10 Cat Breeds With Black and White Coloring

Cats that have striking tuxedo markings

By
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone, writer for The Spruce Pets
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/26/22
Reviewed by Amy Fox
Black and white cat sitting on edge of glass top with decor items and houseplants

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Kitties that have black and white markings are often called tuxedo or piebald cats. Tuxedo refers to the distinctive coat markings that 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 popular types of cats 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 its temperament and 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

    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

    Coat and Color: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes

    Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

  • 02 of 10

    Cornish Rex

    Head shot of black and white Cornish Rex

    Angela Emanuelsson / Getty Images

    A black and white Cornish Rex is striking to behold with its 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 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

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

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years

  • 03 of 10

    Manx Cat

    Black and white Manx Cat

    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

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

    Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

  • 04 of 10

    Munchkin

    Black and white Munchkin cat

    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 its 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

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

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Oriental Shorthair

    Black and white Oriental Shorthair

    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

    Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat with many color possibilities: solids, shaded, smoke, and tabby; green, blue, gold, and yellow eyes

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

  • 06 of 10

    Persian

    Black and white Persian cat lying on floor

    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 coats; 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

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

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 17 years

  • 07 of 10

    Scottish Fold

    Black and white Scottish Fold cat lying down

    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

    Coat and Color: Short coats that can come in many colors and patterns, but commonly calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby

    Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years

  • 08 of 10

    Siberian Cat

    Black and White Siberian Cat

    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 its 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

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

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Turkish Angora

    Black and White Turkish Angora

    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

    Coat and Color: Long, silky coats that can come in a variety of colors and patterns, like white with lavender, chocolate, or Himalayan markings, tabby or calico

    Life Expectancy: 13 years or more

  • 10 of 10

    Domestic Mixed Breed Cat (Moggies)

    Black and white Domestic Shorthair

    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.

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