10 Stunning Black and White Cat Breeds with Eye-Catching Tuxedo Patterns

Explore these elegant felines and their fascinating coat patterns.

Black and white cat sitting on edge of glass top with decor items and houseplants
Credit:

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Black and white cat breeds include kitties that are often called tuxedo or piebald cats. Tuxedo is not a cat breed; the term tuxedo refers to the distinctive coat markings that make a cat look like they are wearing a formal dinner suit. Mixed-breed domestic cats, also called moggies, can have black and white markings as well.

Here are 10 cat breeds that can have a black and white coat, among other potential coat colors and markings.

Tip

When considering a black and white cat, be sure to take into account their temperament and the physical characteristics of the breed. Make sure you can offer a good fit in terms of home and lifestyle.

  • 01 of 10

    Maine Coon

    Black and white Maine Coon
    Credit:

    Anni Sommer / Getty Images

    The Maine coon is one of the largest cat breeds and is known for being incredibly gentle. Combined with their distinctive good looks and lustrous coat, they are among the most popular breeds across the world.

    Maine coons are commonly tabby, but they come in various coat colors and patterns, including black and white. These cats usually get along well with all family members, including respectful kids and dogs. They're loyal, affectionate and very intelligent.

    Maine coons are known for being expert mousers and might not suit a family with small pet furries.

    Breed Overview

    Height: Up to 16 inches

    Weight: 9 to 17 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Amiable, gentle, dog-like

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations

    Life Span: 9 to 15 years

  • 02 of 10

    Cornish Rex

    Head shot of black and white Cornish Rex
    Credit:

    Angela Emanuelsson / Getty Images

    A black and white Cornish rex is striking to behold with their famed tight, curly rows of fur, wide-set large ears, and svelte physique. They're sometimes referred to as the greyhound of the cat kingdom.

    Energetic and sociable, this black and white cat breed thrives with company. The Cornish rex is an intelligent cat that you can teach an array of impressive tricks, and some provide support as therapy animals.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 12 to 14 inches

    Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Sociable, interactive, playful

    Energy Level: High

    Coat and Color: Tight, curly short hair in a wide range of colors, including solid, shaded, smoke, and tabby

    Life Span: 10 to 16 years

  • 03 of 10

    Manx Cat

    Black and white Manx Cat
    Credit:

    Svetlana Popova / Getty Images

    Like the Cornish rex, the Manx is dog-like. They're usually playful, companionable, even-tempered, and energetic. Manx cats are also smart and highly trainable. The breed standard is for these cats to have no tails, but cats that are not used for showing or breeding may have a short stump of a tail.

    They come in a wide variety of coat colors, including black and white. They come in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties, both of which have thick double coats. These cats are also famed for their skills as mousers.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

    Height: 10 to 12 inches

    Personality/Temperament: Easygoing, affectionate, social

    Energy Level: High

    Coat and Color: Short- and long-haired varieties; colors include white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, blue cream, and brown

    Life Span: 14 to 16 years

  • 04 of 10

    Munchkin

    Black and white Munchkin cat
    Credit:

    Michael Beder / Getty Images

    This breed gets its name from its shorter than average legs, which occur due to a genetic mutation. Munchkins come in a vast array of color combinations, including black and white. These diminutive kitties are known for being warm-hearted, fun-loving, and outgoing.

    Because of their short legs, Munchkins can need extra help when it comes to grooming those harder-to-reach spots.

    Debate swirls around the ethics of continued breeding of this cat as the shortened legs are often accompanied by health problems including a curved spine and severe arthritis. The breed is not recognized by many pedigree cat groups due to these concerns over their health.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 6 to 9 pounds

    Height: 5 to 7 inches

    Personality/Temperament: Friendly, sociable, playful

    Energy Level: High

    Coat and Color: Shorthaired with a medium-length plush coat or longhaired with a semi-long silky coat; any color combination or pattern

    Life Span: 12 to 15 years

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Oriental Shorthair

    Black and white Oriental Shorthair
    Credit:

    Agency Animal Picture / Getty Images

    Often confused with their Siamese relative, the Oriental shorthair is a separate breed. Unlike Siamese, these cats have green eyes and come in many patterns and colors, including black and white.

