15 Absolutely Gorgeous Black Cat Breeds (With Pictures)
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission.
Black cats are full of mystery which may be the reason why some cultures associate these felines with witchcraft and bad luck.
However, other societies such as the Walsh and Japanese do appreciate that these cats are just as adorable as other felines.
In Japan, for instance, women who own black cats attract more suitors. British sailors also believed that having black cats on their ships would bring them good luck and safe travels.
Unfortunately, for the longest time, black cats have had it rough compared to other cats due to negative superstition or just because they don’t photograph well.
For instance, black cats are more likely to be abandoned by their pet parents and they also wait longer in shelters before being adopted.
The good news is that these beautiful unique furballs are more than just mere superstition. They’re cuddly, sweet, and social pets that make wonderful companions. Black cats also tend to live longer as the gene that gives them the black color also makes them more resistant to some diseases.
So, if you’re thinking of adopting a black cat, you couldn’t have made a better decision.
And to help you make a wise choice, here are 15 cat breeds that come in a black coat.
#1 Bombay
- Height: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Personality: Curious, lively
- Coat: Short-haired
- Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
The Bombay cat was developed in the 1950s. This breed was a cross between the Burmese and American shorthair cat.
Bombay cats look like the wild black leopards of India. They have medium-sized muscular bodies, round faces, big striking copper-colored eyes, and smooth, glossy, panther-like, black, short coats that are easy to groom.
These adorable kitties are intelligent, social and adaptable making them excellent family pets. Bombay cats also crave attention and tend to be very talkative. They are also courageous breeds that aren’t easily intimidated by bigger pets.
Notably, Bombay is the only cat breed that comes in only one coat color- black.
Fun fact: If you love endless kitty cuddles, then the Bombay cat is your perfect snuggle buddy.
#2 Oriental Shorthair
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 5-10 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, energetic
- Coat: Short-haired
- Life Expectancy: 10-20 years
The Oriental Shorthair is a mix of the Siamese, the American and British Shorthairs, Russian Blue, Abyssinian, and a domestic cat. This cat has a muscular body, almond-shaped eyes, large ears, a triangular face, and long legs.
Oriental Shorthairs are energetic, affectionate and very social cats. These smart cats are suitable for large families that can give them unlimited attention. American Shorthairs are known to single out and bond with one or two people in the family.
In addition, these slender felines are very vocal and will often greet you at the door or meow loudly to let you know that they miss you. The American Shorthair comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns including black.
#3 American Bobtail
- Height: 9-10 inches
- Weight: 7-16 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, loyal, friendly
- Coat: Short and long-haired
- Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
The American Bobtail is a rare cat breed developed in the 1960s. This cat is characterized by a large athletic body, round feet, long back legs, and an expressive bobtail. The stubby short bobtail is often a third to a half of a standard cat’s tail size.
Black-haired Bobtails have soft dense coats with brown or black paw pads. Their shaggy coat can either be short or long.
These intelligent cats are playful, loyal and cuddly felines that love being around people and pets.
You’ll never get bored if you have an American Bobtail as a pet as this cat loves to entertain and play games. These kitties that are wonderful therapy pets are also adventurous and enjoy outdoor activities like leash walks.
The American Bobtail is also one of the few cat breeds that enjoy travelling.
The American Bobtail coat comes in a variety of colors including black.
#4 American Curl
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 5-10 pounds
- Personality: Intelligent, sweet
- Coat: Short or long-haired
- Life Expectancy: 10-20 years
The American Curl is one of the most recent cat breeds that is characterized by beautiful backwards-curled ears. The cat’s curled ears are a result of a spontaneous natural mutation. This cat’s delicate curled ears need to be cleaned and handled with care.
American Curls are nicknamed ‘Peter Pan’ since they retain their playful kitten nature even when they grow older. These playful and polite felines are fond of children. They are also very social and people-oriented furballs that love to follow their favorite person around the house.
This medium-sized cat breed matures slowly and her curled coat can either be short or long. The initial American Curl was black but today you’ll find this cat breed in several coat colors.
#5 American Shorthair
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 6-15 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, social, adaptable
- Coat: Short and thick
- Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
The American Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds. Her ancestors came to America on the Mayflower.
