A black cat with green eyes is a beautiful and mysterious sight. However, for various cultural reasons, black cats are often associated with bad luck. The story goes that if you see one when you’re going home late at night or it crosses your path, it is a bad omen of things to come. These stories are often told because they were (and are) associated with Halloween, witches, and witchcraft.
However, in ancient Egypt, cats were worshiped and considered to be good luck. In Egyptian and other cultures, e.g. in Japan, cats are believed to bring good luck. Irish sailors, for example, used to bring black cats on board with them to bring them good fortune.
Of course, the black fur of cats shouldn’t be regarded as something frightening but rather as a beautiful sight to see, especially when combined with a pair of astonishing green eyes.
So, which cat breeds can be black and have green eyes? Let’s have a look at the various types of black cats with green eyes.
Black Cats With Green Eyes
Most kittens are born with blue eyes (due to the lack of melanin), but by the time they’re 6 months old, their true eye color is revealed. A cat’s eye color is determined by several elements inside the iris. Color is created by the number of cells and the activity of melanin and melanocyte.
The two variables that decide the eye color are tone and intensity. The more melanin there is, the deeper the eye color. Melanocytes, which are also located in the iris, regulate color too; the more melanocytes there are, the darker the eye color will be.
While green eye color is the rarest eye color in the human population, cats usually have green eyes. However, the feline eye color spectrum ranges from deep golden eyes through bright copper tones, all the way to blue and green variations.
A cat’s melanocyte count must be low in order for them to have green eyes. Green is regarded as a pale eye color, whereas yellow or copper are considered darker ones. The particular hue of green will be determined by melanin. A cat with low melanin levels may have aqua or sea-green eye color. Higher melanin levels will produce a vibrant emerald color.
Even though cats with green eyes are not uncommon, there are some deep hues that are amazing to behold. Read on to find out more about the black cat with green eyes; including which black cat breeds can have green eyes and whether they are officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association.
1. Bombay Cat
The Bombay cat is commonly referred to as the mini panther since this black cat resembles the wild black panther in its appearance. Usually, Bombay cats have golden eyes or copper eyes, but they can also have a green eye color.
Personality Traits
Bombay cats are sociable, friendly, loyal, and highly intelligent. These cats have been bred from the Burmese cat and the black American shorthair cat, which is why each Bombay cat may have its own unique personality and activity level.
Bombay cats are usually outgoing and highly active. They are also playful, friendly, and very good with children and people of all ages. Bombay cats are also known as lovers of people, so they make very loyal and loving pets. Since this breed of cat is highly social and outgoing, they require company most of the time.
If left alone, Bombay cats are prone to stress. They require the company of people they trust and other cats, if possible.
Size & Lifespan
Bombay cats are medium-sized, but they are very muscular, so they sometimes appear bigger and can weigh a bit more than other medium-sized domestic cats.
The height of a Bombay cat ranges from 9 to 13 inches, and they can weigh from 8 to 15 lbs. The male cat Bombay cat is generally larger in size than the female.
The life expectancy of a Bombay cat is typically 9 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Bombay cats have short coats with no pattern and just one color – the solid black color.
2. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is a cat that gets a lot of attention for its striking looks. Oriental Shorthair cats have a unique appearance and they are also extremely friendly and fun. They like to entertain their owners, and they love to get lots of attention.
Personality Traits
Oriental Shorthairs are highly intelligent, friendly, and loyal. They are also very talkative cats. These cats will talk to you when they need something, but also when they just want to talk. Orientals are great company when you come home, agitated from work perhaps, and there it is, your little cute Oriental cat, waiting to talk it out!
Oriental Shorthair cats are also quite sociable and they get along well with other cats. They are friendly and good with people of all ages, including children. Orientals are very loyal as well and will follow you around and love you deeply. They are extremely active, so there won’t be much lying around or napping in your lap, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t come to sit in your lap and enjoy a quiet cuddle session now and then.
Size & Lifespan
The Oriental Shorthair cat is a medium-sized cat breed. The male cats typically weigh from 8 to 12 lbs, and females up to 8 lbs. The height of an Oriental is usually somewhere between 9 and 11 inches.
The typical lifespan of an Oriental Shorthair cat is 12 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Other than a solid black cat with green eyes, the Oriental cat can also have a bi-color, calico, marbled, or tabby pattern. The possible colors of the Oriental Shorthair cat include black, white, brown, cinnamon, silver, fawn, gray, cream, lilac, and red.
3. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is sure to catch the attention of everyone in the room, mainly because its tail is completely unique and different from other cats’ tails. The American Bobtail has a short tail and is a fairly rare breed of cat.
