What will you learn from the article?
- Breeds of black cats Persian cat
Black cats have always been shrouded in a veil of magical mystery. There are many signs and beliefs associated with them. In this article we will look at breeds of black cats that have a truly magical touch.
Black cat breeds
- Persian cat;
- British cat;
- Scottish fold;
- Siberian cat;
- Maine Coon;
- Oriental;
- Devon Rex;
- Bombay cat.
Persian cat
The black coat of the long-haired animal shimmers beautifully with the shades of a raven's wing. The eyes are either copper or red.
This breed has a peculiarity - its black color fades a little in the sun. Therefore, if you are raising a competition winner, do not let her bask in direct rays.
The Persian cat can be recognized by its nose - it is short, the tip is located on the line of the lower eyelids. The muzzle seems flattened. The long fluffy coat needs brushing up to several times a day.
This breed of black cats spends its entire life next to humans. Persians are trusting, loyal and cannot stand loneliness.
A black Persian cat needs to be bathed several times a month. There are special tint shampoos for them.
The cost of a Persian cat kitten starts from about $100.
How to choose a Black British kitten
Surprisingly, it's true: many gorgeous black Britons grew up as homely, bad boys. And an absolutely charming black kitten can grow into a mediocre, not at all show-worthy representative of the breed. How not to make a mistake when choosing a kitten?
This is not an “ugly duckling”, but a very purebred British kitten
Don't go for cheap
The British breed is quite popular and numerous; Both on the Internet and at bird markets you will find many offers for the sale of small British birds, including black ones. Often, the kitten comes with documents - nowadays it’s not a problem to “draw” any piece of paper, the authenticity of which most buyers will not delve into.
And everyone seems to be happy: the seller received the money, the kitten received its owners, and the buyers received the desired pet. Well, what will grow out of it will grow... If the deceived owners do not have exhibition ambitions, then the dubious breed of such an acquisition is not the biggest evil. What is much worse is that scammers and breeders are least concerned about the health and proper raising of babies, but here very unpleasant problems can arise.
But this little charm, alas, has nothing to do with the British breed
Don't want to become a victim of scammers? Then don’t give them a chance - listen to these simple recommendations:
- A purebred animal is not bought “cheaply” from random people - competent breeding work is always very expensive, and its results cost a lot of money.
- Contact reputable breed nurseries - professional breeders are responsible for breeding and protect their reputation.
- Buy a kitten under an agreement with the breeder - this is an elementary culture of modern breeding and a guarantee that you will not be deceived.
- Study the breed standard and involve specialists in your selection - if you have basic knowledge about the breed, you will make a conscious, not an emotional purchase.
Read the breed standard
You are ready to buy a black British man - a wonderful choice. What kind of British kitten do you want to buy - short-haired or long-haired? As we have already said above, recently these are different breeds, although they differ only in the length of the fur, and in the main aspects the breed standards are completely the same.
What should you first of all pay attention to in order to purchase a truly purebred animal, and not at least a mestizo or a completely outbred black charmer? It is no coincidence that the British love the saying: “It all starts with the head” - and in our case this is a very accurate definition. The head of a little Briton can “tell” a lot to a breed connoisseur, which will help him make the right choice.
When choosing a kitten, pay attention to the structure of its head.
From the front, the kitten's muzzle resembles an almost perfect circle with small, widely spaced ears and expressive “button” eyes. In childhood, the Briton's head is larger than that of kittens of other breeds, and the ears are smaller. The breed and constitution “give it away” - the body of a British kitten is tightly built, the tail is relatively short, and the legs are short and plump.
Look to the root
Even if all the previous rules were followed and you did get a kitten from a good British family, it is too early to calm down. A decent pedigree, alas, does not guarantee that a cute baby will grow into a cat with the “correct” black color. The fact is that black Britons have an interesting property of dramatically changing colors after a complete change of teeth and the onset of puberty.
Only by seven to eight months of age will it be possible to say with a high degree of confidence what the fur of this teenage kitten will be like. Therefore, if you plan to get a show animal, buy a grown animal whose adult coat is already sufficiently formed.
