There’s something mesmerizing about locking eyes with a black cat. The deepest ebony you’ve ever seen… surrounded by white fur everywhere else. People call them creepy. Vampiric. Moody.

The truth? Black cats are beautiful. All black cat breeds are beautiful.

But some are more stunning than others.

Black cats are some of the cutest creatures on the planet. Affectionate, playful, intelligent, mysterious — did I mention cute? I’ve loved and researched cats for years now, and it’s still difficult for me to comprehend how black cats have such a horrible reputation considering what wonderful animals they are.

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Why Black Cats Have Such a Bad Rap (& Why It Deserves To End)

Ok, let’s get this rant out of the way first because it bothers me to no end. Black cats have been associated with superstition and bad luck since ancient times. Even today, when you picture someone owning a cat in a Western setting, nine times out of ten that cat will be a brown or orange tabby.

Black cats are the forgotten cats of the shelter world. They tend to stay there longer because fewer people are interested in adopting them.

But did you know that in other cultures, black cats are actually considered good luck? In Japan, the UK, and Scotland, spotting a black cat is thought to bring good fortune!

Honestly, I think any animal that can get such split opinions worldwide deserves a medal.

But what bothers me most about black cats getting a bad rap is that their coat color HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR PERSONALITY.

Of course, every cat’s personality is different due to their breed, how they were raised, and so on, but a cat’s color does not impact how playful, loving, smart, or gentle they are.

Time to end the stigma. Black cats are beautiful.

What Causes a Cat’s Coat to Be Completely Black?

Before I jump into my favorite black cat breeds, I want to take a second to quickly break down what makes a cat’s coat completely black. Black coats are caused by a pigment known as eumelanin. A cat needs to have two copies of this dominant black gene to have a fully black coat.

That’s also why you see black cats in almost every breed — it’s simply more common for cats to carry two copies of that black gene.

You may also notice when a black cat is sitting in the sun that they tend to have what looks like an outline of a tabby pattern hidden underneath their black coat. This is called a ghost tabby pattern, and it’s totally normal!

The reason you see this is that nearly all domestic cats have a tabby gene. This gene is what causes cats to have those swirly stripes that you might think all cats are born with. In black cats with a glossy coat, you can see the ghost image of that tabby pattern when they’re sitting in certain lighting.

Ok, now that we’ve gotten that fun cat science lesson out of the way, let’s talk about the coolest black cats in the world.

The Bombay Cat

If you were trying to scientifically engineer the cutest cat in existence using another animal as inspiration, I bet your first pick would be a black panther.

Meet the Bombay cat — a domestic cat with the body of a Burmese cat and the glossy black coat of a panther. This beautiful breed was specifically developed in the 1950s to look like a miniature black panther. Bombay cats have tightly-knit short coats that are so black they almost shine like patent leather. Their eyes are typically copper or gold, which creates such a stunning contrast against their dark fur. Talk about black-tie attire!

Not only are they gorgeous, but Bombay cats are one of the most affectionate breeds out there. Extremely loving with their humans and always looking for their next opportunity to snuggle, they love to be around people and will follow you from room to room constantly.

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The Maine Coon (Black Variety)

When you think of a Maine Coon, you probably picture those adorable oversized tabby cats with mesmerizingly fluffy coats. But what you might not picture is a solid black cat that weighs over 10 pounds.

The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds — yes, you read that right, CAT — in the world. Males can typically weigh anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds.

Black Maine Coons have the same dense, shaggy, water-resistant coat that the breed is known for, except in solid black. It creates such a stunning, rich, dark contrast that makes them look downright regal. These gentle giants are sweet, loving, playful, and get along with everyone. Maine Coons tend to be very curious and intelligent cats. Many owners will tell you their Maine Coon has learned tricks or enjoys playing interactive games.

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The Persian Cat (Black Variety)

Persian cats are typically what most people picture when you say “cat.” Chonky? Yeah. Cute? Absolutely. White or cream-colored? Always.

But not black.

Black Persian cats are something else entirely. The way that thick, luxurious coat of silky black fur contrasts against their copper-colored eyes will take your breath away.

Persians are known for their flat faces and short noses. They’re also one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, and they have one of the calmest, sweetest temperaments around. These furry guys love to just sit back and relax with their humans.

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The Scottish Fold (Black Variety)

Scottish Folds are unique regardless of their coat color. Those adorable little folded ears give the Scottish Fold an owl-like appearance that demands attention. Scottish Folds sport those signature ears on a chubby little body with round, wide-set eyes. Throw that coat color into black and you’ve got yourself a real winner.

Scottish Folds are actually really down-to-earth cats. They don’t require a ton of attention, but they love being around their humans. They’re not very active, so they do great in apartments and small spaces. They’re also sweet, gentle, and adaptable to pretty much any situation. Black Scottish Folds almost look like little teddy bears, with the darkness of their fur contrasting beautifully against how round their faces and ears are.

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The Oriental Shorthair (Black Variety)

Last but certainly not least, the Oriental Shorthair. This breed is like the undisputed don of black cat breeds — if that was even a thing.

Persian cats have exaggerated features that look almost unnatural. The Oriental Shorthair takes that to the next level. Huge ears. Slim face. Pointed, almond-shaped eyes. You name it, the Oriental Shorthair will exaggerate it.

Their almond-shaped eyes can be green or yellow depending on the cat. And that sleek, slender body with their coat lying so tightly against their skin? I want every single one of these cats!

An attention-seeker if I’ve ever seen one. Oriental Shorthairs are one of the most vocal and social cat breeds out there. They love to talk to you. They have an opinion about everything, and they want you to know it.

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Final Thoughts

Black cats have unjustly gotten such a bad rap over the years, but there’s no denying how amazing they are. The 5 most stunning black cat breeds include the Bombay cat, the black Maine Coon, the black Persian cat, the black Scottish Fold, and the black Oriental Shorthair.

These are just a few examples of what the world has to offer in terms of adorable black cats. If you’re ever in a position to adopt a cat, please remember that cute little black kitten playing with a ball of yarn at the front of the shelter. Shelter cats are the best cats, and they’re waiting for you!