10 Awesome Black Cat Breeds

There’s just something special about black cats, isn’t there? Has any other type of cat in history become more iconic?

The definition of elegance, black cat breeds bring an air of mystique and cool wherever they go. With eyes that shine like beacons out of the darkness, a black cat is always the most stylish thing in the room - even if you’ve just bought an incredible new TV.

In order to brighten your day and maybe even help you choose a new companion, we’ve collated a list, in no particular order, of the 10 most beautiful black cat breeds on the planet. There are others that didn’t quite make it but are no less appealing, such as the black Sphynx cat. The black tabby cat is always universally popular but of course, not an actual, official breed in itself.

So, enjoy. And remember: a black kitten or cat isn’t just for Halloween; it’s for life. To keep your cat cared for throughout its lifetime, consider a wellness plan, which covers the cost of routine vet bills and treatment.

You didn’t think this was going to be the first one on our list, did you? But the Norwegian Forest cat is one of the most beautiful black cat breeds out there, so it deserves to be mentioned early. Of course, it comes in various other colors - white, cream, red - but plenty of people would argue that there is none more beautiful than the black variety.

When we find a list of beautiful black cat breeds that doesn’t include the Norwegian Forest, we tend to raise our eyebrows; how can you leave this gorgeous cat out? While it’s true that there aren’t many of these cats in the USA, the fact that they’re relatively rare makes them all the more special.

This is a long glossy-haired cat that holds a handful of records for being especially large and magnificent. Known as a skogkatt in its native Norwegian language, it is a fit, friendly and loving pet. Ensure it gets plenty of exercise.

Is your Norwegian Forest insured? Pet insurance is the best way to make sure your cat is protected and looked after. Whether you need cover for the first time or want to compare plans, use our online tool to view the best pet insurance plans from leading providers.

Not dissimilar to the Norwegian Forest cat, a black Siberian cat is a thing of wonder and splendor, with its voluminous fur, bushy tail, and yellow eyes. Another rare find, this is a cat that will turn heads: it’s a bundle of pitch-black cuteness with a personality to match.

Originally from the forest, like its Scandinavian counterpart, the Siberian cat needed its thick coat of fur in order to survive the Russian winters. It wasn’t until 1990 that official Siberians began arriving in the US and it has been growing in popularity ever since. It’s easy to see why: not only is it stunningly beautiful, it is also a strong, sociable, and adventurous breed, quick to learn and unperturbed by water. What’s more - it’s hypoallergenic. It might just be the most perfect of black cats.

Even rarer than the Siberian or Norwegian Forest is the Bobtail, one of the most distinctive breeds in the world. A cross between a seal-point Siamese and a short-tailed brown tabby, the Bobtail is notorious for having a truncated tail, ‘bobbed’ in appearance. A niche within a niche, the black Bobtail is a prized companion; you won’t see many just twiddling their paws on the streets.

If you can get your hands on a black Bobtail, you can be sure of a good time: it’s a breed that’s known for its adaptability, its friendliness and its intelligence. It’s even been known to join its pet parents for walks.

If you want a cute black cat, you’re in luck. Meet the Ragamuffin. Also known as the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin is often compared to a puppy because it is so wonderfully affectionate and keen to play with its human parents. It’s not a petite cat, boasting a long, sturdy body and a bushy tail. Its coat is fluffy and thick but, luckily for you, doesn’t require a lot of care.

Interestingly, a black Ragdoll isn’t recognized as a purebred by the International Cat Association or the Cat Fanciers Association because the body isn’t lighter than its face, tail and legs, and because blue eyes are another criterion. But unless you’re entering a competition for cats, you don’t need to let that concern you; you’ll still have an incredibly beautiful pet who will draw gasps from everyone who sees it.

A cat whose fur can cause a bit of trouble, however, is the Rex: a family of cats that includes the Cornish, Selkirk, LaPerm and Devon (not to mention the innumerable other varieties like Tennessee, Iowa and Dakota). The Rex has what’s known as tufted hair, and its texture is like that of a rabbit: the hair curls, rather than growing straight like most cats’ hair.

The coal-black variant – every inch of its body exactly the same color – is a sight to behold. The Devon is particularly petite, known for its cheeky character and big ears and big green eyes. The Selkirk is curly, long-haired and cute, perfectly happy to play around with strangers and little children alike. The Cornish is alert and intelligent with short hair and massive eyes.

If you’re a fan of the classic Disney film The Aristocats, you’ll no doubt fondly remember Duchess and her daughter Marie, both of whom are Turkish Angoras. And, while perhaps the most infamous Turkish Angoras are white as snow, the breed also comes in a gorgeous black. A black Turkish Angora will be a perfect pet: highly intelligent and playful, this is a breed that wants to be helpful for its human family. Because of its preference for high ground, it will often perch on top of fridges or its parents’ shoulders - a fabulous party trick.

A relatively small breed with semi-long hair and sometimes heterochromatic eyes, the Angora is a special cat to be looked after with great care.

Is it any wonder the Maine Coon is one of the most popular breeds out there? We’ll answer that: no. Categorically one of the most beautiful cat breeds in the world - we won’t hear otherwise - the Maine Coon is a stunner. When it’s black it’s all the more jaw-dropping; its yellow eyes burning bright from within its dark and furry coat.

Next to the Norwegian Forest, the Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat in the world. Its paws are huge and tufted so that it can easily walk through the snow in its native - and extremely chilly - Maine. The Maine Coon loves splashing around in water and you’ll need to regularly groom its beautiful black hair to maintain its good looks.

One of the few cats on this list that is black more often than any other color, the Chantilly-Tiffany can have the most incredible golden eyes that intensify in color as it matures. Its lush, black, silky hair will make you and your pet the envy of the town. And we hope you like brushing: experts recommend grooming the Chantilly-Tiffany’s gorgeous hair every other day. Don’t worry – we’ve got a guide to grooming your cat right here.

Compared with the other cats on this list, this is an exceedingly rare breed. The cat still exists in people’s homes but there are no breeding programs, which means that the Chantilly-Tiffany (or sometimes just the ‘Chantilly’) is often referred to as extinct.

Who says a cat has to have a tail? The Manx cat is most famous for not having one and has turned it into something of a selling point. A British breed with short hair and affectionate temperament, it’s also known for being a fantastic hunter. Buy a black Manx cat and you’ll get a friendly, unique pet who catches any mice wandering around your house.

When they’re black, Manx cats can have white or black faces. It’s worth buying one just for the list of names that apply to the various lengths of its either existent or non-existent tail: rumpy; dimple rumpy; rumpy riser; stumpy; stubby; and longy. These are also great potential names. If you can imagine yourself calling out “Dimple Rumpy” as you search for your jet-black cat in the darkness, a Manx could very well be for you.

An elegant breed that is often regarded as something of a diva in the feline world, the Persian cat is a flat-nosed ball of fluff with an ancient history, likely to have originated in the Middle East in the 17th century. This is a breed that can be a little on the shyer side but that will still be affectionate and friendly. In the US, its popularity has dwindled slightly but it was once the country’s most popular pedigree.

You’ll need to get used to the phrase ‘grooming schedule’ as you must remember to regularly brush its beautiful mane, keeping it shiny, sleek and in excellent condition.

Like many of the black cat breeds on our list, the Persian needs a quality diet, and one which is high in protein. Our friends at Cat Food Advisor have recommendations for best cat food options, including wet, dry and raw food.

Give your black cat the best care and cover with a comprehensive pet insurance plan. Don’t know where to start? Our quick and simple online comparison tool can give you quotes from leading pet insurers in a matter of seconds.