10 Friendly Black and White Cat Breeds

There’s just something about black-and-white kitties that make them a little extra special. Maybe it’s their unique mix of black and white fur or the fact that they look so dignified and luxurious that it looks like they should be wearing a satin ribbon or diamond-studded collar around their necks. Tuxedo kitties are also supposedly more friendly and more mischievous, according to totally unbiased black-and-white cat pet parents. While the jury is out on that front, we do know that these cute kitties are coveted. If you want to add a black-and-white cat to your home (or just look at pictures of them!), we rounded up all of the breeds that can produce black-and-white cats. 

What is a black-and-white cat called?

A black and white cat is often called a tuxedo cat, because their fur color makes it look as if they are wearing a tuxedo suit and tails (pun intended). This means that their chests and bellies, along with parts of their legs, are normally white, while their backs and heads are typically black. 

Are all black-and-white cats tuxedo cats?

Nope! The tuxedo is just one type of black-and-white cat, though they are considered to be the most common. There are also mitted cats (black cats with white feet), magpies (mostly white with some black spots), and bi-colored (half-black and half-white). 

What cat breeds are black and white?

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1. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon, a cat breed that looks like it stumbled out of the forest into their pet parent’s two-bedroom apartment, can appear black and white, usually in a tuxedo or bi-colored pattern. This long-haired medium-to-large cat is perfect for families with young children and households with other pets. They’re known for being a dog-like cat, following their people around their house, enjoying playing in water, and learning tricks. Their coats, which are long and silky, do require a bit more maintenance than short-haired cats, such as regular brushing and combing, along with the occasional bath. 

Weight: 9 to 20 pounds

Height: 10 to 16 inches

Breed Class: Domestic

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2. Manx

The Manx breed can sometimes be tuxedo patterned or be mostly white with some black spots. The kitty is most famous for not having a tail, but that doesn’t mean they don’t jump. Manx cats are very playful, needing up to 60 minutes of exercise a day, and have a history of being superb pest hunters, so they will make short work of a bug in your home. Because of this breed’s friendly disposition, they make great family pets, though they should be introduced to young children responsibly. The Manx has a thick double-coat that will need to be brushed weekly, at minimum, so they don’t make the best choice for potential cat parents who suffer from dust and dander allergies. 

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Height: 7 to 11 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic

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3. Domestic

The Domestic Shorthair makes up 98 percent of cats in U.S. homes, because they are the original domestic cat breed in the world. They’re more commonly known as the house cat, and as you can guess, this kitty can come in all sorts of combinations of black-and-white fur. The Domestic Shorthair is known for having a round face and muscular body. They vary widely in personality, because there are so many Domestic Shorthairs out there. If socialized with other pets and young children at an early age, they can make great family pets. Their fur does shed a little, so it is important for cat parents to regularly brush their cat to keep their coat in top shape. 

Weight: 6 to 16 pounds

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Breed Class: Domestic 

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4. Oriental

When this unique-looking breed is black and white, they usually boast the tuxedo pattern on their coats. The Oriental is well-known for their bat-like ears, more pronounced snouts, and being particularly chatty (they can sometimes make honking sounds, like a goose). This social cat prefers to be around people (or other animals) — otherwise, they can become depressed. The Oriental breed has a short, soft coat that sheds minimally, making them a good choice for potential cat parents who have allergies. But those big ears of theirs will need to be checked for wax build-up and wiped out occasionally. 

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

Height: 9 to 11 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic 

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5. Persian

You might picture this very fluffy cat breed with white fur, but they can be black and white. They normally appear as tuxedo cats (sometimes with comically white mustaches against a black furry face). Due to their smaller stature and gentle nature, Persian cats do best in quiet, calm households. They can be injured by young children or large pets. Persians are the definition of a lap cat and are the kings of lounging. Make sure to give the Persian a high perch where they can survey their kingdom and stretch out. But all of this doesn’t mean that this kitty doesn’t want to spend time with their people. Persians’ long coats do require multiple brushing sessions a week to keep their fur under control, so potential cat parents should be ready to commit to extra grooming.   

Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

Height: 10 to 15 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic 

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6. Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold, beloved for their nearly hidden ears, can appear in a tuxedo coloring. With their prominent yellow or green eyes contrasted against black fur, they might look even more owlish. Despite their visual similarities with that nocturnal bird of prey, the Scottish Fold is a sweet, calm kitty that always wants a lot of pets and affection from their families. Highly intelligent and slightly playful, the Scottish Fold can also get along with other furry family members, if introduced properly and socialized early. Unfortunately, the folded ear trait in Scottish Folds is linked to a genetic mutation that can cause painful conditions such as osteochondrodysplasia.

Weight: 6 to 13 pounds 

Height: 8 to 10 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic 

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7. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex can be a tuxedo cat or half-black and half-white. This kitty stands out because they have short, curly hair and ears that are bigger than their faces. They are loving kitties who are playful without having to be actively exercised every day. The Cornish Rex can get along with both families with young children and other pets, if introduced slowly and correctly. Because the Cornish Rex has such a unique coat, they don’t require much, if any, brushing, but there is a chance that their fur might get greasy. If it becomes greasy, they will need the occasional bath to keep them clean. 

Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

Height: 8 to 12 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic

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8. Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin often boasts a tuxedo pattern or magpie pattern (where they are mostly white with some black splotches). As their breed name implies, the Ragamuffin is a sweetie pie who loves to be cuddled, held, and get lots of attention. They have large, walnut-shaped eyes, a fluffy, pettable coat, and a surprisingly broad build. The Ragamuffin is easygoing and gets along with both families with other pets and younger children. They remain in kitty mode a little longer than most other cat breeds — up to four years — so even though their favorite activity is napping, they do still enjoy playing. Because their coat is so long and dense, the Ragamuffin will require daily brushing to keep tangles out of their coats. 

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

Height: 10 to 15 inches 

Breed Class: Domestic

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9. Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora usually sports a solid white coat but can be tuxedo or magpie patterned. This dignified, elegant kitty is smaller in stature, so they are more delicate. The Turkish Angora can co-exist happily with other pets if introduced early enough, though they usually do not take well to small children. They’re also happy being a single cat in a household if they receive enough attention from their cat parents. Playful and affectionate, this kitty is highly intelligent and should be given interactive toys. The Turkish Angora boasts a longer coat that requires regular brushing. This rare cat breed also has a predisposition to deafness, so they might vocalize more loudly than your average cat because they might not be able to hear themselves. 

Weight: 6 to 9 pounds 

Height: 9 to 14 inches

Breed Class: Domestic 

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10. American Curl

If you see a black-and-white American Curl, they tend to be of a tuxedo pattern. These kitties get their name from the unusual way that their ears curl to the back of their heads instead of forward. Because of their ear shape, they might need a little extra help ensuring they stay clean and infection-free. They also typically have a longer coat that requires twice-weekly brushing. The American Curl is a cuddly, affectionate cat who has a healthy interest in play, especially for the first few years of their lives. They get along well with both younger children and other family pets. 

Weight: 5 to 10 pounds

Height: 9 to 12 inches

Breed Class: Domestic 

Commonly asked questions

How long do black-and-white cats live?

Black-and-white cats have the same lifespan as other cats: They can live anywhere between 13 to 20 years. Their lifespans will be determined based on breed, size, lifestyle, diet, and underlying health issues.

Why are black and white cats unpopular?

Black and white bi-color is one of the most common cat colors, but it’s unpopular amongst some cat parents. Another potential cause is that because they are partially black, they may not photograph as well as other cats in shelters. Regardless of these false impressions, black-and-white cats stay in shelters 10 days longer than other kitties. According to one study, they are less likely to be adopted. 

Which black and white cat breeds have green eyes?

Several black-and-white cat breeds have green eyes, including the Egyptian Mau, Oriental, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Turkish Angora to name a few. But it’ll depend on the individual cat — potential cat parents might be more likely to find a black and white cat with green eyes in one of those breeds. 

What cat has spots like a cow?

Also called “moo cats,” white cats with black spots, like a cow, are often bi-colored, meaning that they are half-black and half-white. There aren’t specific moo cat breeds, but the Domestic Shorthair and Maine Coon do have a tendency to be bi-colored. Potential moo cat parents might find some luck in keeping an eye out for those breeds on rescue sites, such as Adopt a Pet.