Think a black cat brings bad luck? Don’t be so fast to judge this beautiful creature! Cultures across the world consider black cats good fortune — not bad. The bad luck stereotype attached to black cats is slowly beginning to lift as more and more people realize how great it is to have one by their side. Black cat breeds are as sleek and elegant as they are sweet and affectionate.
- American Bobtail
This highly intelligent and loving cat sports a unique bobbed tail that’s about one-third the length of a regular cat’s tail.
- American Curl
These felines have ears that curl back toward the top of their heads. They come in both short and long hair.
- American Shorthair
One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., the American Shorthair is known for its sweet personality and robust health.
- American Wirehair
This breed is known for its kinky, wiry coat due to a mutation in the gene pool.
- Bombay
This breed comes in only one solid color: ebony. Bombays were bred to resemble their distant cousin, the panther.
- British Shorthair
This medium to large cat features a solid, muscular body and a calm, loving personality.
- Cornish Rex
The one is known for its short curly coat, long and slender body, huge ears and even bigger eyes.
- Devon Rex
Sporting a pixie-like face and large ears, this breed has a full-of-tricks personality.
- Exotic Shorthair
Bred to be a short-haired version of a Persian, the Exotic Shorthair has a quiet and sweet personality.
- Japanese Bobtail
Known for its bobbed tail (which is just three inches or less), this cat has an outgoing and loving personality.
- LaPerm
A wavy, curly and ringlet-type coat gives these felines their name. They’re also affectionate and active.
- Main Coon
One of the largest breeds, the Main Coon is known for its long, silky coat and “dog like” personality.
- Manx
Another bobbed cat breed, the Manx has no tail at all and features a robust and solid appearance.
- Norwegian Forest Cat
These cats have long waterproof coats that have helped them withstand the Scandinavian winters of their origin.
- Oriental
With a sleek and refined appearance, the Oriental is curious, intelligent and very social.
- Persian
One of the most popular breeds, the Persian has a long, fluffy coat and pug-like flat face.
- Ragamuffin
A cousin of the Ragdoll cat, the Ragamuffin has large, expressive eyes and a soft luxe coat.
- Scottish Fold
This cat is known for its ears that are folded down flat onto its head and its sweet disposition.
- Selkirk Rex
Another curly-coated breed, the Selkirk Rex is a large and solid cat with a patient and loving personality.
- Siberian
A native to Russia, this breed has a dense, waterproof coat that has been said to be hypoallergenic.
- Sphynx
This breed is known for its lack of fur, but isn’t completely hairless. It features a friendly, energetic and playful personality.
- Turkish Angora
One of the most outgoing and affectionate cat breeds, the Turkish Angora sports a soft, silky coat and an elegant appearance.
Purr-fect Black Cat Names
Aren’t sure what to name your black cat? Here are 22 suggestions:
- Ashes
- Black Beauty
- Charcoal
- Diablo
- Ebony
- Elvira
- Jet
- Merlin
- Misty
- Midnight
- Mystic
- Nero
- Ninja
- Onyx
- Panther
- Phantom
- Raven
- Shade
- Shadow
- Salem
- Stormy
- Velvet
Remember, you can find black cats at shelters and rescues across the county. In fact, rescues find themselves with more black cats than any other type of cat. Unfortunately, they are also the last to find homes, according to the Animal Defense Legal Fund.
For more cat breeds, check out 10 Exotic Cats: Everything You Need to Know About the “Wildest” Cat Breeds.
Rebecca Desfosse is a freelance writer specializing in parenting and family topics.
