The Bombay is the clearest choice if you want a breed specifically associated with a solid black coat. If you prefer a calmer, more reserved companion, a black British Shorthair may suit your household, though blue is the color most people associate with the breed. Neither breed is automatically the “best” pet: your preferred play style, tolerance for noise and handling, and the individual cat matter more than coat color alone.
What counts as a black cat breed?
“Black cat” describes coat color, not a breed. A black-coated cat may be a Bombay, a British Shorthair, another pedigree breed, or a mixed-breed cat. The Bombay is the most direct breed match for someone seeking a solid black appearance; the British Shorthair comes in several colors, including black, but is better known for blue or gray.
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Breed profiles describe common tendencies and breed standards, not guarantees about an individual cat. The available profiles do not establish that black coat color causes any particular personality.
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| Breed or option | Coat and grooming | Temperament tendencies | Household fit to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bombay | Short, dense, close-lying black coat; the ideal standard calls for jet black. [CFA] | Often described as affectionate, playful, adaptable, and outgoing. [CFA] | May suit a home seeking interaction and play, including one with children or other pets when introductions are handled properly. |
| Black British Shorthair | Dense, plush coat; black is one of several colors, while blue/gray is the familiar color. [CFA] [TICA] | Often calm and easy-going, but somewhat reserved. Many prefer to sit beside a person rather than on a lap. [CFA] [TICA] | May suit a quieter household that is comfortable with a cat that prefers proximity over being carried or held. |
| Other black-coated cats | Depends on the individual cat and its breed or mix. | Depends on the individual; a coat color does not establish temperament. | Meet the cat and ask about its behavior, care needs, and history rather than choosing by color alone. |
Bombay: the strongest match for a solid black breed
The Bombay was developed from Burmese and American Shorthair ancestry. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) describes its coat as sleek, dense, short, and close-lying; its ideal standard calls for jet black, with gold-to-copper eyes. CFA’s standard describes the Bombay as medium-sized, well-balanced, friendly, alert, outgoing, and muscular, with surprising weight for its size. [CFA]
CFA’s breed profile characterizes Bombays as affectionate and playful, and says they can adapt to many environments and bond with children, dogs, and other pets when properly introduced. Those descriptions are tendencies, not a promise about any particular cat. Consider whether you want an interactive companion and can provide the play and attention your cat enjoys.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Publisher: Magic Cat
- Size: 6 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches
- Book Identifier: 9781419771194
- Number of Pages: 16
- Artwork: Color illustrations throughout
Rank #3
- Celebrate your love for cats with this adorable grid featuring popular cat breeds like Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Bengal, and more! Perfect for cat lovers, veterinarians, and feline enthusiasts alike.
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- Hardcover journal with 240 line-ruled pages (120 sheets)
- Built-in elastic closure and ribbon bookmark
- Includes an expandable inner storage pocket and a pen holder
Rank #2
- Easy to Carry Size: Measuring about 5.5 x 8.3 inches, this notebook offers a good balance between writing space and portability. It fits easily into most bags, backpacks, or totes, making it convenient for daily use or travel.
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#1 Best Overall
CFA records the breed’s development beginning in 1966, acceptance for registration in 1970, and advancement to championship status in 1976. These are breed-history milestones, not evidence that one breed is more suitable as a pet. [CFA] Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
British Shorthair: a calmer, less lap-focused possibility
A black British Shorthair offers a black coat without making black the breed’s defining color. CFA describes the breed as calm and easy-going and says it can do well with children and other pets. The same profile notes that a British Shorthair may withdraw amid loud activity and is not fond of being carried. [CFA]
TICA describes British Shorthairs as slightly reserved; many would rather snuggle beside a person than sit on a lap. Their coats are dense and plush. This may be a better match than a highly interactive cat for someone who values a steady companion nearby but does not expect constant holding. [TICA]
Choose by the household, not just the coat
- Think about interaction. A playful, affectionate profile may appeal if you want regular engagement; a more reserved cat may suit someone who prefers quieter company.
- Consider noise and handling. A busy, loud home or frequent carrying may not suit every cat. British Shorthair profiles specifically note a tendency to withdraw from loud activity and a dislike of being carried.
- Ask what “affectionate” means to the individual cat. Some cats seek laps; others show closeness by sitting beside you. Breed descriptions cannot settle that question for a particular animal.
- Check coat-care needs. The Bombay has a short, close-lying coat; the British Shorthair has a dense, plush one. Ask the breeder, rescue, or veterinarian about the care needs of the specific cat.
- Meet the cat when possible. For an adoption, spend time with the individual and ask about its temperament, comfort with children or other animals, and response to handling.
Where Maine Coons fit
Maine Coons are another possible companion to consider if you are interested in a large pedigreed cat. CFA describes them as friendly and sweet-tempered, but that profile does not establish black as their defining color. Consider a Maine Coon for its individual qualities and verify coat-color information with a reliable breed source if color is important to you. [CFA]
Questions to ask before choosing
- Does this cat enjoy play and frequent interaction, or prefer a quieter presence?
- How does it respond to children, other pets, loud sounds, and being handled?
- What grooming and other care will this particular cat need?
- Does the cat’s observed personality fit your home, regardless of its breed label or coat color?
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