14 Gorgeous Black Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Black cats have gotten a bad name over the years. They are associated with being evil, being familiars in witchcraft, and playing the villains in many TV shows and movies. However, a black cat is no different from any other feline.

Black cats are loving, loyal, independent, and have great personalities according to the breed you decide to give a forever home. It’s also thought that black cats might live longer than some other breeds, so that’s a bonus as well.

If you’ve always wanted to adopt a black cat, you should know that there are quite a few out there to choose from. We’ll give you 15 of our favorite black cat breeds in the list below, so join us.

The 14 Black Cat Breeds

1. Bombay Cat

If you’re searching for a gorgeous cat with a shimmering black coat, the Bombay cat is the right choice of pet for you. Developed in the 1950s, the Bombay is a cross between a black American Shorthair and a sable Burmese Cat.

They have a soft, short coat that feels like velvet and is easy to groom. Bombays get along well with children, other pets, and even other cats, and most are incredibly vocal. With its charming, easygoing personality, the Bombay is a favorite among pet lovers.

2. Persian Cat

The Persian cat is another black cat that is absolutely gorgeous. With its glossy black coat and flat face, the Persian is easy to recognize. The breed became well-known and popular in 1871 during a Crystal Palace cat show. A Persian cat was also said to be a favorite cat of Queen Victoria during her time.

This breed has a long, luxurious coat, so it’s important to note that the Persian requires a lot of grooming to be healthy, gorgeous, and happy. They will do best in a home that is quiet most of the time. They are affectionate but quite shy, especially around strangers.

3. Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

The Chantilly-Tiffany cat isn’t just a black cat; it also comes in cinnamon, chocolate, and lilac. However, they often are born with black fur that is amazingly soft. They become attached to their pet parents and will follow them everywhere. Since they have problems being alone, Chantilly-Tiffany cats are better suited for owners who spend most of their time at home.

They make terrific lap cats because they are affectionate, loyal, and social. If you’re looking for these qualities in a cat, this black beauty is a good choice.

4. Maine Coon Cat

If you’re looking for a large black cat, you’ll love the Maine Coon. They are among the largest domestic cats on the planet and are as gentle and loving as they are large. It’s best to install perches and cat trees for a Maine Coon since they enjoy climbing quite a bit.

Maine Coons look stunning with black coats, but they can be tabby’s, and for solid colors, you have your choice of black, blue, white, cream, and red. They have long, thick fur, so there’s quite a bit of maintenance involved in caring for the Maine Coon.

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest cat appeared on the scene in 1979 in the United States and is thought to have been used on Viking ships to hunt rodents. While they can certainly still hunt rodents, they are usually kept as pets and companions in today’s modern world.

The Norwegian also has long, glossy fur and comes in several colors. They are comfortable in cold climates because of their long hair. As with any of the long-haired cats on the list, you can expect the Norwegian Forest Cat to be challenging to groom.

6. Japanese Bobtail Cat

The Japanese Bobtail is known for being playful, intelligent, and social. They’re available in a variety of colors, and they’re laidback and love nothing more than to curl up in the lap of their owners or follow them around the house step-for-step.

A black Japanese Bobtail Cat will have coal black, sleek black fur that doesn’t require as much grooming as some of the other black cats on our list. That, combined with the cat’s gentle nature, makes it a great pet for families.

7. Sphynx Cat

The Sphynx cat is a hairless cat with skin that determines their coat color, so it is possible to end up with a black Sphynx. However, grooming this cat, even without fur, can be complicated if you’re not careful. They require weekly baths to prevent the oil on their skin from clogging their pores. Also, you can’t have the Sphynx out in too much sun, heat, or cold since they have no fur to protect them, and extreme temperatures can damage their skin and make them very sick.

However, the Sphynx make good pets, and they’re intelligent and friendly and bond closely with their owners.

8. British Shorthair Cat

British Shorthair cats are well-known for their vibrant blue fur, but they can have black coats. They are also beloved for their easy-going attitude, intelligence, and quiet nature. The black variety is jet black all over and has gold eyes, making them a gorgeous breed.

They are great pets for families and singles, and grooming them isn’t hard. In fact, the British Shorthair is so easygoing that pet owners have no problem keeping them around other animals, including birds and other exotic pets.

9. American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair is one of the most popular felines in America. They started out as working cats and quickly evolved into companions and pets. The breed usually lives for 15 years or longer and is the perfect pet for kids. They come in numerous colors, including black, and have an intriguing history. It’s highly possible that the first ancestors of the American Shorthair Cats came over on the Mayflower.

10. Exotic Shorthair Cat

The Exotic Shorthair cat has often been called the lazy man’s Persian. They have faces that are similar to the Persian, but they have much shorter fur. Therefore, they require much less grooming. While the Exotic shorthair comes in black, They can also be found in many other colors.

They live between 10 and 15 years and make exceptional pets. If you let them, they have no problem lying around and doing nothing all day.

11. Ragamuffin Cat

The Ragamuffin cat has thick, long fur that makes them appear much larger and heavier than they are. They come in a variety of colors, including gorgeous black. Ragamuffins are one of the best breeds for families with small children because they tolerate slight roughhousing and are patient and calm.

Their luxurious coats require daily brushing, and because they establish strong bonds with their families, they don’t like being alone. They love to play games and can be taught to play fetch and walk on a leash, but when the family settles down, the Ragamuffin is happy to curl up in someone’s lap.

12. Turkish Angora Cat

The Turkish Angora Cat has been compared to the Angora Rabbit. It has a small head, soft fur, and a thick tail. They get along with other animals and make great pets. However, they consider themselves to be the boss of any household they are in, so training and socialization may be needed to show the cat who is the alpha animal in your home. Turkish Angoras are available in several colors and patterns, but the black coat is one of the most stunning.

13. Selkirk Rex Cat

The Selkirk Rex cat has Persian heritage, with its flat nose, round head, and big eyes. Their fur is soft but takes a bit of grooming to take care of. Although they’re skilled groomers, Selkirk Rexes have curly hair that makes them look unkempt and fuzzy. They were developed after a Persian cat had a litter with three curly haired cats in 1988. They’re gentle cats that don’t require as much exercise as most breeds, and they prefer lying around the house to running and playing games.

14. Oriental Cat

The Oriental cat is a cross between a Siamese and a few breeds, such as the American and British Shorthairs, as well as Abyssinians, domestic cats, and Russian Blue Cats.

Oriental cats have short hair, so they are pretty simple to groom. They are incredibly social and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so make sure you have time for this breed before giving it a forever home.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many gorgeous black cats in the world. Whether it’s an Oriental or a gigantic Maine Coon, if you choose to give a black cat a forever home, you’ll get a loyal, loving, precious pet in return. Although black cats have a bad reputation due to irrational fears and legends, they are friendly creatures that make phenomenal pets.

See also:

• Maine Coon vs American Shorthair Cat: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)
• Silver Maine Coon Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock