Yahoo Lifestyle 13 Black and White Cat Breeds That Are Adorably Dapper
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There's just something so appealing about a black and white cat breed. Maybe it's because "tuxedo" kitties—cats with markings that make them like they're decked out in formalwear—seem so dashing and debonoir. Or maybe it's all the adorbs cat names you can call your bicolored beastie, including Oreo, Panda, Bandit and Socks, who was the Clinton's tuxie when they were in the White House. It's no wonder there have been so many famous black and white pusses, like Sylvester, Felix and even everyone's literary favorite, Dr. Seuss's Cat in the the Hat!
Best of all, as you can see from our list below, there's a huge range of different cat breeds that can be colored black and white. So, whether you're looking for a super expensive mouser, like a Sphynx; a fabulously fluffy feline (hellllooo Persian!); or a cat guaranteed to be a cuddle bug, such as a Scottish Fold, you'll be able to find the purrfect black and white kitty. Read on for our rundown of the best black and white cat breeds, and then start stocking up on the cat games...because we can pretty much guarantee you're going to want to welcome one of these two-toned treasures into your family!
Maine Coon
Born and bred in America and now popular worldwide, the Maine Coon's luxurious locks are commonly brown, with a tabby patterning, but can also be found in black and white. Big kitties (males can exceed 20 pounds), they're anything but bruisers. According to Dr. Eliza O'Callaghan, DVM at Small Door Veterinary, "Maine Coons are gentle giants with a social, easygoing nature. They thrive with regular interaction and environmental enrichment, as they are curious and enjoy stimulation. Their affectionate but independent disposition makes them excellent companions for families and individuals."
Height: 10–16 inches
Weight: 10–25 pounds
Coat: Long, double coat in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: Medium
Life expectancy: 9–15 years
Turkish Angora
"Sleek and graceful, with a silky coat and striking almond-shaped eyes, Turkish Angoras are known for their intelligence and playfulness," says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, Veterinary Consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. They are the oldest longhaired cat breed, and it's believed that all other longhaired cats have a bit of Turkish Angora in their gene pool. Independent but deeply loving, they make excellent pets for families with young children because they don't shy away from physical contact. While the white variety of Turkish Angora is still the most popular, the breed is now available in many coat colors and patterns, including black and white.
Height: 9–14 inches
Weight: 5–9 pounds
Coat: Long, silky soft coat with a plumed tail available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 13+ years
Manx
Famed for their taillessness, the Manx can be traced back at least several hundred years to the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea. (Fanciers, however, love to say that the breed lost its tail when it was so late boarding Noah's Ark that the appendage was cut off as the door closed.) Mostly quiet and gentle, Manx are known for their random bursts of playfulness. Notes Dr. O'Callaghan, "They can be quite loyal to their families, often following their humans around the house."
Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Coat: Long and shorthaired double coat in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 14–16 years
Cornish Rex
With their huge ears, slender builds and short, curly coats, Cornish Rex cats are easily recognized, according to Dr. O'Callaghan. The result of a gene mutation first noted in Cornwall, England, Corneys are intelligent and sensitive enough that they can be taught tricks and even used as therapy animals. Their distinctive coats come in an array of hues along with black and white but are unusually soft since this breed lacks guard hairs. "They’re usually pretty energetic and love to play, often acting like kittens well into adulthood," Dr. O'Callaghan adds. "They can be wonderful for people who want a more interactive pet."
Height: 12–14 inches
Weight: 6–10 pounds
Coat: Dense to the touch, with short, tight, marcel waves, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 10–16 years
Scottish Fold
Tay Tay's favorite kitty (she has two), "Scottish Folds are affectionate and adaptable, often forming strong bonds with their families," says Dr. Vasudevan. Their unique ear shape is the result of a dominant gene that was a spontaneous mutation first seen in a Scottish farm cat. Today, these sweeties with the round, soulful eyes are available with straight ears as well as the folded variety. Their coats can be long or shorthaired, and come in a variety of colors and patterns, including black and white.
Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 5–11 pounds
Coat: Long or shorthaired coat, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: Medium
Life expectancy: 11–14 years
Sphynx
Developed from a Canadian cat born bald due to a spontaneous mutation, the Sphynx is one of the rarer felines on our list and plenty pricey as a result. (You can expect to pay as much as $6,000 for one from a reputable breeder.) But for that pretty penny, you'll be rewarded with a "velcro kitty" that will stick by your side through thick and thin. "These hairless beauties are often known for their warm, suede-like skin and affectionate nature," says Dr. O'Callaghan. "Sphynx cats are often social, love attention, and tend to form close bonds with their families, often seeking out warmth and cuddles."
Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 9–13 pounds
Coat: With little to no hair, this breed's skin comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 11–14 years
Related: Most Expensive Cat Breeds
Persian
Believed to hail from the country they're named after, modern-day Persians can count Turkish Angoras as ancestors. While their snowy white coats are the breed's most celebrated hue, this pug-nosed and extremely popular cat also can be seen sporting black and white hair. Notes Dr. Vasudevan, "Persians are known for their luxurious, long coats and round, sweet faces. They have a gentle and calm demeanor, often making them ideal lap cats."
Height: 14–18 inches
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Coat: Long, luxurious coat available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, requires significant grooming
Energy Level: Low
Life expectancy: 10–17 years
LaPerm
These intelligent, inquisitive kitties with curls are the descendants of a barn cat born hairless on an Oregon farm back in 1982. As it aged, it grew a thick, curly coat, and the cat's owner, delighted by this turn of events, began a breeding program. Today, the perfectly-named LaPerm, while typically fierce mousers (like their ancestors), "are friendly, gentle and enjoy being around people, making them adaptable to a variety of households," says Dr. O'Callaghan.
Height: 6–10 inches
Weight: 8–10 pounds
Coat: The distinctively curly coat can be long or shorthaired and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 10–15 years
Related: 15 Fluffy Cat Breeds
Moggie
Non-pedigreed cats may not have the lofty lineage of purebred felines, but they have a lot going for them—including coats available in black and white—and can be adopted at shelters across the country. "As mixed-breed cats, Moggies have a wide range of appearances but are often sturdy and healthy with varied coat patterns," confirms Dr. Vasudevan. "Their personalities vary, but they’re usually friendly and adaptable."
Height: 9–10 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Coat: Can be any length and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: Varies
Life expectancy: 20+ years
Related: Affectionate Cat Breeds that Make Great Pets
Munchkin
So named for their short, stubby legs—the result of a natural genetic mutation—Munchkins are absolutely adorable, but also somewhat controversial. Detractors say potential health problems, such as arthritis, are an issue with the breed, but they are beloved by many for their short stature and what Dr. O'Callaghan calls their "playful personalities." She adds, "Despite their unique stature, they’re incredibly agile and enjoy being active, often surprising owners with their playful antics." This breed is available pretty much with any coat color possible in a cat, including black and white.
Height: 5–7 inches
Weight: 6–9 pounds
Coat: Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Norwegian Forest Cat
While we don't advise letting your cat out of the house to roam (it's bad for both the bird population and your kitty), if ever there were a cat made for the great outdoors, it's the official cat of Norway. "With a rugged, thick double coat and a sturdy build, these cats have a calm but adventurous personality, suited to both indoor and outdoor life," says Dr. Vasudevan. Wegies get along well with other pets and small children, and you can typically find them perched high in your home, as they love climbing and jumping.
Height: 9–12 inches
Weight: 12–16 pounds
Coat: Thick, long double coat with a water-repellent overcoat, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: Medium
Life expectancy: 14–16 years
Oriental Shorthair
Distinctive and statuesque as a supermodel, the Oriental Shorthair is kin to the Siamese and about as chatty as that famously communicative breed. They also bond closely with their people and may become depressed if left alone for long periods. Notes Dr. O'Callaghan, "These sleek, elegant cats come in a wide variety of coat colors and have a unique look with their large ears and almond-shaped eyes. They’re typically quite curious, talkative and thrive in social settings where they can be part of the family activities."
Height: 9–11 inches
Weight: 8–10 pounds
Coat: Shorthaired coat (the Oriental Longhair is a separate breed) available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: High
Life expectancy: 1o–15 years
Siberian
Like the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon, Siberians can handle the frostiest winter weather with aplomb. That's thanks to not only their strong, muscular build but also their long, dense triple coat, which comes in black and white, as well as many other colors and patterns. Regarded as the national cat of Russia, the Sib's history can be traced back more than a thousand years. Both incredibly intelligent and so tuned into the moods of their humans that they can be trained as emotional support animals, they make great pets for kids.
Height: 9–11 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Coat: Longhaired, thick, triple coat available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Energy Level: Medium
Life expectancy: 1o–18 years
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