When we talk about black cats, the first thing that crosses most people’s minds is that these animals are nothing more than a bearer of bad luck. As a matter of fact, many people since the beginning of the Middle Ages have tended to associate black cats with witchcraft and Satan.
But in today’s world, this superstition has been all but erased as modern science proves that the black fur gene is dominant in certain types of cats.
If you are thinking of raising or adopting black cats, there are a few beautiful black cat breeds that you should consider.
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Bombay Cat
The Bombay cats are the epitome of panther-like, jet-black cats. They were developed by a breeder named Nikki Horner, from Louisville, Kentucky. She crossed sable Burmese and American Shorthair cats to produce a mini version of a black panther.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their stocky figure, muscular limbs, round heads, and shiny, jet-black coats.
Bombay cats are inquisitive by nature, active, and playful. What makes them more interesting is their adaptability to different environments and their easy disposition with strangers.
Maine Coon
These large-sized cats make a noticeable entrance whenever they walk into a room. In fact, they are the world’s longest cats due to their body size that can grow over four feet long.
The Maine Coons are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. They originated in Maine and have been crowned as the official cat of that state.
These cats possess muscular bodies, wide chests, sturdy legs, and long, silky double coats. Due to the thickness of their fur, Maine Coons require regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting.
Although they are physically large, these cats are fairly calm, athletic, and easily get along with humans and other animals.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair cats are perceived as the short-haired version of Persian cats. They are also known as “the lazy man’s Persian.” These medium-sized cats were developed from a cross between Persians, British Shorthairs, and other short-haired breeds.
Exotic Shorthair cats can be distinguished by their round bodies and heads with thick dense coats that require frequent grooming. Their eyes generally come in three different colors such as blue, blue-green, and copper.
These cats love to spend time indoors and play with children or other animals. They are affectionate, easy-going, and loyal to their owners.
LaPerm Cat
These unique-looking cats originated in the United States. They were developed in 1982 by a couple from The Dalles, Oregon. Due to spontaneous genetic mutation, one tabby barn cat named Speedy gave birth to a litter of kittens and one of them had a distinctive curly coat. Then, this curly cat bred with other male cats in the area to produce more kittens.
LaPerm cats are quite different from other normal breeds. They have medium-sized bodies, large erect ears, long bushy tails, and thick curly coats. Weekly grooming is more than enough to keep their coats healthy and mat-free.
These cats are quite laid-back, playful, and affectionate with their owners.
Burmese Cat
Burmese cats are native to Burma and some regions near the Thai-Burma border. They descended from one female cat named Wong Mau that was brought to the United States in 1930 before being bred with American Siamese.
These medium to large-sized cats can be recognized by their wedge-shaped heads, large eyes, stocky bodies, muscular limbs, and sleek short coats.
Due to their “dog-like” personality, Burmese cats are overly affectionate, friendly, and playful. They have also been described as the “Velcro cats” because of their nature in developing a strong bond with humans, especially with their owners.
Ragamuffin Cat
The Ragamuffins were established as a certified breed in 1994 but they were once known to be related to the Ragdoll cats. They mature slower than other breeds and only reach their full size when they are around 4 or 5 years old.
These medium to large-sized cats can be distinguished by their muscular bodies, wedge-shaped heads, pointed ears, large round eyes, and long, silky coats. Daily brushing should be done to remove mats and tangles from their fur.
Aside from their basic care, Ragamuffin cats are easy to handle. They are docile, friendly, and sociable.
Peterbald Cat
At a quick glance, Peterbald cats might resemble Sphynx cats or hairless Oriental Shorthair cats. But they are entirely a different new breed that hailed from St. Petersburg, Russia. They were developed through experimental breeding by a woman named Olga S. Mironova.
These medium-sized cats possess slender bodies, triangular heads, wedge-shaped muzzles, large erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, and muscular limbs.
Their coat comes in different variations ranging from straight, velour, flocked, brush, to even bald (hairless). The Peterbalds are energetic, affectionate, and friendly toward strangers and other animals.
Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex cats are one of the newest natural breeds. They were named after the Selkirk Mountain in Wyoming. These cats were developed in 1987 from a curly-coated cat found in a shelter. Through a mix between the Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair, these cats were born.
