Black Cat Breeds: The Complete List

Across homes and folklore around the world, black-coated cats often catch the eye — from lap companions to street-smart survivors. Their presence in stories and photos makes many people curious about which breeds commonly show solid black fur and where those cats come from.

There are 18 black cat breeds, ranging from American Shorthair to Turkish Angora. For each, I list Scientific name,Black coat frequency (%),Origin/primary region so you can compare how common black coats are and where they originated — you’ll find the full list and details below.

Do black coat colors affect a cat’s health or personality?

Coat color itself doesn’t determine health or personality; those depend more on genetics, care, and the individual cat. Some breeds with frequent black coats have breed-specific health concerns, so check the Scientific name on the list to research breed-related issues. Behavior varies by upbringing and socialization rather than fur color.

Why do some breeds have higher percentages of black coats?

Black coloration is driven by specific genes (melanism) that are more common in certain breed lines and regions. The Black coat frequency (%) column in the list shows that some breeds are predominantly black while others rarely are, reflecting breeding history and genetic patterns.

Black Cat Breeds

Images and Descriptions

Bombay

Sleek, panther-like cats intentionally bred to be solid black with copper eyes. Nearly every Bombay is jet-black. Low grooming needs, very social and people-focused. Best found via specialty breeders or breed rescue groups; iconic choice for a true black-breed cat.

American Shorthair

Classic, muscular cats that can present as solid black though tabby patterns are more common. Moderate grooming, calm and adaptable family pets. Solid black is uncommon but present; available through breeders and shelters across North America.

British Shorthair

Stocky, round-faced cats sometimes seen in solid black. Dense plush coat needs regular brushing. Laid-back, affectionate, and independent. Solid black occurs but is not dominant; often found through UK/European breeders and national clubs.

Persian

Longhaired, flat-faced breed that can be solid black; coat requires daily grooming and regular trimming. Gentle and calm with indoor needs. Solid black Persians are uncommon but established in show lines and specialist breeders.

Exotic Shorthair

Shorthaired Persian-type with plush coat; solid black appears like a dense velvet. Lower grooming than Persians but still needs regular care. Sweet-tempered and relaxed. Solid black is available from specialty breeders and rescues of the breed.

Maine Coon

Large, rugged longhair breed that can present solid black or black with faint markings. Thick coat needs weekly grooming. Friendly, dog-like personality and widespread in North America; black individuals are uncommon but present.

Norwegian Forest

Robust, semi-longhaired breed adapted to cold; solid black can occur though tabby patterns dominate. Moderate grooming with seasonal shedding. Independent but affectionate; find through Scandinavian and European breeders or dedicated rescues.

Cornish Rex

Slim, short, wavy-coated breed available in solid black. Very low-shed coat needs gentle care. Playful, active, people-oriented. Solid black is a common accepted color; available from rex-specialist breeders and some rescues.

Devon Rex

Small, curly-coated breed that frequently comes in solid black. Minimal shedding, needs gentle grooming. Mischievous, affectionate and energetic. Black Devon Rexes are popular; find via breed clubs and dedicated breeders.

Sphynx

Hairless breed that may appear solid black due to pigmented skin and sparse fuzz. Skin care and warmth are priorities; baths occasionally required. Extremely affectionate and social. Solid black (skin/pigment) is reasonably common among Sphynx lines.

Oriental Shorthair

Sleek, fine-coated cats that come in many solid colors including black. Low grooming, vocal and active with strong bonds to owners. Black is a frequently accepted and seen color in show and pet lines.

Oriental Longhair

Longhaired counterpart to the Oriental Shorthair, available in solid black. Requires regular brushing. Energetic, vocal, and people-focused. Solid black is a common, recognized color among breeders and clubs.

Manx

Tailless or short-tailed breed that can be solid black. Dense double coat needs seasonal grooming. Playful and intelligent with unique movement. Black Manx cats are established in registries; available from specialist breeders.

Scottish Fold

Distinctive folded ears and rounded appearance; solid black occurs in both short- and longhair varieties. Moderate grooming, gentle and affectionate temperament. Black Scottish Folds are common among show and pet lines from registered breeders.

Japanese Bobtail

Traditional breed known for short “bobbed” tail; solid black occurs though bicolor is more common. Short coat, low grooming. Playful, intelligent, and often culturally significant in Japan. Find through breed clubs and regional breeders.

Turkish Angora

Graceful, silky longhair that can be solid black though white is historically emphasized. Regular grooming needed. Lively, intelligent, and affectionate. Black Angoras are less common but present in Turkish and international breeding programs.

Selkirk Rex

Curly-coated longhair or shorthair breed available in solid black. Plush, curly coat needs gentle grooming. Calm, patient, and good with families. Black Selkirk Rex cats are accepted by registries and available through specialized breeders.

LaPerm

Curly-coated breed, long- or shorthaired, that can be solid black. Moderate grooming to manage curls. Friendly, affectionate, and playful. Solid black LaPerms are established in breed circles and found via LaPerm breeders and rescues.

Other Color Cat Breeds