Cats come in a stunning variety of coat colors and patterns, but some of the most eye-catching are black and white cats, also known as tuxedo cats or bicolor cats. While certain breeds, like the Bombay cat, are known for a single color (solid black), most cat breeds can display a mix of colors. Among these, black and white coat patterns are by far the most popular and recognizable, often featuring charming markings that make each two-tone cat unique.

So, what breeds are black and white cats? While there aren’t any breeds that are exclusively black and white, many cat breeds with black and white fur showcase this classic contrast, from sleek, short-haired cats to fluffy, long-haired ones. Whether you’re drawn to the bold look of a tuxedo cat or the soft, spotted coat of a black and white Persian, there’s a wide variety to choose from.

If you’re searching for an adorable cat breed with black and white fur, you’re in luck as there are plenty of options! In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the most popular black and white cat breeds, complete with fun facts and personality traits to help you find the perfect two-tone feline companion for your home. From the best black and white cat breeds for families to long-haired black and white cats and short-haired ones to cute black and white cats and even rare black and white cat breeds, you’ll immediately want to adopt one and give is a sweet name so you can officially make it your pet.

Black and White Cat Types

Not all cats with black and white fur look the same. In fact, there can even be a lot of differences visually between two black and white cats from the same breed. For example, a black and white (or piebald) coat will exhibit pattern types organized between three different grades:

• Low-grade: Less than 40% white

• Medium-grade: 40-60% white

• High-grade: More than 60% white.

Keeping that in mind, here are the most common types of black and white cat coat patterns you’re likely to see:

• Tuxedo: Are tuxedo cats a breed? Contrary to popular belief, the tuxedo cat is not a distinct breed of cat, but a pattern that’s common across many breeds. The tuxedo pattern is low-grade, being mostly black except for white patches on the paws, chest, belly, and sometimes the chin as well. This may make you wonder why are black and white cats called tuxedo cats , well this gives the cat the appearance of being dressed in a dapper tux—very fancy.

• Locket: This low-grade pattern is even more subtle than the popular tuxedo. Locket cats are almost entirely black, save for minimal white markings on their chest or belly.

• Harlequin: Also known as “cow cats,” harlequin cats have fur that’s at least 50% white with black spots all over their body. Several pattern sub-types fall under the harlequin umbrella, including mask-and-mantle (wherein the cat has a black “mask” starting around the eyes and a black “cape” running down their back) and cap-and-saddle (a more subtle version of mask-and-mantle featuring smaller black areas on the back of the head and the lower back/tail).

• Van: The van pattern is a high-grade pattern wherein almost the whole body is white except for the head and tail. The name comes from the Turkish Van (a cat breed with this pattern), but other types of cats may have it too.

• True Bi-Colored: Though all of the coat patterns described above are bi-colored, a cat is only considered a true bi-color cat if they have equal amounts of both colors.

Now that you’ve read up on the most common types of bicolor coat patterns (and know what to look for if you plan on adopting a black and white cat), let’s talk about two-toned cat breeds!

20 Black and White Cat Breeds

While this is far from an exhaustive list, these are twenty of the most popular black and white cat breeds. Keep in mind, cats are more than their coats, which is why we’ve also gone in-depth about their breed history, temperaments and even certain health conditions that a few of these two-tone cats are prone to.

Maine Coon

One type of black and white cat you can get? A Maine Coon! They are perhaps the hot cat breed of the internet age, with just about everyone and their mama falling in love with these gentle giants. The largest breed of domestic black and white cat by far, Maine Coons have long, shaggy coats with insulating, water-resistant properties (which is why, unlike most cats, Maine Coons sometimes enjoy playing in and even swimming in water). Maine Coons can be considered fluffy black and white cat breeds, but other kinds of color and pattern combos, including tabby, are very common among them as well.

But the real reason that Maine Coons are so well-loved both online and off isn’t for their fabulous fur or their oversized bodies, but their temperaments. Maine Coons are sweet, calm, intelligent, and loyal, making them ideal for families with kids or other pets—they even get along well with dogs!

Turkish Angora

One other pretty two-tone cat you can get is a Turkish Angora. With a long breed history dating back hundreds of years, the Turkish Angora is one of the most famous breeds of long-haired cats. All standard coat colors and patterns are acceptable in Turkish Angoras, which have long, silky coats that they evolved to stay warm in their snowy native environment in the mountains of Turkey. Because of this, Turkish Angoras are much like Maine Coons in that they’re one of the few cat breeds that don’t mind playing in water (though not every individual Angora will enjoy swimming). Angoras are also very active, intelligent, chatty, and fiercely loyal to their favorite humans.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthairs are closely related to the Siamese breed, but unlike Siamese cats (which all have a very distinct pattern scheme with little color variation), they can display a full range of different colors and patterns, black and white included. Oriental Shorthairs have short, fine coats, enormous ears, and long, slender bodies topped with triangular heads. Personality-wise, Oriental Shorthairs are talkative, curious, and highly social, so much so that they’re prone to depression if left alone for too long. Cats from this breed are best-suited to homes with cozy places to snuggle and a family who will show them lots of love on a daily basis!

Japanese Bobtail

Sporting its iconic short ‘n’ stumpy little tail, the Japanese Bobtail is considered a lucky breed in its native country of Japan. In fact, the famous fortune-beckoning maneki-neko icon actually depicts a Japanese Bobtail cat. Japanese Bobtails can have short or long coats, and all colors and patterns are acceptable, though bi- and tri-colored coats are more common. Japanese Bobtails are very friendly and playful (if a little bossy), and they speak in sing-song chirps.

American Bobtail

While Japanese Bobtails are uncommon outside of Japan (though still acquirable from specialty breeders), the American Bobtail was developed in the United States back in the 1960s. American Bobtails tend to have short-to-medium-long coats in all varieties of patterns and colors (though tabby patterns are the most common), with tails that only stretch to ⅓ to ½ the length of an average cat’s tail. American Bobtails are very active, very vocal, and very intelligent. With patience and time, they can even be leash-trained to go on walks!

Persian

If you’ve ever bought a can of Fancy Feast, you’ve encountered the Persian cat before. With big, round bodies, flat faces, and ferociously fluffy coats displaying all kinds of colors, Persian cats are instantly recognizable. Persian cats are quiet, low-key, and well-behaved, preferring to cuddle up with their owners rather than embark on various chaotic feline antics around the house. Unfortunately, their low activity levels leave black and white cats from this breed prone to obesity, which is something that their human parents must be vigilant about preventing.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex breed is another cute black and white cat breed and it has one of the most distinctive coats of any domesticated feline. Unlike most kinds of cats, which typically have multiple layers of hair in their coats, the Cornish Rex only has the undercoat, which is very short and tightly curled. Because of their close-cropped coats, long, lean bodies, and highly active and playful personalities, the Cornish Rex breed is sometimes referred to as the “Greyhound” of cats. As fun-loving and friendly as these cats are, though, they need a little extra help staying warm in cold weather, as their short coats leave them lacking in insulation.

Devon Rex

Despite closely resembling each other in appearance, the Devon Rex breed is genetically distinct from the Cornish Rex. Devon Rexes also have very short hair, but unlike the curly fur of the Devon Rex, theirs is fine and wavy. Devon Rexes are friendly, active, and intelligent enough to train for those cat parents with the time and patience to do so!

Manx

How adorable is this black and white cat? While certain cat breeds on this list, such as the Japanese Bobtail, have shorter tails, the breed standard Manx cat is entirely tailless! The Manx’s lack of a true tail originated from a spontaneous genetic mutation that became more common due to a lack of genetic diversity on the Isle of Man, the breed’s place of origin.

Their lack of a tail doesn’t slow the Manx cat down any, though. These black and white cats are known to be active, playful, and outgoing, so much so that they’re often compared to dogs. If you’re looking for the right feline to win over a die-hard “dog person,” a Manx cat might be just what you need.

Cymric

Though their name comes from Cymru—the Welsh word for Wales—the Cymric cat breed actually originates from the Isle of Man, just like the well-known Manx cat. In fact, the Cymric is essentially the long-haired version of the Manx, sharing its trademark tailless (or short-tailed) appearance. Some Cymric cats may have only a small, stubby tail, but this unique feature only adds to their charm.

