Black cats are sleek, mysterious and often overlooked in shelters, despite being just as loving as any other cat. Many breeds come in solid black, from the panther-like Bombay to fluffy Maine Coons. If you are drawn to a dark coat, this guide covers 10 beautiful black cat breeds and what they are like to live with.
What Makes a Cat “Black”?
A solid black coat comes from genes that produce dense black pigment throughout the fur. Many breeds allow black as an accepted color. Only one breed, the Bombay, is always black.
Black kittens sometimes look slightly rusty or have faint tabby markings that fade with age. Strong sunlight can also give black fur a brownish tint.
10 Black Cat Breeds
1. Bombay
The Bombay was developed to look like a miniature black panther, with a glossy coat and copper or gold eyes. It is the only breed that is always black.
- Personality: Social, people-focused, playful
- Coat: Short, sleek
2. American Shorthair
Black American shorthairs are sturdy, adaptable and easygoing.
- Personality: Calm, friendly
- Coat: Short, dense
3. British Shorthair
A black British shorthair has a plush coat and round copper eyes.
- Personality: Calm, independent
- Coat: Short, plush
4. Maine Coon
Black Maine Coons are large and fluffy with tufted ears.
- Personality: Gentle, sociable
- Coat: Long, shaggy
5. Persian
Black Persians have long, flowing coats and sweet, flat faces.
- Personality: Calm, quiet
- Coat: Long, needs daily grooming
6. Siberian
The black Siberian has a thick, water-resistant coat. Read our full black Siberian cat guide.
- Personality: Playful, affectionate
- Coat: Semi-long
7. Oriental Shorthair
Black Oriental shorthairs are slim, elegant and very talkative.
- Personality: Vocal, energetic, social
- Coat: Short, fine
8. Cornish Rex
Black Cornish Rex cats have a velvety, wavy coat.
- Personality: Active, playful
- Coat: Short, curly. See more curly haired cats.
9. Ragamuffin
Black ragamuffins combine a soft coat with a famously gentle personality. Learn more in our ragamuffin cat guide.
- Personality: Very affectionate
- Coat: Semi-long, soft
10. Scottish Fold
Black Scottish folds have owl-like faces and folded ears.
- Personality: Calm, affectionate
- Coat: Short or long
- Health note: The fold gene is linked to joint disease.
Types of Black Cats Compared
| Breed | Coat | Size | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bombay | Short, sleek | Medium | Social, playful |
| American Shorthair | Short | Medium | Calm, friendly |
| British Shorthair | Short, plush | Medium–large | Calm, independent |
| Maine Coon | Long | Large | Gentle giant |
| Persian | Long | Medium | Calm, quiet |
| Siberian | Semi-long | Medium–large | Playful, affectionate |
| Oriental Shorthair | Short | Medium | Vocal, energetic |
| Cornish Rex | Short, curly | Small–medium | Active |
| Ragamuffin | Semi-long | Large | Very affectionate |
| Scottish Fold | Short or long | Medium | Calm |
Caring for a Black Cat’s Coat
- Brushing: Weekly for short coats, several times a week for long coats.
- Diet: A balanced diet keeps black fur glossy.
- Sun exposure: Lots of sun can fade black fur to a rusty brown. This is cosmetic.
- Gray hairs: Black cats may show white or gray hairs as they age, which is normal.
Black Cats and Myths
Black cats have long been linked to superstitions, from bad luck to magic. In some cultures, they are actually symbols of good fortune. Sadly, black cats can stay in shelters longer than other cats. If you love the look, adopting a black cat is a great choice. Most black cats in shelters are mixed breeds, often called domestic shorthairs or longhairs, and they make wonderful companions.
Choosing Between Black Cat Breeds
Short-Haired Black Cats
The Bombay, American shorthair, British shorthair and Oriental shorthair are easy to groom. Weekly brushing is usually enough.
Long-Haired Black Cats
The Maine Coon, Persian and Siberian need more grooming, especially Persians, which should be brushed every day.
Energy Levels
Oriental shorthairs and Cornish Rexes are very active and vocal. British shorthairs and Persians are calmer.
Health Testing
Whatever you choose, ask breeders about health screening for the breed. Pedigree black cat breeds have the same health considerations as other colors in their breed.
Adoption
Many black cats in shelters are mixed breeds with wonderful personalities. Adoption is a great way to find the black cat of your dreams.
Helpful Resources
More guides from Pet Guide Nest:
Trusted outside sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cat breed is always black?
The Bombay is the only breed that is always black.
What are the cutest black cat breeds?
Many people love the Bombay, black British shorthair, black Maine Coon and black Persian. See our list of the [cutest cat breeds](/cutest-cat-breeds/) for more.
Are black cats more affectionate?
Coat color does not decide personality. Breed, genetics and socialization matter much more.
Why does my black cat look brown in the sun?
Sunlight can fade the pigment in black fur, giving it a rusty tint. It is harmless.
Final Thoughts
Black cat breeds range from the sleek Bombay to the fluffy Maine Coon and the plush British shorthair. Choose a breed whose personality and grooming needs fit your home, or adopt a black cat from your local shelter. Whatever you choose, a black cat makes a beautiful and loving companion. For more guides like this, explore our Pet Breeds articles.
Maren Ashcroft
Maren Ashcroft writes the care guides at Pet Guide Nest. She has grown up around dogs, cats, and rabbits and loves learning about the more unusual pets too. She turns vet and animal welfare research into simple, practical advice for everyday pet owners.
