List of Black Cat Breeds [With Pictures]

Black cats have been associated with terror and unfortunate events for a very long time. However, it is undeniable how sophisticated and elegant they are. Thus, many cat people tend to look for a black cat when they want to bring a new pet to their home.

While superstitious beliefs about black cats bringing bad luck is a common lore among people, it shouldn’t stop you from adopting those dark and mysterious bundles of joy. You can also choose from the myriad of purebred black cat breeds to find your new roommate.

In this blog, we will discuss those remarkable black cat breeds to help you find the best fit for you. With your love, care, and attention your new black kitty will represent your aesthetic rather than being the harbinger of ill fortune. We will also classify them into small, medium, and large breeds so, you can find the one that makes you feel good. Let’s discuss:

Small Breeds

1. LaPerm

Curly fur and large ears are the most distinguishable features of LaPerm cat breeds. They come in various colors, including black. Their unique and tousled appearance has been very popular among cat lovers all over the world.

This breed originated in the United States in the early 1980s. The largest cat of this breed has a length of 14 inches and they weigh between 5 -10 pounds. They have large, expensive ears that add to their distinctive look. 

LaPerm breed cats are known for their curious and mischievous nature. They are very social and enjoy interacting with you. Due to their wavy coat, they are often mislabeled as high-maintenance. However, they can look like elegant royals with minimal grooming. 

2. Balinese

Another short yet chatty cat breed that is popular among cat parents is Balinese. They are 8 - 10 inches tall and weigh about 6 - 11 pounds. These elegant, slender black cats are traditionally known for their amazing color points with long, silky coats, and plume-like tails giving them a graceful appearance.

These feline breeds were originated in the USA in the 1940s. They are very affectionate, and intelligent, and will often chat with you. These cats typically have deep, vivid blue eyes, striking against their dark fur.

Balinese breed name came from these cats’s elegant and graceful Balinese dancer-like movement. They require regular grooming so their long flowy coat do not get matted. 

3. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cat breeds are the perfect choice for you if you are looking for a whimsical-looking black cat. These black cats have a sleek and curly coat giving them an easily recognizable appearance. They were originally bred in Devon, England in the late 1950s. The first known Devon Rex was a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee.

The large, bat-like ears, pixie-like face, and small, slender muscular body give this cat breed an ethereal appearance. They are 10 - 12 inches long and 6 -9 pounds in weight. They are highly active and very loyal in nature. 

Due to their minimal shedding, they are very suitable for people with allergies. There’s a myth that Devon Rex are fragile due to their slender build. However, they are actually quite robust and healthy with proper care. 

4. Manx

From the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, the Manx cat breed originated. These cats can be easily identified by their lack of tails, some may only have small stubs. As the myth goes, Noah accidentally cut off the Manx cat’s tail when closing the door of the Ark. Black Manx cats have sleek and shiny coats giving them an enchanting appearance. 

This breed of cats has elongated hind tails, rounded heads, and compact and muscular bodies; giving them a resemblance to a bowling ball. They are typically 14 to 16 inches in length and weigh between 8 to 12 pounds. 

Manx cats are known for their friendly, affectionate, and social nature. They are brilliant hunters and are often described as dog-like in their loyalty and trainability. These cats are very playful and active in nature. However, due to their taillessness, they are very prone to certain health issues. 

5. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex is another cat breed with English heritage. It originated in Cornwall, England in the 1950s. Due to a natural genetic mutation, cats of this breed have a distinctive curly coat. Like Devon Rex, Cornish Rex also have bat-like ears and expressive eyes but they have a finer bone structure, more delicate features, and shorter and curlier fur coats.

Due to their lack of guard hair, Cornish Rex breed cats’ coats have a velvety texture. As a result, they need regular bathing as their skin oils are not absorbed by their fur. This small breed of cats grows about 12 - 14 inches tall and typically weigh between 6 to 9 pounds. They have long legs and a distinctive arched back, earning the nickname “the Greyhound of cats.”

Cornish Rex cats are playful, affectionate, and extroverted. They always want to be the center of attention and will project kitten-like playfulness even in their adulthood. They have a longer lifespan, living between 15 to 20 years.