The American Bobtail cat can have a long-haired or short-haired coat that can be a variety of colors. The same goes for the color of their eyes; they have almond-shaped eyes that can be of any color, including vivid green.
Personality Traits
These sweet, loving, and calm cats are sure to win over any heart. The American Bobtail is a friendly cat that gets along well with other cats, is friendly towards people, and is very good with kids.
These cats are intelligent, loyal, curious, and outgoing. American Bobtails do require entertainment though; they need to be active both physically and mentally. They are known to be cats who will meow for playtime, so if you hear your American Bobtail meowing and it doesn’t want food or cuddles, it’s time to play!
American Bobtail cats are relatively easy to train; they even like walking on a leash. It is essential that you give them lots of playtime, cat toys, and cat trees to keep them busy. Of course, above all else, your American Bobtail will appreciate all the love and attention it gets from you.
Size & Lifespan
The American Bobtail is usually around 9 or 10 inches tall, with a weight range of 7 to 15 lbs. The life expectancy of American Bobtails is typically 13 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Other than the black cat with green eyes, the American Bobtail can have a solid, bi-color, calico, tabby, and color point pattern. Possible colors include black, white, brown, lavender, fawn, cinnamon, blue, beige, lilac, and orange.
4. Persian Cat
Persian cats have round, nearly flat faces and are fluffy, charming, and affectionate pets. They often have beautiful orange eyes, although they can also have green or blue eyes. Persian cats are highly recognizable and popular cats that are always ready for cuddle time.
Personality Traits
Persian cats are very sweet and quite playful; they are usually very quiet and won’t be noisy in your home. Persians are usually laid-back, sociable, loyal, and loving cats.
These cats are friendly towards anyone and will get along well with both cats and dogs. Persian cats really want to be loved and will do their best to show their appreciation and love for their owners. They love to nap, and if your lap isn’t available, then you’ll find them snoozing in the comfiest spot they can find.
Size & Lifespan
Persians are medium-sized cats that can grow up to 15 inches in height. They usually weigh from 7 to 13 lbs. The average lifespan of these cats is 10 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Black Persian cats are quite rare. Persian cats, aside from the solid black variety, can also have bi-color, color point, calico, and tabby coat patterns. Possible coat colors include black, white, red, lilac, fawn, blue, silver, brown, cream, and cinnamon.
5. Chantilly-Tiffany
The Tiffany cat, the Chantilly cat, or the Chantilly-Tiffany, are all names used to refer to this unusual cat breed. Registered purebred Chantilly-Tiffanys are quite rare. They were first bred and produced in the 1960s when a breeder from NYC bred some cats of unknown origin which were believed to be Burmese.
The Chantilly cat breed was simply known as a foreign longhair when it was registered for the first time. Tiffany was the name the breeders chose when they decided they wanted something unusual. This caused considerable consternation because the British cat registry already had a Tiffany cat breed, which was a mix of the Burmese cat and the Chinchilla Persian cat breed. After this, the breed was named Chantilly, and nowadays, it is commonly known as Chantilly or Chantilly-Tiffany.
Personality Traits
The Chantilly-Tiffany cat is extremely affectionate, playful, and friendly. They are moderately active but will play a lot if you’re up for it! These cats are also quite intelligent, and they don’t tend to bother their owners much; they usually only chirp or meow softly if they need anything.
Chantilly-Tiffany cats are very friendly and social. They will get along well with other pets and are good with kids and people of all ages. They make great cuddle buddies and even greater family pets.
Size & Lifespan
Commonly called the Foreign Longhair, the Chantilly-Tiffany cat is a medium-sized cat that can grow up to 16 inches in length and weighs somewhere between 8 and 15 lbs. Its life expectancy is typically from 11 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
When Chantilly Tiffany was first recognized, it was only accepted as solid brown, but nowadays, it may be a variety of colors. Possible colors include brown, cinnamon, black, fawn, lilac, and blue. Coat patterns include solid and various tabby markings (mackerel, ticked, or spotted tabby).
6. Sphynx
Sphynx cats are highly intelligent, extremely active pets. These cats are almost hyperactive, and they love to entertain people, especially their owners. These cats are known for their funny (and sometimes clownish) personality. Their breed is immediately recognized by their appearance as they are almost completely hairless. They are often chosen as pets due to their low allergen levels.
Personality Traits
Sphynx cats are intelligent, loyal, affectionate, active, friendly, and entertaining little rascals. They’ll do anything to put a smile on your face. They love to play, are outgoing, and will talk to you whenever they need something.
