List of Black Cat Breeds [With Pictures]

Black is often associated with terror, but it can’t be denied that it also has always represented elegance and sophistication. If you’re a cat lover looking to adopt a black cat, you certainly have a lot of wonderful choices from the many purebred black cat breeds you can choose from. These cats look dark and mysterious, but there’s no doubt they can give you unsolicited joy—if you can get over superstitious beliefs about black felines being harbingers of bad luck. Black cats, after all, are just the same as any other cat. They deserve love and care, and all they really want is your undivided attention.

Here are some of the most remarkable black cat breeds:

1.   Chantilly-Tiffany

The Chantilly-Tiffany is as elegant and sophisticated as the sound of its name. The breed is known for having silky soft black coats that grow long and thick, with golden eye color that intensifies as the cat matures. The Chantilly-Tiffany may have a cosmopolitan-sounding name, but it has an affectionate and loyal temperament. These cats are also highly sociable and require a lot of attention.

2.   Persian

Persians are among the most popular cat breeds around. They’re known for their adorable flat faces, soft voices, and soft, glossy coats that require careful maintenance. Persian cats are often shy but they can show playful and affectionate personalities if raised in a calm environment. Black Persian cats almost always have copper-colored eyes.

3.   American Bobtail

This breed is very distinctive for their “bobbed” tails, giving them the appearance of a cat in the wild. They also come in the long-haired variety, but if you’re enchanted by the wildly intelligent and affectionate breed, but want less upkeep, you can opt for a short-haired American Bobtail cat.  Cats of this breed are medium- to large-sized. They are interactive, energetic, and playful, making them ideal family pets. They possess a soft coat that almost feels like a rabbit’s fur.

4.   Oriental

Although there are Oriental cats with long hair, black, short-haired felines Oriental cats would be sure to catch your breath all the same, for the beauty and sweetness they’d add to your life. This breed is distinguished by a slender, athletic body and a loyal and devoted personality. Oriental cat loves attention and would be sure to come to greet you with eagerness whenever you return home.

5.   Maine Coon

Maine coons have coats that may feature tabby patterns or five different solid colors, black being one of the most adored. A Maine Coon has long, silky hair and large tufted paws that allow them to walk comfortably on snow. Maintenance required, however, is much less compared to other black cat breeds with long hair. The Maine Coon also happens to hold the record for the largest cat breed. It can grow to up to 35lbs, but their intelligence and fun personality make them even more amazing.

6.   British Shorthair

The British Shorthair, formerly known as the British Blue, is considered among the largest cat breeds, growing on an average of 13-18lbs. Owners are often cautioned to avoid overfeeding, as this breed is also prone to gaining too much weight. British Shorthair cats have short coats that may be in different shades, including pure black. This is a dignified breed known for a calm and easy-going temperament.

7.   Ragamuffin

Apart from its gorgeous soft black coat, the Ragamuffin is also sometimes characterized by piercing green eyes. Defined as a Ragdoll cat breed, these gentle felines are known for their loving nature, making them excellent family pets. Ragamuffins are great with kids for they are gentle, friendly, patient, and love all the attention they’re given.

8.   Sphynx

Green eyes in black cats are more a result of genetics than a specific cat breed. A black Sphynx cat often comes with pale green to hunter green eyes, which intensify its serious facial expression. But be warned: Sphynx cats aren’t particularly destructive, but they will amaze you with their playful personalities, bold tricks, and almost acrobatic stunts.

9.   Ojos Azules

Ojos Azules, which means “blue eyes” in Spanish, is an extremely rare cat breed that produces intense blue eyes that don’t appear to be linked to specific colors and coat patterns. You can thus find Ojos Azules cats possessing deep, dark coats. This breed is friendly, active, and affectionate, making them great to have around families and children. But being one of the rarest cat breeds in the world, there are but a few Ojos Azules cats in the world.

10.  Bombay

The Bombay is a hybrid of the black American Shorthair and Sable Burmese, originating in 1953. While other domestic black cats have mixed-breed origins, the Bombay comes exclusively in black, thus earning the nickname, “panther for your parlor.” The coat of a Bombay has a soft, almost leathery quality. These cats also have striking yellow or copper-colored eyes and expressive faces. They possess an easygoing temperament, making them excellent house pets.

If you’re looking for a black cat with particular eye color in mind, remember that eye colors are often a result of the type of cat instead of being breed-specific. If you want either a short-haired or a long-haired cat, check to see if the breed you’re interested in have both variations as they do in some of the breeds mentioned. Every black cat, regardless of breed, is beautiful in its own way. These breeds all have unique characteristics and personalities that are sure to light up your household, despite their dark coat colors! Once you’ve gotten yourself a new cat, make sure to keep your cat safe indoors and to get your cat microchipped in case he runs away.