (or dark rosetted), 8-15 lbs—active and glossy, brush weekly.
• Burmese: Sable-to-black short fur, 6-12 lbs, affectionate—minimal grooming.
• Cornish Rex: Wavy black coats, 6-10 lbs, playful—gentle weekly brushing.
• Devon Rex: Curly black fur, 6-9 lbs, mischievous—weekly groom with a damp cloth.
• Exotic Shorthair: Plush black fur, 7-14 lbs, laid-back—weekly brushing.
• Havana Brown: Rich black-brown, 6-10 lbs, sleek and chatty—weekly brush.
• Japanese Bobtail: Black short or long fur, 6-10 lbs, lucky and lively—brush 1-2 times weekly.

The Abyssinian also sports a dark variant—check its Egyptian roots!

Caring for a Black Cat

Black cats need standard feline TLC—here’s how to keep them thriving:

Grooming

Coat care varies by type: short-haired black cats (e.g., Bombay) need a weekly brush with a rubber mitt to remove loose hair; long-haired ones (e.g., Maine Coon) require 3-4 sessions with a slicker brush to prevent mats. Black fur hides dirt well but shows dandruff—keep an eye out.

Nutrition

Feed high-quality, age-appropriate food—kittens need protein-rich kibble, adults a balanced mix (e.g., 30% protein, 15% fat), and seniors lower-fat options to avoid obesity (common in British Shorthairs). Wet food boosts hydration; calculate portions with our tool.

Health

Black cats are hardy but watch for breed-specific issues: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Maine Coons, hip dysplasia in larger breeds, or dental woes in Sphynx. Annual vet checkups catch these early—don’t skip vaccines or dental cleanings.

Why Choose a Black Cat?

Black cats bring more than mystery—here’s why they’re a top pick:

• Stunning Beauty: Glossy fur and piercing eyes—black cats are feline eye-candy.
• Affectionate: From Bombay cuddles to Sphynx snuggles, they’re lovebugs.
• Playful Energy: They chase toys and climb with gusto—perfect for active homes.
• Smart & Trainable: Teach them tricks like fetch—Oriental Shorthairs excel here.
• Low-Key Care: Black fur hides dirt better—less visible mess between grooms.
• Lucky Charm: In Japan and Scotland, they’re symbols of fortune—superstitions be gone!

Petme: Unleash your black cat’s star power

Ready for a shadowy companion? Join Petme, the pet social network where black cat fans unite. Create a pet profile to showcase your inky kitty, swap care hacks, and connect with a global pet community. Download the pet app—adopt via our Adoption Tool and let your black cat shine!

FAQs

1. Are black cats bad luck?
   • No—just a myth! In many cultures (e.g., Japan), they’re lucky—science says they’re as sweet as any cat.
2. Do black cats shed more?
   • Not inherently—shedding depends on coat length (e.g., Maine Coon vs. Bombay), not color.
3. Are black cats harder to train?
   • No—they’re just as smart! Breeds like Orientals pick up tricks fast with patience.
4. What are top black cat names?
   • Try Midnight, Shadow, Onyx, Luna, Panther, Ebony, Vader, Licorice, Charcoal, Eclipse, or Tux!
5. Where can I adopt a black cat?
   • Shelters, rescues, or Petme’s Adoption Tool—black cats often need homes!