American Shorthairs have large bodies, big eyes, short ears, and flat faces.
In the 1800s, American Shorthairs were known for their mouse-catching skills but today they are popular for their sweet and easy-going character. These cats are social, loyal, and very adaptable meaning they can easily fit in most households. They get along well with children and other pets making them great family companions.
The American Shorthair comes in over 80 coat colors and patterns with black being the most popular color. Some of the kittens are born with smoky colorations on their bellies and tails which later turn black in their adulthood.
#6 British Shorthair
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 7-17 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, calm, friendly
- Coat: Short and dense
- Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
The British Shorthair originated in ancient Rome and she’s one of the oldest cat breeds. This cat’s sturdy body, large round eyes, and short, dense coat are the traits that make her be referred to as a teddy bear.
The British Shorthair is a calm, friendly and easy-going cat that gets along well with humans and other pets. She is also a loyal cat who bonds strongly with her owner.
Even though they enjoy spending time with their families, the British Shorthairs don’t demand too much attention and won’t mind spending time alone.
The British Shorthair is often referred to as the British blue because her most popular coat color variant is blue. This feline also comes in other coat color shades including pure black. A black British Shorthair will have a jet black coat and golden-yellow eyes.
#7 Cornish Rex
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Personality: Playful, curious
- Coat: Short and curly
- Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
The Cornish Rex cat is known for her egg-shaped head, curly coat, big eyes, and large ears. This cat’s short curly coat is silky and super soft like a lamb’s coat. The first Cornish Rex kitten was born in 1953 among a litter of barn cats in Cornwall, England.
This adorable feline has kitten-like curiosity and playfulness. The Cornish Rex is also a strong, athletic and adventurous cat that loves to jump, run and play. As a pet, this intelligent cat fits well in a super active household that can offer plenty of games and interaction.
Notably, this cat should be kept indoors since her short coat doesn’t provide enough protection from sunlight and cold weather.
The Cornish Rex comes in various coat colors and patterns with black being one of them. A black-haired Cornish Rex has a black nose and paw pads.
#8 Devon Rex
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 5-9 pounds
- Personality: Mischievous, curious, and intelligent
- Coat: Short and curly
- Life Expectancy: 14-17 years
Devon Rex is one of the smallest and rarest cat breeds. She has big eyes, a curly coat and a pixie-shaped, wrinkled face.
This social and curious furball will follow you around the house wagging her tail just like a dog even when you’re busy with your daily errands. This intelligent cat enjoys the company of humans and other pets.
Devon Rex cats need to be kept busy with lots of stimulating activities to curb their destructive nature when bored. They are also talkative breeds that won’t hesitate to voice their opinion or get your attention.
Because of her short hair, the Devon Rex likes to stay warm. During cold nights, your Devon will probably find a comfortable warm spot on your lap. These cats can be found in many coat colors, black included.
#9 Exotic Shorthair
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 10-12 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, sweet, and affectionate
- Coat: Short and dense
- Life Expectancy: 8-15 years
The Exotic Shorthair is a cross between Persian and American short hair.
The Exotic shorthair cat has a large round head, study flat nose, large paws, large round eyes, small ears, thick neck, and a short thick tail. This cat looks very much like her parent, the Persian except for her shorter coat. The short coat is thick and dense.
Exotic Shorthairs are loyal and affectionate to all family members. These calm and gentle furballs enjoy living in quiet homes. They spend most days sunbathing, napping, or watching the world from open windows.
Exotics are very adaptable making them wonderful family pets. They are also more affectionate than other cat breeds. If you’re looking to adopt an Exotic, be prepared to get a lap cat who enjoys lots of cuddles.
This cat’s short coat is super easy to maintain which is why they’re the perfect ‘lazy man’s cat. The Exotic comes in many coat colors including black.
#10 Japanese Bobtail
- Height: 8-9 inches
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, active
- Coat: Short and long hair
- Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
Japanese Bobtails have large, upright ears, oval eyes, long, slender legs and short, kinked tails. This ancient cat breed is often found in ancient Japanese artwork and she is also a sign of good luck in native Japan.