These entertaining cats, despite their hyperactivity, will also cuddle and snuggle beside you. They are quite loyal and will spend most of their time following you and sticking by your side. Sphynx cats can be a bit needy, so they aren’t a great fit for everyone, but if you can provide them with lots of company and undivided attention, you’ll certainly make them happy!
Size & Lifespan
Sphynx cats are medium-sized, with a height range of 8 to 10 inches. The weight of a Sphynx cat varies from 6 to 14 lbs, with females usually weighing around 6 lbs and males weighing up to 14 lbs. The average lifespan of these cats is from 9 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Despite the fact they are almost hairless, Sphynx cats can come in a wide variety of colors, including black, white, lilac, red, silver, blue, fawn, brown, and cinnamon. Their coat, i.e. skin, patterns include solid, tabby, bi-color, tri-color, and color point.
7. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are extremely affectionate pets who love their owners and appreciate all the attention they receive. These cats are known for their large size and their friendly, calm nature. Despite their large, majestic appearance, Maine Coons are very affectionate, sweet cats. A solid black Maine Coon is quite rare, and black silver is the rarest color of all.
Personality Traits
Despite the size and majestic appearance of these giant domestic cats, the Maine Coon cat breed is known to be a sweet, calm, and cuddly pet. They are great for families because they are friendly towards people, kids, and pets. Maine Coons love to spend time with their owners, they enjoy playing and cuddling with their favorite family members for hours on end.
Maine Coons aren’t your typical lap cats, but they do love to lay or sit next to you, looking for cuddles. These cats are highly intelligent as well and particularly active, so they need a lot of different entertainment options. Cat trees and cat toys are important to keep these fluffy giants occupied and entertained, especially when you’re not around, so they don’t get depressed. Another cat is always a great idea when you own a Maine Coon, so it always has a play buddy and company when you aren’t around.
Size & Lifespan
These large cats can reach a height of up to 16 inches and they can weigh a lot more than usual domestic cat breeds. Maine Coons typically weigh from 8 to 18 lbs, but there are records of Maine Coons that weighed even more than this. They are the largest domestic cat breed.
The typical lifespan of a Maine Coon cat is usually from 12 to 14 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
There are many colors that the Maine Coons are registered for, including black, white, blue, red, brown, and cream. They can have any variation of these colors in the following coat patterns: bi-color, calico, tuxedo, color point, tabby, tortie, and solid.
8. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail, just like the American Bobtail, is best known for its short tail. These cats are energetic, outgoing, affectionate, and active. Japanese Bobtails are most commonly white with patches of different colors, but they can also be solid black with green eyes.
Personality Traits
Japanese Bobtails are great with kids; they make great family pets as they also tend to get along well with other pets in the home. They are extremely friendly and sociable. These intelligent cats really need plenty of playtime but they are often considered the smartest and most loving domestic cats.
Japanese Bobtails are very active cats; they become very active as kittens and stay active for most of their lives. They love to play, either with their owners or by themself. These cats love to play fetch, and you may not even have to teach them how to play. They can sometimes be too noisy for some owners, so that is something to be aware of. They will happily spend most of their time glued to you, copying your every step.
Size & Lifespan
The Japanese Bobtail cat can grow up to 9 inches in height, and it usually weighs from 6 to 19 lbs. These interesting little cats, on average, live up to 9 to 15 years of age.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Other than the black color, the Japanese Bobtail cat can have any of the following coat colors: white, brown, red, blue, beige, and lavender. The possible coat patterns are solid, calico, and bi-color.
9. Burmese Cat
Burmese cats are widely known for their large eyes and ‘dog-like’ temperament. These beautiful cats are extremely likable from the very first moment you lay eyes on them. Burmese cats look like they were painted or taken out of a cartoon; they are fluffy little cats with huge eyes. Adorable!
Personality Traits
Burmese cats are smart, friendly, playful, and affectionate. They are easily trained, and they love to spend time playing with their owners. Burmese cats love to be around people, so when left alone for a longer period of time, they are prone to anxiety and stress-related behavior. They thrive when their humans are nearby, and are friendly towards people of all ages. Burmese cats also do well with other pets, including dogs.
Size & Lifespan
These cute cats typically weigh from 8 to 15 lbs, and their height ranges from 9 to 13 inches, with males being generally bigger than females. The life expectancy of a Burmese cat is typically anywhere between 10 and 17 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Even though Burmese cats usually have green eyes, they can also have blue or yellow eyes. They only have one pattern, i.e. solid, but they can be different colors, including black, gray, silver, brown, and lilac.