In fact, they are quite popular in the United States and Canada, and they are dubbed as the “sheep cat”.
Selkirk cats can be recognized by their stocky bodies, round heads, medium-sized ears, large rounded eyes, and thick curly coats that come in two variations: short and long. They are gentle, affectionate, and love to spend their time around humans.
American Wirehair
The American Wirehairs are native to upstate New York. They were the product of a spontaneous mutation of the American Shorthair cats.
These cats are easily distinguished by their wiry-looking fur that is similar to that of a Wirehaired Terrier. The wiriness of their dense coats varies ranging from spiked, curly, bent, hooked, to crimped.
American Wirehair cats are medium to large-sized felines with stocky bodies, large heads, broad chests, well-defined muzzles, and strong limbs.
These unique cats are relatively calm, sweet, and sociable. Although they are quite independent, American Wirehair cats are definitely loyal to their owners.
Manx cat
Known for their lack of tail, these medium-sized cats originated from the Isle of Man, which is an island located between England and Ireland. They were born from a spontaneous natural mutation that shortened their tails.
Manx cats possess sturdy bodies, round heads, large round eyes, broad chests, round rumps, and short to long coats. Although most Manx cats are tailless (known as “rumpies”), there are some with normal tails (called “longies”) and others that have nubs or stumps (known as “stumpies”).
These cats are intelligent, playful, and very interactive with their owner and other animals.
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angoras are native to the city of Ankara in Turkey. In the 1960s, they were first brought from Ankara Zoo to the United States before they were actively bred by American breeders. From 1968 to 1978, the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) began to establish Turkish Angoras as a breed, adding and approving more variations into their database.
These medium-sized cats are generally stocky, heavy-boned, with hind legs that are slightly taller than the front. With their soft and silky, single coats, the Turkish Angoras are easy to groom.
These cats are generally affectionate, loyal, and playful. But they can become upset when there is a sudden change in their environment.
Chantilly-Tiffany
Also known as the Tiffanys or the Foreign Longhair, these thick-furred cats were first discovered in 1969 in upstate New York. They can be distinguished by their semi-foreign bodies and semi-long coats.
These medium-zed cats are slow growers and they don’t reach their full size until the age of two. The Chantilly-Tiffany cats possess broad heads, squared muzzles, and bright yellow eyes that turn to gold when they mature. Due to the thickness of their coat, owners of these cats should brush them daily to prevent matting and tangles.
Although they are loyal and affectionate, Chantilly-Tiffany cats can be quite independent and prefer to be left alone when they aren’t in the mood.
Havana Brown
The Havana Brown cats were developed in 1952 from a cross between the Siamese and domestic black cats in England. The first kitten born from this experiment was named Elmtower Bronze Idol. This was the foundation that created other Havana Brown cats all around the world.
These small to medium-sized cats can be recognized by their triangular head, distinctive muzzles, large erect ears, bright green eyes, and short to medium coats. Havana Brown cats are playful, energetic, and intelligent.
They can be overly affectionate to their owners when they don’t receive the attention that they need.
Lykoi
With their werewolf-like appearance, Lykoi cats are a unique cat breed that is hard to forget. These cats were developed in Vonore, Tennesee, and were created from a natural mutation in domestic shorthair cats. The name “Lykoi” also means “wolves” in Greek.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their slender bodies, wedge-shaped heads, and solid black roan coats that can vary from normal to partially hairless. When they grow older, Lykoi cats can shed a lot but they will regrow back after a certain period of time.
Due to their hidden feral-like nature, they are curious and adventurous. In fact, they enjoy stalking their toys and playing with other pets around them.
Mandalay
The Mandalay cats are native to New Zealand. They were developed in the 1980s by crossing Burmese cats with solid colored (non-pedigree) domestic cats.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their slender bodies, pointed ears, muscular legs, and short, satin-like coats.
Aside from their playfulness and energetic personality, Mandalay cats are great family pets due to their adaptability to children.
A friendly and affectionate breed like the Mandalays can also get along well with other animals.
Final Thoughts
Like every other animal, there is more to black cats than just their sleek-looking, jet-black coats.
They are definitely great companions to human and affectionate house pets for families and children. There is no reason why these animals don’t deserve to be loved and cared for. Don’t let superstition get in the way of a great relationship with a loving cat.