Introduction
Did you know that black cats are the most overlooked breed when it comes to adoption from shelters? This is primarily because of the myth surrounding them that they bring bad luck.
However, this cannot be farther from the truth as they are considered auspicious in various cultures. Black cats are one of the most intelligent and calmer felines and have long captivated our imagination with their mysterious allure and adorable charm.
Whether fluffy or shiny, they ooze charisma and have a special place in cat lovers' hearts. Many questions come to your mind, such as what breed of black cats are. What genetic factors contribute to the black coat, and what are their health characteristics?
In this blog, we will answer all these questions about the affectionate, loving and caring black felines.
What Genetic Factors Are Responsible for Black Color in Cats
While glancing at your fluffy black cat, you wonder what genetic factors have led to the black coating over your adorable cat. The black colour is mainly because of the presence of the Melanocortin 1 Receptor gene. This gene controls the production of eumelanin. It is a pigment that gives a black colour to felines.
A cat must inherit two copies of the dominant allele to get the solid black colour. However, some black kittens and cats may develop brownish tinge due to sun exposure and diet.
What Breed Is Black Cat
Black cats come in various breeds, each with distinct characteristics and traits. Let’s discuss some of the popular and adorable black cat breeds in detail and get a fair idea about these alluring and mystique cat species:
Bombay Cats
These cat species are known for their sleek black coats resembling patent leather. The first Bombay cat was bred in 1950 by crossing domestic crosshair cats with Burmese cat species. Due to their pitch-dark coating, these cute black cats are often likened to miniature panthers. Bombay cats are quite adorable and affectionate, making them ideal companions.
- Height: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, playful, highly active and friendly
- Coat: Sleek and gentle
- Colour: Black
- Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
American Shorthair
Widely admired for their versatility and adaptability, the American Shorthair cat breed possesses distinct facial features like large eyes, ears, and curly smiles. The black American shorthair breed came to North America as working cats as they were mainly used to control the large menace of rodents in ships and factories.
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 7-15 pounds
- Personality: Gentle, Affectionate and Playful
- Coat: Short
- Colour: Black
- Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon black cat species are a native American long-haired breed and holds the distinction of being the official cat of the US state of Maine. These gentle giants are quite intelligible and affable and have good social skills. These cute black cat species have dense, water-resistant coats and have all the qualities of being the most loved household pet.
- Height: 10-16 inches
- Weight: 8-18 pounds
- Personality: Gente, friendly and active
- Coat: Dense and water-resistant
- Colour: Black
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Persian
Black Persian cat breeds are one of the most popular cat breeds due to their luxurious long fur and expressive face. These fluffy black cats symbolise elegance and grace and can make any cat lover crave for their existence. Although quite friendly and affectionate, their long coat requires regular brushing and maintenance.
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 7-14 pounds
- Personality: Calm, quiet and friendly
- Coat: Long and dense
- Colour: Black
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Scottish Fold
As the name suggests, these cats are native to Scotland and have distinct features like folded ears and round faces. These cats are extremely calm and loyal to their owners, and their expressive whiskers give a permanently surprised appearance to their faces, which is not aligned with their cute personalities.
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 6-14 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, intelligent and calm
- Colour: Black
- Coat: Long and dense
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Health Characteristics Associated with Black Cats
While black cat breeds are quite playful and are as healthy as other cat breeds, here is a list of factors that influence their health in different ways:
Key Takeaway
There is a charming allure in black cat breeds that can mesmerise you and force you to adopt a black cat breed. Their over-friendly and active nature makes them a perfect fit for households.
In this article, we have covered some fascinating aspects, like what a black cat breed is and the health characteristics of black cats, along with listing the most popular black cat breeds around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid black cats are those who have an entirely black coat and skin colour. The most popular solid black cat breed is the Bombay Black cat, which has bright and wide eyes that offer a stunning appearance.
No, not all black cats come from the same breed. There are different black cat species, such as Bombay Cats, Persian Cats, American Shorthair, American Longhair and many more. All these are distinct and unique cat species.
Yes, black cats can be of mixed breeds. The Bombay black cat breed is a perfect example of a mixed black cat breed combining the American Shorthair and Burmese cat breeds.
The common characteristics of the black cat species are lustrous and bright black coat, wide eyes, friendly, affable and extremely loyal.
All black cat species are quite social and calm, making them ideal household pets. They get along well with elders and children and can be perfect companions.
References
https://www.rover.com/blog/black-cat-breeds/
https://www.rd.com/list/black-cat-breeds/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/black-cat-breeds/