The grayish childish color of the Briton may soon turn black and sparkling
Experienced breeders have a sign that will almost accurately predict which of the black kittens in the litter will receive the correct and high-quality color when they grow up. If a baby develops the rare “black smoke” color by about two months, then with the final color change, this particular kitten will most likely receive a luxurious fur coat, bright black and sparkling. Look at the very roots of the hairs - if they are lighter there than at the tips, then take a closer look at this baby.
There is hardly any need to worry if single white hairs are found on the coat of a little Briton - they will not remain on the adult coat. Small white pinches or rips will also disappear if the skin underneath is grayish and not pink. But whether the white “medallions”, brownness and unevenness of color will go away - no one can guarantee you this.
Such eyes will definitely acquire an amber color.
From my own experience: I can reveal one more secret that will help you understand at a very tender age whether the baby’s eyes will be a rich, deep yellow color, which is so highly valued among the British, or completely light. It's simple. If a kitten’s eyes are bright blue, a wonderful heavenly shade, as they grow older, alas, they will become faded and dull - a big minus at the exhibition. The closer the color of a child’s iris is to gray, the better colored this Briton’s eyes will be.
Scottish fold
Black Scottish Folds with shiny coats and copper eyes are perhaps the most beautiful of the breed.
This breed of black cat is striking with its small, curled ears and flattened nose. The appearance of their neat earless head with huge round eyes is reminiscent of a small owl.
The character of these cats is calm and lazy. Scottish Folds will not climb on tables or hang from curtains.
Scottish Folds are cats with developed intelligence. They are trainable and can learn various tricks. But they don’t know how to jump at high places at all - this is due to changes in the vestibular apparatus.
A Scottish Fold kitten costs from $100 to $3000.
Why cats are born completely black
There is a simple answer to the question “why are cats born black?” A special pigment, melanin, is responsible for this color. Animals have cells called melanocytes. Melanin bound to protein is deposited in these cells. Melanin is a product of oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine. There are several types of melanins; eumelanin is responsible for brown and black color.
A special pigment is responsible for the black color of cats
There are cats that are born black, but they have white or gray spots - interspersed with lighter hair. And some cats are born completely black, the nose and paw pads are black, but there are no light spots on the body. Heredity is responsible for this feature. Parents with black coloring give birth to black kittens, and if at least one of the parents is a carrier of the genes responsible for white or red color, then a kitten with spots of a lighter color may appear in the litter.
Siberian cat
Brunettes are rare among representatives of this breed. The dense shade of their fur resembles coal.
The Siberian breed appeared almost naturally. Their strength, fearlessness and appearance are due to harsh climatic conditions. They will easily take root in any place - an apartment or a private house.
These cats are capricious, but affectionate with their owner if he does not limit their freedom. They love to play and frolic. By the way, Siberian cats will make friends with children and other pets, even dogs. But if there are rodents in the house, they will only be considered as prey.
A Siberian kitten can be purchased for $100.
Character and temperament
All varieties of the breed, from black straight cats to the more common gray fold-eared Scottish cats, are characterized by the same character traits.
- They are all kind and affectionate - the Scots are not characterized by aggression and rancor.
- These cats are calm and balanced; natural arousal is recorded only during sexual activity or in the late stages of pregnancy.
- Sociability and loyalty to family members and pets are at the highest end of the measurement scale.
- Good learning ability - Scots are able to remember acquired knowledge for a long time.
- Unpretentiousness in food and living conditions.
Scottish Folds love active games, enjoy general walks and are always ready to keep a person company.
Maine Coon
Of all the representatives of the largest breed of domestic cats, the black color is considered the most valuable. Dark giants differ from their fellows by their docile disposition and the mystical luxury of black wool.
The Maine Coon's color can be solid black, or it can be tabby - with a patterned play of shades.
Maine Coons are quite easy-going cats, but they love independence. Do not anger your pet - this predator, thanks to its size, can fend for itself.
Black cats of this breed feel best in a private home - they need space for physical activity. They will simply destroy the city apartment.
The largest cats cost from $300.
Oriental cat
Graceful cats with ebony-colored fur. From shades of black, patterns may appear on their fur coat - tabby, speckled, brindle and others.
