What breed are black cats? Black describes a coat color, not a breed: a black cat may be a Bombay, another pedigreed cat whose standard allows black, or a mixed-breed domestic cat. Coat color alone cannot identify a cat’s breed or personality, and black-cat bad-luck beliefs are folklore rather than fact.
The Bombay is especially associated with a glossy black coat, but it is not the only breed that can be black. Here are eleven examples, with the distinction between a breed defined by black and breeds that permit black kept clear.
Where did the black-cat superstition come from?
The belief that black cats bring bad luck is a cultural story, not a biological fact. The Natural History Museum describes a European association that grew from medieval-era rumors that the devil could take the form of a black cat. Beliefs have varied across cultures; the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) notes that black cats are considered lucky in some traditions.
A cat’s coat reflects its pigmentation and pattern, not its luck or character. A black cat may be affectionate, reserved, energetic, or calm, just like a cat of any other color.
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11 beautiful black cat breeds and types
CFA says roughly 20 to 30 breeds can have black coats. The examples below are not all “black cat breeds” in the same sense: Bombay is especially associated with black, while black is one possible color for the other pedigreed examples. The list also includes domestic cats, which may be mixed-breed rather than pedigreed.
| Breed or type | What the sources support | How black fits |
|---|---|---|
| Bombay | Sleek, muscular, short-coated; glossy midnight-black coat and gold-to-copper eyes | Especially associated with black |
| American Shorthair | Dense coat; CFA includes coal black as a solid color | One recognized color |
| American Bobtail | CFA names it among breeds that can have a black coat | One possible color |
| RagaMuffin | CFA names it among breeds that can have a black coat | One possible color |
| Sphynx | CFA names it among breeds that can have a black coat | One possible color |
| Persian | CFA names it among breeds that can have a black coat | One possible color |
| Scottish Fold | CFA names it among breeds that can have a black coat | One possible color |
| Devon Rex | CFA lists black among allowable solid colors | One recognized color |
| Maine Coon | CFA lists black among solid colors | One recognized color |
| Oriental Shorthair | CFA describes the black color as ebony | One recognized color |
| Domestic or mixed-breed cat | Domestic cats may have black coats without belonging to a documented pedigree breed | A coat color, not a breed |
1. Bombay
The Bombay is the clearest example of a breed especially associated with black. The International Cat Association (TICA) describes it as a sleek, muscular cat with a shiny midnight-black coat and copper-to-gold eyes. TICA says breeder Nikki Horner developed the breed by crossing black American Shorthairs with sable Burmese cats.
2. American Shorthair
CFA’s American Shorthair standard includes dense coal black among its solid coat colors. A black American Shorthair is one possible color form of the breed; its coat does not determine its individual temperament.
3. American Bobtail
CFA lists the American Bobtail among breeds that can have a black coat. The available sources establish that coat-color possibility, not a single appearance or personality shared by every black American Bobtail.
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4. RagaMuffin
CFA includes the RagaMuffin among breeds that can have a black coat. Black is one possibility, not a definition of the breed.
5. Sphynx
CFA names the Sphynx among breeds that can have a black coat. The source supports the color possibility; it does not establish that all Sphynx cats have the same coloring or eye color.
6. Persian
CFA lists Persians among breeds that can have black coats. Black is one of the possible coat colors, not a feature that identifies every Persian.
7. Scottish Fold
CFA includes Scottish Folds among breeds that can have a black coat. As with other examples on this list, coat color alone cannot establish a cat’s breed or tell you what its personality will be.
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8. Devon Rex
CFA lists black among the allowable solid colors for Devon Rex cats. This supports black as one recognized color, not as the breed’s defining coat.
9. Maine Coon
CFA lists black among Maine Coon solid colors. A black Maine Coon is therefore one possible color form of the breed; its appearance or color does not predict an individual cat’s temperament.
10. Oriental Shorthair
CFA’s color description calls a black Oriental Shorthair “ebony.” That is a color description within the breed, not a separate breed identity.
11. Domestic or mixed-breed black cat
Many black cats are domestic shorthairs or longhairs rather than pedigreed cats. “Domestic” describes a broad type of cat, not a specific pedigree breed. These cats are no less deserving of care or a good home because their ancestry is unknown.
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Black coats and changing appearance
Black kittens may show rust or copper tones, white or silver hairs, or a lighter ruff or undercoat before the adult coat develops. CFA says an adult coat appears at around 12 to 18 months; not every kitten will show these changes.
Color and pattern are also different descriptions. CFA distinguishes solid-colored cats from cats with tabby markings or white spots. A smoke, tabby, or black-and-white coat is not the same pattern as a solid black coat.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose a black cat responsibly
Choose a cat for its health, needs, and compatibility with your household—not because of a superstition or coat color. If you are adopting or working with a breeder, use these steps:
- Meet the individual cat. Ask about its behavior, health, and care needs; do not assume personality from coat color or breed.
- Ask for relevant records. Review veterinary records and, for a pedigreed cat, ask what health screening is appropriate for that breed.
- Confirm breed claims. A black coat alone is not proof of pedigree. Ask for reliable documentation if breed identity matters to you.
- Plan for the cat you are choosing. Consider its grooming, activity, and social needs rather than relying on generalizations about black cats.
- Introduce household pets gradually. Let individual animals adjust at a safe pace.
- Consider adoption. Domestic shorthairs and longhairs may be just as good a match as a pedigreed cat.
FAQ
What breed are black cats?
Black cats can be domestic or mixed-breed cats, or pedigreed cats whose standards permit black. Bombay is especially associated with a black coat, but color alone cannot establish breed.
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Are Bombay cats the only black cats?
No. CFA names many breeds that can have black coats, including the American Shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Maine Coon. Bombay is especially associated with black, but it is not the only breed that can be black.
Does a black coat mean a cat has a certain personality?
No. Coat color does not determine personality. A cat’s individual temperament should be assessed on its own.
Are black cats unlucky?
No. Bad luck is a folklore belief, not a biological trait. Black-cat symbolism varies across cultures, and some traditions regard black cats as lucky.
Can a black kitten’s coat change as it grows?
It can. CFA notes that some black kittens may show rust or copper coloration, white or silver hairs, or a lighter ruff or undercoat before their adult coat develops, around 12 to 18 months. This does not happen to every kitten.
The bottom line
Black is a coat color, not a breed, omen, or personality type. Bombay is especially associated with black, while many other breeds and domestic cats can also have black coats. Choose a cat based on its individual health and needs—not superstition.
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