19 black cat breeds

Updated 24 Oct 2024

Seen by some as a symbol of witchcraft, we can confirm that these black cats couldn’t be further from accomplices to evil sorcery. In fact, we think black cats are awesome, and deserve a little cheer (or purr?). While most of our feline friends come in a range of colours, there are a few breeds that can be found with a striking, jet black coat. 

So, whether you’re thinking about adopting a breed of black cat, or considering sitting a charcoal cutie, put down your wand (joking!) and take a look at these cat breeds that are often found with a soot-black jacket…

Popular black cat breeds

Bombay

Unlike most cat breeds, Bombay cats are only found in one colour - black! Maybe one of the most chic kitties, these fluffy felines were bred to keep the jet black fur of the American shorthair along with the muscular body of the Burmese. These fluffy kitties are energetic and playful, often compared to panthers for their jet black coat and piercing yellow eyes.

Norwegian Forest Cat

While the Norwegian Forest Cat can be found in fawn, chocolate, amber and more, these cuties are also black! Despite their size (weighing in at up to 12 pounds), these kitties are super gentle and love choosing a spot perfect for chilling and people watching.

Persian

Known for their thick, long coats (4-6 inches, to be precise), Persians are affectionate yet a little shy, and playful in spaces they’re comfortable in. If you’ve got a Persian furry family member, you’ll know how important it is to look after that fur - this is one fluffy black cat breed.

Oriental

Originally bred from Siamese cats, this short haired black cat breed can actually be found in a whole range of interesting colour and pattern combos. These slender cuties can be short or long-haired, and are known for their almond-shaped eyes which can be blue or green.

American Curl

One of the more people-loving breeds of black cats, the American Curl will follow you around the house, enjoy a little play time, and might even hide in rather questionable places around your home. These cuties are most well known for their rounded ears, which gives them a bit of a surprised expression - adorable.

Sphynx

A black Sphynx, ‘But how? They’re hairless!’, we hear you ask. Well, these distinctive felines actually have a thin layer of fluff all over their body, and sometimes, it can be black. Taken a liking to the black Sphyx? Just make sure you give them a wipe-down or little bath just to remove the oils that are prone to building up on their skin.

Siberian

If you’re on the lookout for a seriously fluffy ball of fun, this black cat breed will be right up your street! Most people think that cats don’t like water, well Siberians break this myth. They enjoy a splash about as much as the next four or two-legged friend! They’re pretty friendly, too - so if you’ve got dogs, other cats or children, these cuties should fit right in. And as if these fluffy black cat breeds couldn’t get ANY more appealing, they’re also hypoallergenic, despite their stunning, triple-layered coat.

Turkish Angora

These fluffy felines are originally from Angora, which is known today as Ankara. With no bookcase too high or fence too tall, it’s clear that the mounds of fluff on these cuties doesn’t get in the way of their athleticism. If you’ve got a soft spot for playful fluff balls with a cheeky nature, a Turkish Angora could make for a fab addition to your family.

Maine Coon

The largest black cat breed, the Maine Coon, is named after the US state, Maine, where they’re from. They’re super friendly and gentle with their two-legged friends, with tufty ears and fur, adapted to protect them in the colder months.

Scottish Fold 

Known for their unique, folded ears, Scottish folds are often found in light and dark grey, but the jet black cuties are truly striking. They’re super playful and sociable, perfect for families with time to give. Fun fact: they’re actually born with straight ears, and the fold is a genetic mutation that begins to form in the early days of kittenhood.

Manx

Did you know the Manx is one of the oldest cat breeds? Originally a British cat from the Isle of Man, these cuties are fun-loving, quick-witted, and known for their fabulous jumping and hunting skills. One of their most unique features is probably their tail, or lack of it.

Bobtails

These fluff balls are (as you may have guessed) known for their ‘bobbed’ tails, which are much shorter than the average cat tail, and slightly rounded. Let’s take a look at a few long haired black cat breeds (which also come in a range of other stunning colours as well) who fall into the (seriously cute) Bobtail category.

Japanese Bobtail

Another feline cutie that breaks the myth that cats hate water - these fluff balls love the stuff! If you can never quite decide whether you’re a cat or dog person, Japanese Bobtails might just sway you - they love to play fetch AND you can teach them to sit! Along with their playful nature, they’re also super affectionate and friendly, so make perfect family pets.

American Bobtail

Much like their Japanese cousins, the American Bobtail is the ideal family feline. They’re super social, and won’t usually choose a favourite family member, as other four-legged friends are prone to do. This cat breed can even be trained to (enthusiastically) join you for walkies, so are another great breed if you’re not sure whether you’re on the dog or cat side.

Rex

Rex are a distinctive cat breed, hardly known for pristine hair days! Jokes aside, these cuties DO need a little maintenance on the fur front. While there are quite a few types of Rex cat breeds, we’ll explore a few that can be found with adorable black fur coats.

Cornish Rex

These distinctive Rexes are known for their curved bodies, huge eyes, high-set, large ears and short, curly hair (that can feel a bit like a lamb’s coat!). As well as their black fur (which can be found in a range of other colours), their paws AND noses can also be a dark, coal shade as well. These cuties are super affectionate, love being around their two-legged family members, and are even partial to a game of fetch.

Selkirk Rex

There’s fluffy, then there’s the long-haired Selkirk Rex. C’mon, these fluffy cats look like teddy bears! And if you’re not swayed by their curly coats, these cuties are fab with dogs, cats, children and the like. 

Devon Rex

If you’re looking for a short-haired black cat breed who loves to get into a spot of trouble, the Devon Rex is your feline. While they can be found in a variety of shades, the black, short coat is pretty striking. Fun fact - these cuties are partial to a game of hide and seek!

Shorthairs

These British cats are known for their dense, thick coat, stocky body and broad face. While Shorthairs can be found in a range of colours, let’s take a look at a few short hair black cat breeds. 

American Shorthair

Known for their slightly flattened (super cute) faces, they came to America on the Mayflower. They’re the ideal house cat - they love being around two-legged friends, so make for the ideal addition to either a busy or not so noisy household.

British Shorthair

The original shorthair, these fluff balls are known for their easy-going, chilled-out nature. The grey coated-cuties are popular (check out these gray cat breeds to explore more), but these felines are also found with jet black fur and piercing gold eyes.

Exotic Shorthair

Like their other Shorthair cousins, these fluffballs love to be around their two-legged family members. They’re laid back and can adapt to a variety of living situations - ideal if you’ve got kids or other four-legged friends in the house.

Got a (black) cat breed of your own?

Lucky for some! With a black cat of your own at home, have you considered what you’ll do with your adorable ebony feline when it’s time for your vacation? 

Well vets agree pets are happier kept at home, surrounded by all the comforts that make them feel calm, comfortable and safe.

So, instead of a stressful cattery, you might want to consider keeping your kitty looked after at home by a loving, verified cat sitter. Take a look below to find out how it works.

Want to spend more time with (black) cat breeds)?

Who doesn’t! And did you know that you can meet new midnight felines through pet sitting? Yup, simply in exchange for in-home pet care, you’ll get a place to stay (in cool locations) of your choice and of course, a whole set of new feline companions. Take a look below to find out how to become a cat sitter.

Useful resources

• If you haven’t named your new ebony cutie yet, check out these black cat names. 
• Decided against sending your kitty to lonely catteries? Check out how to find a free, verified pet sitter.
• Love cats but don’t have one of your own? Discover how to become a house sitter, where you’ll get a place to stay in exchange for pet care.