    Like Siamese, the Oriental shorthair tends to be inquisitive, chatty, and even-tempered. They have a short, single coat, meaning these cats can feel the cold and prefer a cozy and draft-free home. A longer-haired Oriental is a separate breed.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 9 to 11 inches

    Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, vocal

    Energy Level: High

    Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat with many color possibilities: solid, shaded, smoke, and tabby

    Life Span: 10 to 15 years

  • 06 of 10

    Persian

    Black and white Persian cat lying on floor
    Credit:

    Eak8dda / Getty Images

    While the pure white Persian is often the most photographed and highly prized variety of this popular breed, they also come in other colors, including black and white. There's no mistaking this breed with their long, thick coat; large, vivid eyes; and smushed faces.

    Their popularity also stems from their laid-back, low-energy, and snuggly personalities. They aren't known for being one of the most intelligent or most trainable cats. A Persian's long, lustrous coat requires daily grooming. It easily gets matted and is uncomfortable if neglected.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 14 to 18 inches

    Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Sweet, gentle, affectionate

    Energy Level: Low

    Coat and Color: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke

    Life Span: 10 to 17 years

  • 07 of 10

    Scottish Fold

    Black and white Scottish Fold cat lying down
    Credit:

    Serg Semin / Getty Images

    Famed for their small folded-over ears, the Scottish fold has a rather impish-looking appearance. These cats are usually anything but impish in personality. Known for being laid-back and friendly, Scottish folds usually live well alongside other pets and respectful kids.

    The same mutation that causes the ears to fold can also cause degenerative joint disease that can impact cartilage and bone development, leading to painful arthritis.

    Their dense coat needs regular grooming to prevent problems with matted fur and hairballs. The black and white combination is just one of many colors that the breed can have.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 5 to 11 pounds

    Height: 8 to 10 inches

    Personality/Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, friendly

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Short coat; many colors and patterns, but commonly calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby

    Life Span: 11 to 14 years

  • 08 of 10

    Siberian Cat

    Black and White Siberian Cat
    Credit:

    Vvvita / Getty Images

    Siberian cats have a very dense, semi-longhaired, triple coat. They need this fur to survive the freezing, forested subarctic Siberian regions of Russia. The breed is growing in popularity in the U.S. due to their affectionate, playful personality and striking good looks.

    Siberians are active and intelligent and need enrichment to prevent boredom. Their coat is not prone to matting but they do shed a lot. Brown tabby is the Siberian's most common pattern, although they come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including black and white.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 9 to 11 inches

    Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, outgoing

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Semi-longhaired, triple-coat that varies from coarse to soft; wide variety of colors

    Life Span: 10 to 18 years

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Turkish Angora

    Black and White Turkish Angora
    Credit:

    Nynke van Holten / Getty Images

    The elegant, long-haired Turkish Angora was once associated with only being white. They're most commonly still found in this color and come in many other variations, including black and white.

    Turkish Angoras tend to be best suited to a household where they'll have company for most of the day. Outgoing and affectionate, they need plenty of attention and enrichment. They're more active than your average cat and can become mischievous if they get bored.

    Unlike most cats, this breed often loves to swim and play in the water.

    Breed Overview

    Weight: 5 to 9 pounds

    Height: 9 to 14 inches

    Personality/Temperament: Playful, social, intelligent

    Energy Level: High

    Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; variety of colors and patterns, like white with lavender, chocolate, or Himalayan markings, tabby, or calico

    Life Span: 13 years or more

  • 10 of 10

    Domestic Mixed Breed Cat (Moggies)

    Black and white Domestic Shorthair
    Credit:

    Nils Jacobi / Getty Images

    Domestic mixed-breed cats are also called moggies and don't have any formal pedigree. If you're looking to adopt a cat, these cats are most commonly found in rescue shelters across the country.

    They are beautiful, intelligent, and affectionate with wonderful temperaments and minimal health issues. They come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, including black and white.

    Breed Overview

    Height: Up to 15 pounds

    Weight: Up to 25 inches

    Personality/Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, playful

    Energy Level: Varies

    Coat and Color: Short, medium, and long hair varieties; all colors and patterns

    Life Span: Up to 20 years

FAQ
  • What is the difference between a tuxedo cat and a piebald cat?

    Tuxedo is a term used to describe a specific pattern of black and white markings on cats, resembling a formal dinner suit. Piebald refers to a more general patchy distribution of any color combined with white.

  • Why are there ethical concerns around breeding Munchkins and Scottish Folds?

    Munchkins are bred for their short legs, which can lead to health issues like a curved spine and severe arthritis. Similarly, Scottish Folds have a mutation leading to folded ears, which can cause joint disease and painful arthritis. Due to these health concerns, continuous breeding of such traits raises ethical questions.

  • Can you adopt black and white cats from shelters?

    Yes, domestic mixed-breed cats, often found in rescue shelters, frequently come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, including the tuxedo or black and white patterns.

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