Black cat
Also called: Solid black cat, Black, Panther cat.
One of the most common cat colours and, for centuries, the one with the worst reputation in parts of Europe. Genetically it is a tabby with its pattern hidden; in practice, a cat like any other with one of the most beautiful coats there is.
What it looks like
Black from root to tip, glossy when healthy, with a black nose and paw pads and eyes ranging from green to deep copper. Many show ghost stripes in strong light, especially as kittens, and some have a few white hairs or a small white spot on the chest (a locket).
The genetics, made simple
It needs the “non-agouti” version of the agouti gene in a double copy: this colours each hair a single shade and hides the tabby pattern, which is still there. The cat must also not carry the orange gene (which overrides black), dilution (which would make it blue) or chocolate or cinnamon. Black is very common in street cats, so it is not unusual for black kittens to be born to parents of any colour.
Myths and what science says
Bad luck
The association with witchcraft and misfortune comes from medieval Europe and survives as superstition. It is not universal: in the UK, Ireland or Japan the black cat has traditionally been considered lucky, and sailors wanted them on board.
“They are adopted less”
It is a very common impression in shelters. Some studies have found that black cats take longer to find a home and others see no clear difference. What is clear is that they look worse in online photos, and today almost every adoption starts with a photo.
“They have a different personality”
There is no basis at all for thinking so. A black cat is like any other: what counts is the individual and how it was socialised.
Fun facts
- The Bombay is the only breed accepted solely in black: it was created to look like a miniature panther.
- With a lot of sun, black can turn reddish or brown; a diet low in tyrosine (an amino acid) can also redden it.
- In old age, many black cats go grey around the face, just like people.
Does it affect its health?
The colour does not cause any disease. A coat that loses its shine, becomes brittle or changes colour suddenly can be a sign of a diet or health problem and is worth a vet visit. Dark marks on the skin or in the mouth are harder to see on a black cat: check it now and then.
Breeds where it appears or is typical
This coat turns up in plenty of moggies. These are breeds where it is common, characteristic or accepted; under each one, the colours the breed comes in.
Bombay
Oriental · United States
Black only, right to the roots; copper or gold eyes
European Shorthair
Shorthair · Europe
Almost all: tabby, black, white, bicolour, tortoiseshell, red…; no colourpoint, chocolate or lilac in pedigree cats
British Shorthair
Shorthair · United Kingdom
Blue (the classic), black, white, cream, lilac, chocolate, silver, golden, bicolours, colourpoint…
Persian
Persian · Iran / United Kingdom
Almost all: white, black, blue, cream, chinchilla, golden, bicolour, tortoiseshell…
Maine Coon
Forest · United States
Almost all; the classic is brown tabby. No colourpoint in most registries
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental · United Kingdom
Over 300 combinations: solids, tabby, smoke, silver, bicolours…
Chausie
Wild-looking · United States
Black, brown ticked tabby and grizzled black (silver-tipped)
Savannah
Wild-looking · United States
Brown spotted tabby, silver spotted, black and black smoke
Sphynx
Rex & hairless · Canada
All; the colour shows in the skin
Frequently asked questions
Why does my black cat look brown or rusty?
The most common reason is sunlight, which bleaches black pigment. It can also be due to a diet low in tyrosine. If the change is sudden or the coat looks dull, mention it to your vet.
Are black cats bad luck?
No. It is a superstition of medieval origin. In other countries, such as the UK or Japan, black cats are considered lucky.
Is it true that black cats are adopted less?
Many shelters feel that way and some studies have found it, though others have not. Photos make a big difference: in good natural light, a black cat looks as good as any other.
Why does my black cat have stripes?
They are ghost stripes: every cat carries a tabby pattern underneath. In black cats it is hidden, but it shows in the sun, especially in kittens.
Educational content from Michipedia. The genetics of coat colour are simplified so they are easy to follow; colour tells you nothing about the personality of a particular cat.