The Cymric cat is known for its silky double coat, which can appear in a variety of colors and patterns, including the classic black and white tuxedo cat look. These cats are fun-loving, active, and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for families and cat lovers alike. They do, however, need a bit of extra grooming to keep their beautiful fur in top shape and to help prevent hairballs.

Whether you’re drawn to their striking bicolor coat or their playful, intelligent personality, the Cymric is a truly distinctive long-haired cat breed that combines beauty, charm, and energy in one tailless package.

Munchkin

The Munchkin cat is a somewhat controversial inclusion. Due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation, Munchkin cats have short, stubby legs, giving them a slightly Dachshund-esque appearance. This mutation does not appear to cause healthy Munchkin cats any pain, but the breeding of Munchkin cats is often frowned upon and even banned in some places due to concerns over the animals’ health and welfare.

Despite the controversy, Munchkin cats remain beloved among cat enthusiasts for their adorable, playful personalities and friendly, social nature. Their coats can range from semi-long to long-haired and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including the ever-popular black and white Munchkin cat variety. With their compact build, bright eyes, and affectionate temperament, these short-legged cats continue to charm pet owners around the world.

American Curl

The American Curl is named for its unique ears, which curl backwards at the top in a 90-180 degree arc. The entire breed can be traced back to Shulamith, a long-haired female cat who gave birth to a litter of curly-eared kittens in Lakewood, California, in 1981. While Shulamith was a solid black cat, American Curls can display all kinds of coat colors and patterns, black and white included.

Along with their distinctive ears, American Curls have remarkably friendly, outgoing personalities. They’re the perfect balance of playful and easygoing, and they show an almost “doglike” devotion to their families.

Scottish Fold

Though there’s no direct genetic relation between American Curls and Scottish Folds, the latter breed also has distinctive ears. Scottish Folds have ears that flatten and “fold” forward over their large, rounded heads. Scottish Folds also have large, expressive eyes, fluffy coats displaying all sorts of patterns and colors, and gentle, playful and easygoing personalities.

However, unlike the American Curl, whose genetic mutation doesn’t cause health problems, the mutation that gives Scottish Folds their iconic ears also gives them a number of painful cartilage and bone defects, including arthritis. As such, the breeding and sale of Scottish Folds is highly discouraged and even outright banned in several countries. Any pet parents who want to take in a Scottish Fold cat through ethical means, such as adoption from a rescue, should be mindful that their cat will need extra supportive care throughout their life.

Siberian

Hailing from the cold, snowy Russian forests of Siberia, the Siberian cat is a fluffy, friendly, gentle giant with a warm, water-resistant, and colorful triple-layered coat that shields them from the snow. Their luxurious fur is often seen in a range of stunning colors and patterns, including black and white. Siberians have been around for at least a thousand years, and some feline geneticists believe that they may be a distant ancestor of many (if not all) long-haired cat breeds. Bred for hardiness and an active lifestyle, Siberians are friendly, adventurous, playful, chatty, and not afraid of getting their paws wet!

Norwegian Forest

Speaking of long-haired forest cats, the Norwegian Forest cat is a close relation of the Siberian. Norwegian Forest cats are similar in both appearance and temperament to their Siberian cousins, although Norwegians are a bit more partial to a low-key indoor life. Their long, double-layered coats can display most colors, such as sable, chocolate, and lilac. Black and white Norwegians, of course, are acceptable!

Turkish Van

The breed that gave the aforementioned Van pattern its name, Turkish Vans, are mostly white, but their heads and tails can be practically any color, including black, and they may sport a few additional colored markings on up to 15% of their body. Turkish Vans also frequently exhibit heterochromia, a harmless genetic mutation that gives them different-colored eyes (one blue and one amber being a common presentation). Turkish Vans are friendly and fun-loving, but they don’t enjoy too much handling, preferring active playtime and relaxing near their favorite humans over cuddling.

