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Black and white is a coat color and pattern, not a cat breed. Cat registries generally describe it as black-and-white bi-color; “tuxedo” is an informal nickname for one familiar version. Here are 10 breeds that can have this pattern, with distinguishing traits and notes on registry terminology.
The amount and placement of white can vary, from small chest and paw markings to a predominantly white van pattern. Registry color classes differ, so check the named registry when considering show eligibility.
Black-and-white cat breeds at a glance
| Breed | Coat | Feature that stands out |
|---|---|---|
| American Shorthair | Short | Sturdy, balanced build |
| British Shorthair | Short, dense, plush | Round, substantial appearance |
| Japanese Bobtail | Short or long | Short, curved pom-pom tail |
| Maine Coon | Long | Large body, long tail, substantial feet |
| Turkish Angora | Long, silky | Fine, flowing coat and elegant build |
| Scottish Fold | Short or long | Folded ears in some cats |
| Exotic Shorthair | Short | Persian-like head and rounded body |
| American Wirehair | Wiry | Distinctive crimped or springy coat texture |
| Manx | Short or long | Rounded body and variable tail length |
| Persian | Long, full | Round head, short nose, luxurious coat |
1. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a sturdy, short-coated breed with a balanced, substantial appearance. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes black-and-white bi-colors and black-and-white van bi-colors. In the van pattern, color is concentrated on the head, tail, and legs.
Look for a muscular but not exaggerated build, a rounded face, and a neat, easy-care coat. A black-and-white American Shorthair usually needs less coat maintenance than a long-haired breed, although regular brushing still helps remove loose hair and gives you an opportunity to check the skin.
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2. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are recognizable for their dense, plush coats and rounded, substantial bodies. CFA specifically lists black and white among the breed’s accepted bi-color combinations.
The coat feels noticeably thicker and plusher than the typical short coat of a domestic shorthair. Their broad head, full cheeks, and compact-looking build are also useful clues, but coat color alone cannot identify the breed. A pedigree or breeder documentation is needed for certainty.
3. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail comes in both shorthair and longhair varieties and can have an accepted black-and-white bi-color pattern. Its defining feature is the short, curved or kinked tail, which often looks like a small pom-pom rather than a conventional long cat tail.
Individual bobtails can have different tail shapes and lengths, so the tail should be considered alongside the breed’s overall appearance. White placement and show terminology can vary by registry.
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A black-and-white Maine Coon combines the breed’s large, long-haired frame with strong color contrast. Maine Coons have a rectangular body, substantial bone, large feet, and a long tail. Their coat is typically noticeably longer around the neck and tail than that of a short-haired bi-color cat.
In CFA’s black-and-white bi-color standard, white is required on the bib, belly, and all four paws. The long coat requires regular grooming to reduce tangles, particularly around the ruff, belly, and hindquarters.
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5. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora has a long, silky coat and an elegant appearance. CFA accepts black-and-white bi-colors, with white distribution ranging from low-white markings to a predominantly white van pattern.
The coat is fine and flowing rather than heavily textured. Even so, a Turkish Angora’s long hair benefits from routine combing, especially when seasonal shedding increases. A graceful build and silky coat can suggest the breed, but they do not prove it; many mixed-breed cats have a similar look.
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6. Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds can be black and white, and the breed is famous for ears that fold forward and downward. Not every cat from a Scottish Fold breeding program has folded ears: straight-eared cats also occur and may be classified separately by registries. CFA permits established solid colors with the addition of white, including black and white.
The breed has a rounded head and a substantial body, which can make it resemble a British Shorthair at a glance. The ear shape is the most obvious visual clue, but prospective owners should research the breed carefully and choose a responsible breeder. Ear shape and pedigree are separate from the black-and-white pattern.
7. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a short-coated breed with the rounded head and substantial body associated with the Persian type. CFA records black-and-white Exotics in its bi-color class.
Compared with a Persian, an Exotic is easier to maintain in terms of coat length, but its dense coat still benefits from regular brushing. The breed’s short nose and facial structure also mean that individual care needs can vary. When evaluating any flat-faced cat, pay attention to comfortable breathing, clean eyes, and overall health rather than selecting on appearance alone.