6. Ojos Azules

In Spanish, “blue eyes” translated into “Ojos Azules .” So, no wonder the cat breed “Ojos Azules” has intense blue eyes, which are unusual for black cats. This breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s. However, the first known cat with such intense blue eyes was discovered in New Mexico.

Ojos Azules is one of the smaller cat breeds. They grow 8 -10 inches long and weigh around 6 - 12 pounds when mature. These furry felines are loyal, enjoy attention, and are known to form strong bonds with their families. 

Members of this cat breed can often suffer from cranial deformities and other health issues due to the gene responsible for their blue eyes. This makes their breeding complicated. Also, there’s a myth that blue-eyed cats are often deaf, however, there is no correlation between blue eyes and deafness. 

Medium-Sized Breeds

7. Chantilly-Tiffany

The Chantilly-Tiffany originated in the late 1960s in North America from a pair of chocolate-colored cats. They are popular for their luxurious, soft, and silky semi-longhaired coat with a distinctive plume-like tail and a ruff around the neck.

These cats grow about 16 - 20 inches in length and generally weigh between 6 - 12 pounds. As Chantilly-Tiffany matures, their captivating gold to-amber eyes intensify against their dark fur. Their smooth coat lacks an undercoat, making them less prone to matting.

These medium-sized cats are known to be sweet, gentle, and affectionate. They are sociable and enjoy being around their humans but are not overly demanding. As a result, despite their rarity, Chantilly-Tiffany cats are cherished for their friendly and easy-going temperament.

8. Oriental

One of the many color variants of Oriental Shorthair cats is black which is often referred to as “ebony.” These gorgeous dark kittens were first seen in England. Siamese cats were crossed with other breeds to expand their gene pool and they were the foundation of Oriental ebony felines.

A healthy Oriental cat grows up to 18 inches in length and can be as much as 12 pounds in weight. They have a slender muscular build with almond-shaped green eyes, wedge-shaped heads, large ears, and long noses; giving them an elegant and sleek appearance.

Oriental cats are vocal and extreme attention seekers. They will often engage in conversation with you. Due to their intelligence and enjoy interactive playing, they make very good companions. Despite their sleek outlook, they are very affectionate towards their owners.

9. British Shorthair

Romans brought their domesticated cats in Great Britain who breed with native wild cats and British Shorthairs came into being. With a 19th-century mutation, the British Shorthair cats started showing a black color variant. They have striking gold or copper-colored eyes.

These medium-sized cats grow 12 to 14 inches tall and typically weigh between 9 to 17 pounds. They have a stocky build, plush, jet-black fur, and robust, muscular body. You can easily recognize this cat breed by their distinctive round face with chubby cheeks.

British Shorthairs have glossy black coats that do not fade or change much over time. They are calm, easy-going, and affectionate in nature. They are very low-maintenance as minimal grooming is required. Their loyal nature makes them a very suitable family pet.

10. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins were established as a separate breed from Ragdolls in 1994. They were developed from IRCA Cherubim cats who are included in the Ragdoll family. Their ancestors came from the USA.

Rabbit-like fur, a broad head with a moderately rounded forehead, and puffy whisker pads give Ragamuffin a striking appearance with a solid black coat and fluffy tail. They have a variety of eye colors and may even develop odd eyes.

Ragamuffin breeds are large cats that grow 9 to 11 inches tall and can weigh 10 to 20 pounds. They possess a friendly, sweet, and relaxed nature. They enjoy being cuddled and are very playful and sociable. If you are looking for an indoor cat, Ragamuffins should be your pick. Their charming looks and loving demeanor made them very popular among cat parents.

11. Bombay

If you are looking for a cat breed that comes exclusively in black, Bombay should be your top pick. The Bombay breed was developed in the USA in the 1950s by crossing between a black American Shorthair and a Sable Burmese. The goal was to create a cat that looked like a miniature black panther, thus earning the nickname, “panther for your parlor.”

