Black Cat BreedsBreeds that come in sleek solid black

Black is a color, not a breed

Coat color is set by genetics, and black occurs in many breeds and in a huge number of mixed-breed cats. Most black cats you meet are domestic shorthairs or longhairs with no particular breed. A breed list simply shows which pedigree cats are known for black or accept it in their standard.

A solid black coat needs two things: the gene for black pigment and two copies of the non-agouti gene, which hides the tabby pattern. That is why black kittens sometimes show faint ghost stripes that fade as they grow. Unlike orange, which is carried on the X chromosome so orange cats are mostly male, black is not sex-linked, and black cats are as likely to be female as male.

Breeds on this list

• Bombay: the only breed that comes exclusively in black, bred for a glossy coat and copper eyes.
• Savannah, Chausie and Serengeti: breeds with wild-looking builds that accept solid black, and in the Savannah black smoke.
• Egyptian Mau: the smoke color shows black spots on a pale-rooted coat.
• Japanese Bobtail: black appears both solid and in bicolor and calico patterns.
• Lykoi: its patchy roan coat mixes black hairs with white ones.

The Savannah and Chausie are hybrid breeds, and some states, cities and countries restrict certain generations, so check local rules.

Rusty blacks and smoke

Black coats can turn reddish or brown in strong sun, a change often called rusting. Diet, age and some health conditions can also affect coat color, so a sudden change is worth mentioning to your vet. A smoke coat looks black at first glance, but the base of each hair is pale and shows when the cat moves or is brushed.

Myths and adoption

Black cats have attracted superstition for centuries, from bad luck in parts of the US to good luck in parts of the UK and Japan. None of it says anything about personality, which depends on breed tendencies, upbringing and the individual cat.

Shelters often have many black cats, and some find them harder to photograph and showcase. If you love black cats, adopting one is a great way to find a sleek companion with a known temperament.

Care notes

Black coats show dust and dandruff easily, so a weekly brush keeps them glossy. Most cats on this list are short-coated and low effort to groom. The Bombay is calm and affectionate, while the Savannah, Chausie and Serengeti need lots of active play.

When choosing, decide between a solid black breed like the Bombay and one where black is one option among many. If you want a guaranteed black kitten from a breed with several colors, ask the breeder about the parents' colors, since two black parents can still produce other colors if they carry hidden genes.