10. American Shorthair
Black American Shorthair cats have green eyes, unlike the British Shorthair cat which has yellow eyes with no trace of green ( their eye color ranges from golden to copper). These shorthaired cats have a soft, dense coat that is just as soft to the touch as it looks! These cute cats have round heads, slightly short ears, and are just as loving as their adorable appearance suggests.
Personality Traits
All cats are different, but all American shorthair cats are almost always friendly and affectionate. American shorthairs have an incredibly charming and friendly demeanor, especially for a cat species that was originally created just to chase rats and mice. They like being with their people and even enjoy being picked up and carried around. They get on well with older people and kids so they make a great family pet. American shorthair cats are recognized for being laid-back and gentle while still being active enough to make an engaging buddy.
Because of their gentleness, and patience, they can get along with kids, other cats, and even pet dogs if introduced carefully. It is crucial to remember, however, that each cat has its own preferences and its own personality.
American shorthairs enjoy attention, but they aren’t very demanding and will be patient if you can’t provide them with the attention they want right away. They are usually quiet and calm, and although they’re sociable cats, they can also be quite independent so they do not require constant care and attention like some other breeds.
Size & Lifespan
The cute American Shorthair cat grows up to 10 inches in height and can weigh from 10 to 15 lbs, depending on gender and age, with 15 lbs maximum. Its life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
The American Shorthair is usually gray, but it can also be black, white, brown, red, and cream. Possible coat patterns for this cat include solid, calico, tabby, and bi-color.
11. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats have a truly unique appearance, with their slender bodies, big ears, and big eyes. Even if you happened to not catch their appearance, you would definitely notice them because they will talk to you. These energetic cats are a lot of fun for their owners, but in order to keep them as pets, you need to be prepared to love and care for them unconditionally. A black Cornish Rex won’t be a solid black color, but it can appear solid with a hint of other colors underneath.
Personality Traits
The Cornish Rex is an energetic, smart, and highly active cat breed. They are always on the go, and it is best to keep them entertained in any way possible. Providing different cat toys, scratchers, or cat trees is essential. Interactive toys such as battery-powered mice, softballs, or labyrinth toys can help keep them engaged while you are not home.
Cornish Rex cats are known to be incredibly keen explorers. This cat will find its way into places you consider unreachable, such as the tops of your kitchen cupboards. When this little rascal isn’t climbing door frames or wriggling its way around cabinets, your tiny adventurer will undoubtedly be walking by your side, following your every move.
These cats are highly sociable and intelligent, and they love more than anything to be in the company of their favorite humans. Cornish Rexes are very loyal, but they will also be quite talkative, so be prepared to answer all their meows.
Size & Lifespan
The Cornish Rex is a smaller-than-average domestic cat, with a height range of 8 to 12 inches max and a weight range from 6 to 10 lbs. The life expectancy of these lovely kitties is around 11 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
The Cornish Rex has a short, soft coat that can be either black, white, red, brown, beige, or blue. Its officially recognized coat patterns include tabby, color point, and bi-color.
12. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex has a short, wavy coat that is soft and plush-like. These cats have a captivating appearance. They love to climb, are very playful, and love entertaining their humans.
Personality Traits
The Devon Rexes are sociable, clever, and extroverted. These extremely friendly animals get along well with children and people of all ages. They enjoy being around pets (both dogs and cats) and other people. The Devon Rex’s favorite activity is cuddling and playing with its pet parents.
The clownish personality of the energetic Devon Rex is something you can’t help noticing. Devon Rexes love to entertain their humans, and this can mean that they are a bit too demanding at times. This breed will not hesitate to do whatever it takes to catch your attention. These cats continue to be lively long into their senior years, maintaining the vitality and energy of a kitten!
The Devon Rex isn’t very noisy, despite her demanding personality. They are not completely silent but while they may occasionally meow to communicate their needs, they aren’t too loud or noisy.
Size & Lifespan
These cute fuzzy cats can grow up to 12 inches in height and typically weigh just 6 to 9 lbs. Devon Rexes are small cats, but their lifespan isn’t! They live on average from 9 to 15 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
These medium-sized cats can have several colors and patterns. Other than the black coat color, the Devon Rex can also have a tabby, calico, color point, or bi-color pattern. The possible coat colors are black, white, brown, cinnamon, silver, red, blue, fawn, and beige.
13. Norwegian Forest Cat
Many cat lovers call these cats Wedgies. The Norwegian Forest cat is a large, affectionate, and friendly breed of cat that is perfect for cuddle sessions. They enjoy being petted and cuddled (and you too will be happy to have a large fluffy cuddle buddy next to you).
