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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Science & Nature • Felines

Black cat

A black cat is a domestic cat with a black coat.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A black cat is a domestic cat with a black coat. Black cats are not a separate breed in most cases; the term refers to cats of many breeds or mixed ancestry that express black fur. They are also prominent in folklore and superstition, especially in European traditions.

Description

Black cats are domestic cats whose fur is black. The term can apply to purebred cats, mixed-breed cats, and cats with black coats from various breeds.

Genetics and appearance

Black coat colour is linked to melanin production, and many black cats have golden or yellow eyes. Some breeds can have solid black coats, but a black cat itself is not generally a distinct breed.

Folklore and superstition

Black cats have long been associated with superstition in European folklore, where they have been viewed as omens of good or bad luck and linked with witches.

Recognized breeds

The Bombay is the best-known breed that is always black. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes multiple breeds that can appear in solid black coats.

Key facts

  • A black cat is a domestic cat with black fur.
  • Black cats can belong to many breeds or be mixed-breed cats; black is a coat colour, not usually a breed.
  • Most black cats have golden or yellow irises because of high melanin levels.
  • Black cats are widely featured in mythology, legend, and superstition.
  • The Bombay is a cat breed that is entirely black.
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Canadian context

Black cats are commonly discussed in Canadian pet adoption, animal welfare, and Halloween-related folklore contexts, but they are not uniquely Canadian.

Frequently asked questions

Is a black cat a breed?
Usually no. Black cat refers to a cat with black fur, not a single breed.
What species is a black cat?
A black cat is a domestic cat, scientifically classified as Felis catus.
Why do many black cats have golden eyes?
High melanin levels are associated with the black coat and commonly with golden or yellow irises.
Are black cats linked to superstition?
Yes. They are strongly associated with folklore and superstition, especially in European traditions.
Is the Bombay a black cat breed?
Yes. The Bombay is a breed that is entirely black.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_cat
    Supports: Definition as a domestic cat with black fur; folklore and superstition; eye colour; breed distinction.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_cat
    Supports: Definition; breed distinction; golden irises; CFA-recognized black-coated breeds; Bombay being entirely black.
  3. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1327677
    Supports: Short identifier-style description of black cat as a domestic cat with black fur.