The signature trait of Bombay breeds is their sleek, jet-black coat and stunning copper or gold eyes. They have a heavily muscular build and a glossy patent-leather-like appearance. They are 9 - 13 inches in height and weigh about 6 - 11 pounds. 

These cats are known for their vocal nature and love to engage with their humans. They are very intelligent and love interactive play. Bombays have low grooming needs because of their short coat. However, they enjoy attention and interaction.

12. Scottish Fold 

Next, we have the Scotland’s sweetheart, Scottish Fold. They are known for their calm, sweet, and affectionate nature. This breed originated in the 1960s in Scotland. The first known Scottish Fold was a barn cat named Susie with naturally folded ears. 

A natural genetic mutation causes the Scottish Fold’s ear to fold forward and downward, which is the primary identification of this breed. They have round faces with large, expressive eyes, completing their charming look. Their eye color can vary a lot which often compliments their coat color.

This small cat breed grows 8 -10 inches in height and 6 - 13 pounds in weight with a rounded, sturdy build. The gene causing their ear fold can sometimes cause cartilage issues. Therefore, you need to monitor their health closely and take them to regular veterinary check-ups. 

13. Turkish Angora

From the rhythmic land of Ankara, Turkey, the Turkish Angora cat breed originated. This breed has a long history dating back to at least the 15th century. These small breed cats are easily identifiable by their long, silky coat and elegant, slender build. They have a ballerina-like body which makes them look astonishly graceful. 

Black and sophisticated Turkish Angora grows 8 -10 inches tall and weighs 5 - 10 pounds. They have a variety of eye colors, and can even show odd-eyes syndrome. They may look delicate yet have a surprising muscular build. 

These furry kitties are very affectionate and naughty in nature. They project the perfect blend of curiosity and mischievous nature. In the past, it was believed that Turkish Angora only had a white coat. This is not necessarily true as they can come in various colors. 

In Turkey, the Turkish Angora is considered a national treasure and is protected by the Ankara Zoo. 

14. Burmese

Black Burmese are very recognizable due to their sleek, glossy black coat. However, a truly black Burmese is extremely rare. Most of them are actually very dark sable colors due to a gene that dilutes color. They originated in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and were brought to the United States in the 1930s. 

This breed was developed by crossing a brown female cat from Burma with Siamese cats. These cats have muscular, medium-sized bodies with rounded heads and large, expressive eyes. Their fine short coats are very soft to the touch.

These medium-sized cats weigh between 8 to 12 pounds and measure about 9 to 13 inches in length. Burmese are highly sociable and enjoy being around people. They will often follow you around the house and can be quite vocal.

Large Breeds

15. Persian

Originating in Persia (modern-day Iran), Persian cats were brought to Europe in the 1600s. The black color variant has been part of the breed since its early days. Persians are one of the famous cat breeds and are easily recognizable by their long, luxurious coat, and adorable flat faces.

A mature Persian stands about 10 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 8 -12 pounds with a compact and muscular body. Typically black Persians have striking copper or orange eyes, short noses, and round faces giving them a doll-like appearance. 

These shy but calm, gentle, and affectionate cat breeds enjoy a quiet environment and are affectionate towards their owners. While they are known to be quite laid-back, they need regular grooming due to their long fur. Otherwise, they can easily become matted.

16. American Bobtail

American Bobtails emerged in the United States in the late 1960s from a naturally occurring bobtail cat found in Arizona. They are famous for their wild, lynx-like appearance and distinctive short, “bobbed” tails. 

A fully-grown American bobtail can grow 30 inches long and weigh around 7 - 16 pounds. These muscular and athletic build cats can have varying colored eyes that stand out against their dark fur. They also come in long-haired and short-haired varieties.

Bobtails are interactive, energetic, playful, and affectionate. That’s why they are often described as having dog-like personalities. You can also play fetch with them and train them to learn simple tricks. Bobtail felines may have a wild appearance, however, they are purely domestic and easily get along with children.

Despite being domesticated, American Bobtails like to roam around and are very good escape artists. So, if you are adopting them, invest in secure carriers for transporting them.