The appearance of this oriental beauty is very exotic. A short-haired cat with an elongated body and long, thin legs. On the elongated muzzle, huge slanting eyes are set close together.
The grace of the panther, especially noticeable in the photo, would be matched by an imperturbable character. But no, these creatures are real hooligans. They are very loud and require constant attention. Play, play and play. Orientals are in constant motion.
This unusual black cat breed loves all people who are willing to play with it. But an Oriental may dislike a particular person and begin to vindictively harm him.
An exotic kitten will cost you $200.
Devon Rex
This cat looks like a magical creature. The black color of the curly coat may consist of patterns interspersed with silver or ocher tints. Emerald or hazel eyes sparkle. It feels like their gaze penetrates into the depths of the soul. Low-set ears, a thin neck and long legs give their appearance a special magic.
Energetic cats have a good disposition. They like people and are ready to live with them in a city apartment.
Devon Rexes are very active. In addition, they are excellent at expressing emotions. To communicate with people, they have a rich vocabulary consisting of a variety of sounds.
If you are allergic to cats, get a Devon Rex. These cats are considered hypoallergenic, which gives many people a chance to find a pet.
An elf kitten will delight you for $200.
Sphinx
Thanks to its hairless body, the Sphynx has become one of the most recognizable breeds. These striking hairless creatures are medium in size; Characteristic features of their appearance are large ears and wrinkled skin.
Sphinxes amaze with the intense gaze of their large eyes, which against the backdrop of a bald head seem even more significant.
Despite the fact that representatives of this breed appear hairless, their body can be covered with fluff, creating the effect of “corduroy” skin.
bald body does not relieve the owner of caring for it, because... Due to the lack of hair, the animal is unable to absorb the natural oils it secretes.
What the sphinx lacks in fur, they make up for it with their extraordinary personality. They are sociable, energetic and playful. Curious creatures are characterized by mischievous behavior and a love of teasing toys and puzzles.
Bombay cat
Are you interested in knowing which of all the black cats is the blackest? The Bombay cat proudly bears this title. The breed is called this way because of its resemblance to the black panther living in the Indian state of Bombay.
This breed is characterized by an elongated, muscular body and proportional shape. The coat is shiny and smooth; among the black color it is impossible to find any other shades.
They love to play, but unlike their prototype, the panther, they are very cowardly. You should not let your animal outside without a leash; most likely the cat will have to be removed from the tree.
The kitten of the blackest cat in the world can be bought for $300.
Color options
According to international standards, the black color is assigned the code n (sil, wild, ebony, sable). The guard hairs and undercoat should have a uniform color: each hair is completely dyed, without colored or white inclusions.
The nose, paw pads, and whiskers must be exclusively black.
Possible eye colors
The iris of the eyes often plays with all shades of yellow and green: bright emerald, bright green, orange, olive, light sand.
Reference. Black kittens are born with blue irises.
Myths and signs about black cats
- In ancient times, people kept black cats in temples, considering them to be amulets that brought good luck. Since then, the reputation of the gloomy predators has somewhat deteriorated.
- In the Middle Ages, they believed that a black cat could be an enchanted witch. A woman who dared to own a cursed animal was sentenced to be burned.
- And at the same time, many believed that a black cat would provide its owner with financial well-being. There will always be money in the house where the animal lives. Well, as a last resort, the black cat could be exchanged with the devil for an irredeemable ruble.
- There were also opposite opinions. The Chinese, for example, used cats to ward off evil spirits.
- The British attracted love to these animals, and Scandinavian fishermen tried to insure themselves against storms.
- The Slavs of Ancient Rus' welcomed black cats, realizing that their color, invisible in the dark, helped to effectively catch rodents.
- Nowadays, people are still attracted to these mysterious animals. Few people expect psychic abilities from feline brunettes, but many note their magical charm.
Carthusian (chartreuse)
The Carthusian cat is considered the most polite among its relatives. She does not like to complain and shows friendliness not only towards the owner, but also towards any guest who comes to the house.
Chartreuse are the owners of round eyes in a shade reminiscent of a cross between copper and gold. This color looks beautiful against the background of a gray-blue “fur coat”.
Representatives of this rare breed are suitable for busy people: the animals are not too playful and know how to keep themselves busy.