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The American Wirehair is one of the easiest breeds to distinguish by touch. Its unusual wiry coat is produced by a dominant coat mutation. CFA lists black-and-white combinations among the breed’s bi-color colors.
The coat can look slightly crimped, uneven, or resilient instead of smooth and close-lying. Not every hair will have exactly the same texture, and kittens may change as they mature. Gentle grooming is preferable; harsh brushing can damage the unusual coat or irritate the skin.
9. Manx
The Manx is a compact, rounded breed from the Isle of Man. Black-and-white bi-colors are accepted, and the breed occurs in both shorthair and longhair varieties.
Manx cats are best known for variable tail length. Depending on the individual, a tail may be absent, very short, or more developed; both tailless and tailed Manx are recognized in the CFA standard. That variation means a black-and-white cat should not be ruled out as a Manx simply because it has a tail.
Anyone considering a Manx should discuss the breed’s inherited traits with an experienced breeder and veterinarian. A responsible breeding program is especially important when selecting cats with unusual body features.
10. Persian
The Persian has a stocky body, round head, short nose, and long, full coat. CFA specifically recognizes black and white as a Persian bi-color combination, with contrasting patches that may create a tuxedo effect or a mostly white pattern.
Persian coats need consistent grooming to prevent mats. Their facial structure also calls for regular attention to the eyes and face, with veterinary advice if discharge, noisy breathing, or other problems appear. A Persian’s appearance can be striking, but health and breathing comfort should come before an especially short nose or extreme facial shape.
How to tell whether a black-and-white cat is a breed
Color is not enough to identify a pedigree. Domestic shorthairs and domestic longhairs can have exactly the same black-and-white markings as registered cats. “Tuxedo cat” generally describes appearance rather than ancestry.
- Check the coat. Is it short and close, dense and plush, long and silky, or distinctly wiry?
- Look at the body. A Maine Coon is built very differently from a compact Manx or a rounded British Shorthair.
- Notice unusual features. A pom-pom tail may suggest a Japanese Bobtail, folded ears may suggest a Scottish Fold, and a variable or absent tail may suggest a Manx.
- Ask for documentation. A pedigree from a recognized registry is the reliable way to establish breed status.
Even these clues are only clues. Mixed-breed cats can inherit individual features associated with a breed without being that breed.
Does a black-and-white coat affect personality?
There is no dependable personality type shared by all black-and-white cats. Temperament is influenced by the individual cat, its genetics, early socialization, living environment, and experiences. A tuxedo pattern does not guarantee that a cat will be playful, affectionate, independent, or vocal.
When choosing a cat, evaluate the individual’s behavior and history. Ask how the cat responds to handling, unfamiliar people, other animals, grooming, and changes in its environment. For a pedigree kitten, also ask the breeder about health screening and the temperaments of the parents.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Black-and-white patterns and registry terms
Different registries do not always organize colors and patterns in exactly the same way. A standard may list black-and-white bi-color as a class, while another may describe white as a pattern component alongside divisions such as tabby-and-white, smoke-and-white, mitted, gloved, or van.
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FAQ
What is a black-and-white cat called?
A black-and-white cat is commonly called a tuxedo cat when it has the familiar dark body, white chest, and white paws. In registry terminology, the coloring is generally described as black-and-white bi-color. Neither term identifies a breed.
Are black-and-white cats a specific breed?
No. Black and white describes coat color and pattern. The cat may be a pedigreed breed such as a British Shorthair, Persian, or Maine Coon, or it may be a domestic shorthair or domestic longhair.
Which black-and-white cat breeds have long hair?
Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, and Persian can have long black-and-white coats. Longhair varieties of the Japanese Bobtail, Scottish Fold, and Manx can also have this coloring.
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Not reliably. Coat placement varies, and mixed-breed cats can look like pedigreed cats. Body shape, coat texture, tail, or ear features may offer clues, but pedigree documentation is needed to confirm breed.
The Bottom Line
Black-and-white cats appear across many pedigreed breeds, including the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, Scottish Fold, Exotic Shorthair, American Wirehair, Manx, and Persian. The same pattern is also common in domestic cats. Choose based on the individual cat’s health, temperament, grooming needs, and history—not on the tuxedo coloring alone.
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