These kitties are playful, affectionate and very friendly, especially to children. They are vocal cats that will announce their presence with their sweet voices. Besides, these interactive furballs love to follow their companions around and they also love to play with water.
A Japanese Bobtail hair can either be short or long. The soft and silky coat comes in a variety of colors including shades of black.
#11 Maine Coon
- Height: 10-16 inches
- Weight: 12-25 pounds
- Personality: Sweet, gentle, intelligent, laidback
- Coat: long and silky
- Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
The Maine Coon cat is the largest cat breed in the world. This furball holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest cat.
These gentle giants are highly sought-after therapy cats and family pets. They are gentle, friendly, playful, and affectionate cats that enjoy human company.
Moreover, the Maine Coon is one of the cat breeds that loves water and shouldn’t be left unsupervised around pools and ponds.
These strong and muscular felines are great jumpers and climbers. The Maine Coon thick coat, long fluffy tail, and tufted paws and ears protect this cat from the cold winters of the Maine state often nicknamed the Pine Tree State.
Maine Coon coats come in various colors, black being one of the prettiest.
#12 Norwegian Forest Cat
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 8-18 pounds
- Personality: Independent, loving
- Coat: long
- Life Expectancy: 13-20 years
The Norwegian Forest cat has a muscular body, triangular head, long legs, tufted paws, bushy tail, a round nose, and a long, waterproof double-coat. These ancient breeds are native to Norway and they were kept by the Vikings in their ships to hunt rodents.
This large feline has a gentle and sweet deposition. She enjoys the company of humans but tends to be territorial with other pets.
These independent breeds are highly adaptable and thus require little attention. They love heights so you’ll need to provide a safe cat tree for your furball to climb. The Norwegian Forests are also energetic cat breeds that love playing games.
White and tabby are the popular coat colors of this cat.
However, their coat patterns also come in black.
#13 Persian
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 7-12 pounds
- Personality: Calm and gentle
- Coat: Long and fluffy
- Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
The Persian cat has a large round face, short muzzle, large eyes and a long, silky coat. This flat-faced feline is the most popular cat in the US.
Persians are sweet, affectionate and gentle cats that are best suited for a quiet family. These docile cats love the outdoors and will spend most of their days in sunny spaces sunbathing or napping.
The Persian woolly undercoat and wiry overcoat are both high maintenance as they require regular grooming. These adorable felines may experience breathing problems because of their pushed-in faces.
The Persian coat comes in several colors, black being one of them. Black-haired Persian cats have copper-colored eyes.
#14 Scottish Fold
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 6-13 pounds
- Personality: Easy-going, playful, and affectionate
- Coat: Medium to long
- Life Expectancy: 10-11 years
The Scottish Fold cat has a big round head, big eyes, curled whiskers, short legs, and folded ears. The downward folded ears are a result of a genetic mutation that affects their cartilage. This cat’s ancestry can be traced to the first cat known to have folded ears called Susie.
The Scottish Fold is a playful and social cat that will follow you around like a shadow. She also loves human company and doesn’t enjoy being left alone for long. Their calm and easy-going nature makes them wonderful pets for families with children and other pets.
The Scottish Fold’s long or medium coat comes in many colors, black included.
#15 Selkirk Rex
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 6-16 pounds
- Personality: Easy-going, calm and gentle
- Coat: Short or long and curly
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
The Selkirk Rex has a round head, big eyes and a flat nose just like the Persian. This cat is a mix of Persian, British shorthair, and Exotic shorthair. They are prized for their unique curly coat and whiskers.
The Selkirk Rex is a patient, easygoing and friendly cat that loves spending time with humans. This feline also gets along well with other pets including dogs. They are calm and affectionate cats that like to cuddle.
The Selkirk Rex’s dense and curly coat requires regular brushing to keep it free of painful tangles. Their soft curly coat comes in a variety of colors including black.
Black cats are no less affectionate than other cats.
In fact, most black cats are sweet, affectionate, loyal, and lovable. If you want an all-black cat for a pet, then Bombay is definitely your breed of choice.
However, the other cat breeds discussed above come in various coat colors black being one of them and they also make lovely family companions.
So, do you have a black cat for a pet?
Which breed are they?
Talk to us in the comments section below.