Domestic Shorthair

Domestic Shorthairs are the result of intermixing between so many different cat breeds that their true genetic origins are difficult to trace. They’re essentially the “mutts” of the cat world, although the preferred term among cat lovers is “moggies.” Domestic Shorthairs tend to be medium-sized with coats displaying just about every color and pattern in the feline rainbow. They don’t have a standardized breed temperament—some Domestic Shorthairs are fun-loving and active, others are low-key and independent. Despite not being a “true breed,” though, the Domestic Shorthair remains the most popular cat breed among pet owners in the US.

American Shorthair

Unlike the generic Domestic Shorthair, the true American Shorthair is a standardized breed with distinct traits. American Shorthairs tend to have soft, rounded bodies and heads with big cheeks and whisker pads, and their fur can come in almost all types of colors and patterns, including black and white, except for pointed patterns like that of the Siamese. Descended from European mouse-hunting cats brought overseas by colonizers, American Shorthairs are active, easy-going, and friendly cats.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat breed is the pedigreed descendant of the traditional British domestic cat, known for its sturdy build and plush, teddy bear–like appearance. Originally bred for their signature solid blue-grey coats — earning them the nickname “British Blue” — modern British Shorthair cats now come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including the elegant black and white British Shorthair.

With their round heads, chubby cheeks, and dense, velvety coats, British Shorthairs exude quiet sophistication. These cats are generally independent and reserved, preferring a calm environment where they can relax on their own terms. While they’re not typically lap cats, their mellow, easy-going temperament makes them ideal companions for busy owners or quiet households. Because of their preference for peace and predictability, British Shorthair cats may be better suited to homes without very young children.

Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin cat breed is a close relative of the beloved Ragdoll cat, sharing its gentle nature and affectionate personality. While Ragdoll cats are known for their distinctive pointed color patterns, Ragamuffins come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, including the charming black and white Ragamuffin cat. Their silky, medium-length fur, large, expressive eyes, and broad, sturdy build give them an irresistibly cuddly appearance.

True to their looks, Ragamuffin cats are renowned for their sweet, easy-going, and affectionate temperaments. They love spending time with their families, get along well with children and other pets, and adapt beautifully to indoor living. With their combination of striking bicolor coats and gentle, loving nature, Ragamuffins make some of the most adorable and family-friendly long-haired cats you can find.

Questions About Cats With Black and White Hair

Are Tuxedo Cats More Friendly Than The Average Cat?

Just like people often attribute special traits to orange cats, many cat lovers believe that tuxedo cats, those charming black and white cats with their formal-looking coats, have unique personalities too. However, since tuxedo cats aren’t a distinct cat breed but rather a coat pattern, their markings don’t directly influence their temperament or behavior.

That said, tuxedo cats are so popular and beloved that it’s easy to see why people think of them as extra charming, intelligent, or playful. Their striking black and white fur, often resembling a tiny suit, makes them one of the most recognizable and adored bicolor cat patterns in the world. Perhaps it’s not their genetics but their irresistible good looks that make us partial to these stylish two-tone felines!

Aren’t Siamese Cats Black and White?

While some people may mistake Siamese cats for being black and white cats, there’s actually a subtle but important difference. The breed-standard Siamese cat pattern — the look most people picture, features a fawn or cream-colored body with seal-point markings on the face, ears, paws, and tail. These dark brown “points” can sometimes appear almost black, giving Siamese cats their signature contrast, but their base coat is not truly white.

Even so, the Siamese cat breed remains one of the most beautiful and recognizable cats in the world. Known for their striking blue eyes, sleek coats, and vocal, affectionate personalities, Siamese cats are intelligent, social, and thrive on attention. Whether you consider them black and white or cream and seal, their elegance and charm are undeniable.

Can I Find Black and White Cats At The Shelter?

Absolutely. Black-and-white cats are very common across many different breeds, and it’s not hard to find many of them residing in your local shelters. Some shelters even specialize in pedigree cat breeds, so if you’re interested in adopting a cat from a specific breed, but don’t want to buy from a cat breeder, that’s an option well worth considering. Anytime you adopt from a shelter, you’re opening up new space for another cat in need!

This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.