17. Maine Coon

If you are a large black cat lover, Maine Coon should be your pick. They are the oldest natural breeds primarily lived in Maine, USA. Overseas sailors brought them and bred them with short-haired domesticated cats. These unique furry pets are very recognizable due to their lion-like mane, large tufted ears, and tufted paws.

Fully grown black Mine Coons’ solid black coats and fluffy tails give them a striking look. They can be 16 inches tall and weigh more than 20 pounds. With golden or green colored eyes, this cat breed looks exceptionally royal.

These gentle and affectionate cats might look wild. However, they are very intelligent and are very friendly and playful. Thus, they are often referred to as “gentle giants.” They are very good with children and can be a brilliant companion for your family.

18. Sphynx

If dressing up cats in extravagant dresses and costumes is something you like, black Sphynx should be your choice of pet. This cat breed is known for their lack of fur, making their skin feel warm when touched. They have prominent wrinkles around their face and neck and bat-like ears, giving them a unique appearance.

The Sphynx breed originated in Canada in the 1960s. Selective breeding of hairless cats has resulted in bringing this cat breed. They are often 13 - 15 inches in height and weigh around 10 -12 pounds. They are medium-sized muscular cats and often have a fine layer of peach fuzz around their noses and ears. They may or may not have whiskers as well.

These hairless breeds are very social, affectionate, and like to be the center of attention. They often run and greet their owners at the door, which makes them more dog-like cat breed. Some people believe Sphynx are hypoallergenic. While they produce fewer allergens due to the lack of fur, they are not completely hypoallergenic.

Also, you will need to bathe these cats regularly to remove oils from their skin. Keep them warm as they can easily get cold.

19. Siberian

Coming up next, the national treasure of Russia, the Siberian. This ancient breed originated in the forests of Siberia, Russia. They have been around for hundreds if not thousands, of years and still thriving. Black Siberians are easily recognized by their luxurious, thick, solid black, and glossy triple coat. The dense and water-resistant fur makes them well-suited for cold climates.

This large breed of cat has a strong and muscular build with a rounded head and large, expressive eyes. The tufted ears and bushy tails add some extra jewels to their already majestic appearance. They got a royal body of 15 to 18 inches in length excluding the tail and weigh between 8 to 17 pounds. They can grow 9 to 11 inches tall as well.

Despite their size, Siberians are very agile and love to climb and explore. They are intelligent and are known for their loyalty. In Russian folklore, Siberians are depicted as protectors of the home and bring good luck. Their thick coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting. They are known as hypoallergenic as they produce fewer allergenic proteins compared to other breeds.

20. Black Bengal

If you want to have a black cat with a wild and exotic appearance, Bengal cats are your best bet. This breed was developed in the USA in the 1960s by crossing domestic cats with Asian Leopard cats. The black variation appears due to a genetic mutation causing the overproduction of melanin.

The reminiscent of Asian Leopard cat ancestry gives Bengal cats muscular builds, broad heads, and large, expressive eyes. Their coat is exceptionally soft and silky and often have faint “ghost markings” of spots or rosettes. These spots might be only visible in certain lighting.

Bengal cats stand about 6 - 10 inches tall and weigh between 10 - 15 pounds. The females are generally smaller and lighter than the males. They have very high energy, impeccable intelligence, and a playful nature. 

However, Black Bengals or melanistic Bengals are quite rare due to the recessive nature of the melanistic gene. They are often compared to miniature black panthers due to their striking appearance. 

Final Words

So, here is our list of 20 breeds of cats that come in black. Some of them are easy to find, and some are rare. Each of them has their own unique trait and will bond with you differently. 

If you are thinking about adopting a black cat, you can choose any of them from the list above. Consider your lifestyle, allergies, and the needs of your cat before finding the best one suitable for your house.

Some cat breeds feature different fur lengths and eye colors. So, if you want a specific one, you will have to conduct thorough research. Either way, all the black cats are elegant, mysterious, and regal in their own way. 

Make sure to keep your cat safe indoors and to get your cat microchipped in case the gets lost. You can leverage platforms like PawMaw to find your lost cat back home and give them a happy and healthy home environment.