Personality Traits
Norwegian Forest cats are generally calm and friendly. Pet owners report them to be gentle and affectionate. Despite its large size, the Norwegian Forest cat’s temperament is laid-back and sweet. These cats are attentive and clever, and they enjoy the attention of humans.
Despite their desire for affection, they aren’t very demanding. In line with their laid-back temperament, Norwegian Forest cats are a calm breed that does not meow as often as other breeds, e.g., the Siamese. When they do meow, it sounds like little chirps, which is a strange contrast to their huge proportions, just like Maine Coon cats.
The Norwegian forest cat is a great choice for families. They’re kind, playful, lively, and tolerant of their environment. This sociable breed usually seeks to befriend everyone and enjoys cuddling above anything else!
Size & Lifespan
Norwegian Forest cats are large domestic cats that typically weigh in the range of 12 to 16 lbs. Their height ranges from 9 to 12 inches. The life expectancy of a Norwegian Forest cat is 14 to 16 years, but there are some that have lived even longer than this.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Other than the rare solid black, Norwegian Forest cats can also have a tabby, bi-color, or calico pattern. They can have a variety of coat colors, including black, white, beige, lavender, red, and gray, which can be either solid or a mixture of the different patterns mentioned above.
14. Ragdoll Cat
The cute and fluffy Ragdoll cat has long-haired fur that is so soft to the touch. They also have a loving personality and make great pets. Ragdoll cats are incredibly friendly and sociable, easy to take care of, and generally calm in nature.
Personality Traits
The Ragdoll’s personality is intelligent, docile, kind, and extremely loving. These sweet cats desire human contact but they are seldom demanding. Ragdolls are incredibly loyal and dedicated to their owners, making them excellent buddies and family pets. While these soft, fluffy cats are often laid-back, keep in mind that every cat is an individual, and not every Ragdoll will possess all of the listed personality traits.
They aren’t noisy – quite the opposite! Ragdoll cats are very silent and don’t make a lot of noise until something irritates them. When they do meow, they usually meow very softly and quietly to indicate that they need or want something, e.g. food or cuddles.
Unlike other cats, your ragdoll may not like climbing up to the highest spots in your home. These cats prefer to stay close to the floor but they can happily leap up on the bed to lay and snuggle beside you.
Size & Lifespan
These big, fluffy cats grow up to 11 inches in height, and they weigh from 10 to 20 lbs, depending on their age and gender. The Ragdoll’s expected lifespan is 13 to 18 years.
Coat Patterns & Colors
Ragdolls make cute black cats, but more commonly, they come in different color variations. Possible coat colors include black, white, chocolate, beige, orange, silver, blue, and lilac. Coat patterns are color point or bi-color; also categorized into tortie, lynx point, and mitted.
FAQ
What breed is an all-black cat with green eyes?
Bombay cats are all-black with green eyes, their short coat only comes in a solid pattern and black color. Other breeds may also be black with green eyes.
Is a black cat with green eyes rare?
Not really. Most black cats have green eyes, some of them have blue or yellow, but they’re most likely to have green eyes. Green is generally the most common cat eye color.
Is it common for black cats to have green eyes?
Yes. Black cats usually have green eyes, then yellow or copper is the second most common, but some adult black cats can have blue eyes. No matter what the eye color, it always suits them perfectly, due to the darkness of their fur color, as their eyes always stand out and shine.
Are green eyes on a cat rare?
No. Green is quite common when it comes to cats’ eye color, in fact, the most common eye color for cats is greenish yellow, and the rarest is hazel, i.e. orange shade. It does depend on breed; Bombay cats usually have green eyes, but they can also have yellow eyes, whereas a Siamese cat always has blue eyes.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a black cat with green eyes is never bad luck for me, I don’t know if it is good luck either, but I do know it is a beautiful sight to see. Black cats are, to many people, more special than other fur colors or patterns. Maybe it’s the fact that there are so many stories about their associations with magic or witchcraft or their spiritual meaning, or simply because some people believe black cats are bad luck and they want to disprove them!
I used to own a black cat, and it wasn’t any different from a gray, orange, or any other color. Their behavior, personality, temperament, and all that, comes down to their ancestry and genetics, as well as how they are treated. Fur color has nothing to do with it.
Hopefully, you will find the ideal combination of fur color and eye color for you. Now you know which cat breeds can be an all-black cat with green eyes. I’ve given you some info about all of them, so you can see how big they grow, what they’re like, and what other colors of fur they can have. All in all, a black cat with green eyes, for me, is a symbol of happiness, cause I’m happy whenever I see one!