Blog
Cat Breeds
black cat guide

Black Cat Breeds - Our Guide to the Top 5 Black Cats

Written by Ryan Gliozzo

Index:

Explore our guide to the top five black cat breeds, featuring their unique characteristics, personalities, and care tips. Find the perfect sleek and mysterious feline companion for your home.
A fluffy black cat laying down indoors.

Introduction

Although cats come in a wide variety of colours and coat patterns, quite a lot of cat lovers prefer black cats, as they have an element of mystery and mysticism - not to mention how stunning and beautiful they are.

Conversely, there are a lot of people who love black cats but hesitate to get one due to the superstitions and misconceptions we're all familiar with.

Other than the fact that black cats are super elegant and attractive, they also have an intriguing personality that redefines their uniqueness.

Positive cultural views across the world

There are different cultural views about black cats in different parts of the world - in ancient Egypt, black cats were considered god-like, and killing a black cat was a major crime!

In fact, people eagerly kept black cats in their homes to please the cat goddess
Bastet - a goddess with the body of a woman and the head of a black cat.

In England, black cats are given as gifts to brides from the Midlands, as they are a symbol of good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

In old British navy tradition, every ship sailed with one black cat, as it was considered a lucky charm that brought the ship back home safely.

Another British superstition is that good luck followed anyone who had a black cat cross their path. In Scotland, a black cat at your doorstep was known to be a sign of prosperity.

Mythical tales in Scandinavia proclaim that black cats lead the chariot of the
Norse Goddess Freyja.

Now that we’ve told you why black cats are preferred and adored across countries in the world, let’s have a look at the top 5 black cat breeds - so if you wish to take one home, you can definitely consider one of these beautiful pets!

A Chantilly-Tiffany cat laying down.

Chantilly-Tiffany Cat

This regal cat comes in different colours such as chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and, well, black.

Needless to say, this cat looks amazing in black. It has this luxurious-looking silky and soft coat that adds to its charm.

Another striking feature of the chantilly-tiffany cat is its pair of golden eyes - the colour intensifies as the cat ages, making it stand out among other black cat breeds and always be the centre of attention.

This breed of black cat is known for its calm temperament and affectionate yet demanding behaviour.

Loyal and social, the Chantilly-Tiffany cats are absolutely adorable!

Chantilly- Tiffany cats have fur that can get easily tangled, which is why you have to
brush them every day. This will help maintain their coat and keep loose fur out of it.

A Persian cat stood next to two iced coffees.

Persian Cat

A popular breed of cat and just as loved, Persian cats are known to have an aura and charm of their own. They’re flat-faced and very furry, featuring a soft, glossy coat and wide eyes.

Soft, gentle, and loving, Persian cats make the perfect pets. All black Persian cats feature copper-coloured eyes, which shine through their furry coat.

They love calm environments and are super playful when at home.

Usually, people prefer taking home the white, fluffy Persians - but look at how stunning the black Persian cats are!

Persian cats are known to have high-maintenance coats, which is why it is advisable to keep them
groomed as much as possible.

Depending on whether their coat is long or short, the effort required to maintain Persian cats varies. But don't let that put you off, as all you have to do is comb their coat twice a week, trim their nails and clean their ears regularly.

This is an intelligent cat breed known to adapt to new places and people easily. They make a great family cat.

A Cornish Rex laying down on a blue cloth.

Cornish Rex

If you’re looking for a breed of black cat that isn’t furry, you can consider the Cornish Rex. This black cat breed has distinct features - large ears, curved ears, curly coats which are so short that it almost appears like a hairless breed.

Their unique, egg-shaped face and high-set ears make them stand out among other breeds of black cats. The Cornish Rex comes in a variety of coat colours such as white, blue, red, chocolate, silver, and black. The dark black beauties are all black - even their paw pads and noses are black!

Easy to travel with, active, playful, and adventurous, the Cornish Rex is one great companion!

Easy on maintenance, the Cornish Rex requires brushing every other week. Other grooming includes regular nail trims and dental care.

A shorthair black cat against a black background.

American Shorthair

A fan of shorthair cats? The American Shorthair will be an excellent fit for your home! Descended from European felines, these cats were brought along on ships to guard property and cargo.

This breed of black cats is gentle with playful personalities, making them perfect for a home with kids and excellent family pets. While American Shorthairs come in a wide range of colours, the black ones are the most popular of them all.

The kittens of this breed aren’t usually completely black - they may have a smoky belly or tail. These usually turn completely black as the cats reach adulthood. Thanks to their temperament, these cats make an addition to your home.

The American Shorthairs require mild maintenance. Their dense coats only need weekly brushing, and you would also regularly groom their nails, ears, and teeth.

A Selkirk Rex against an orange hued background.

Selkirk Rex

This cat breed is a mix of different breeds - Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair.

The Selkirk Rex is known for their easy-going and relaxed temperament as well as their distinct set of traits inherited from each breed.

They are cuddly and loving cats, making them perfect lap cats. Depending on their genetic composition, the Selkirk Rex may either have a long or short coat, but it generally looks quite messy with all the fluffy curls.

Due to the genetics of this breed, it’s unpredictable as to what colour they’ll turn out to be! Of the many shades they come in, black Selkirk Rex is the most popular of them all.

These cats do require special maintenance - you must comb them carefully to ensure their curls are not stretched out. Apart from this, you would have to invest in regular eye, ear, nail, and dental care as well.

Summing up

Just look at how adorable and lovable these black cats are! So, if you’ve been considering getting one home, simply push aside all your hesitations and worries - bring home a gorgeous black feline today!

Already got your new kitty? We bet they're super cute, but a new pet is a big responsibility, so if you're a new cat owner, then check out our helpful guide to
preparing for a kitty and the ins and outs of cat insurance.

Waggel pet insurance helps cover your pet against unexpected accidents and illnesses, but we're also a useful content provider for your life with your pet.

Waggel Pet Insurance

Need more help? You're in luck if you're a Waggel Pet Insurance member. Along with our excellent coverage, we offer access to a 24/7 online vet to answer all your sticky questions, especially if you need grooming assistance.

Not a member? Why not get a quote now and cover your furry friend for a range of illnesses, all while enjoying our amazing perks and rewards.

Want more like this?

Get updates from us with helpful info, advice, answers to frequently asked questions and much more.

By joining, you agree to marketing emails. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy.

Share this post