Green-eyed cats are one of the most common and frequently encountered. Green eye color (from gooseberry to emerald) can be said to be the calling card of cats, and many lovers of these graceful animals really like this nuance in appearance. The black cat with green eyes is a reference to Bulgakov’s Behemoth, who had a truly cosmic appearance.
Blue-black animals with bright green eyes look especially impressive. However, black cats are also not uncommon, since this color is dominant and often appears even in litters of outbred cats. However, a person who wants to have a green-eyed black kitten will have to wait quite a bit for a successful gene match in a cat couple without a specific breed. Therefore, below we present several cat breeds where the combination “black eyes - coal fur” is most common.
Black cat with green eyes
Green eyes in cats
The eye color of any cat is determined by its main color, while the green iris of the eyes is found in any coat color. Despite the fact that green eyes in cats are considered classic, at one time feline breeders were so keen on breeding animals with unusual shades of the iris that green-eyed cats and cats became a rarity.
Today there are many green-eyed cats, but animals with unique bright emerald or grass eyes need to be looked for. It is interesting that the intensity of the eye color is directly related to the color of the animal’s coat, which is why black cats often have bright, jewel-like irises. At the same time, it is the bright green eyes of cats that are most difficult for breeders who want to get kittens with emerald or even turquoise eyes from a pair.
Getting rich green eyes in cats is not easy.
How do you get green-eyed kittens?
The color and shade of a kitten's eyes depends on how much pigment and what color are located in the back and front of the eye. So, from the moment of birth, absolutely all kittens have blue eyes, and by three to six months they acquire the final shade of the iris. This is because the embryo has the largest amount of melanin, a pigment that is evenly distributed and reflects light so that the eye appears blue or blue.
As an animal ages, the pigmentation of its eyes changes and pigments are secreted in the front and back of the eye. If the front part is more pigmented, the cat will have yellow eyes. If there remains a sufficient amount of melanin in the back part, which gives a blue tint, then the well-known mixture of colors will work. That is, blue shining through yellow will give green. True, it is possible to see exactly the green tint, and not the yellow one, only with a certain degree of rarefaction of the latter.
Green eyes are the result of the superposition of two pigments
It turns out that to achieve a bright green eye color, the “back pigment” should be rich, deep, but not excessive, while the “front” pigment should be quite transparent, but not too much. If there is too much pigmented melanin in the back of the eye, the cat will have turquoise eyes, like sea water; if there is more pigment in the front, the eyes will be gooseberry, yellow-green.
If the middle layer of pigment has average saturation, the eyes will acquire a beige-green tint, melanin deep in the cornea will give malachite, light green or rich emerald color. It is this combination of pigments that gives cats such a variety of shades of the iris. And that is why at cat shows experts cannot accurately determine the name of the animal’s eye color, indicating in the descriptions such unusual shades as “pea green”, “withered grass”, “young pine needles”, “khaki” and the like.
Structure of a cat's eye
Black color in cats
The fur colors of representatives of modern domestic cats are as diverse as the shades of their eyes. A cat's blue-black coat is associated with the presence of eumelanin, a pigment controlled by the dominant B gene. This gene also includes dark colors (brown, chocolate, cinnamon), but in relation to pure black they are recessive.
In order for an animal to get a truly charcoal coat color, in addition to the B gene, a dominant D gene must be present. Both of these genes were found in the oldest representatives of the cat family, and black color is still considered the basic color and one of the oldest. Black cats are found in almost all breeds, and in almost all breeds this color is accepted as standard.
Against the background of a black fur coat, emerald eyes look very impressive
Genetics of black color
Many Internet pages are full of photographs of black cats. What gives these animals such a beautiful color? The pigment eumelanin, which is responsible for the formation of black color, is responsible for this. This pigment is present in the cat’s hair in the form of granules, and the shade of the cat’s color depends on what shape they are, how much they are contained and where they are located. For example, the rich black color of the coat is given by the B (Black) gene in a dominant state. In this case, the eumelanin granules have a slightly elongated shape at the poles and are placed very tightly. In other, recessive conditions, the gene contributes to the appearance of calmer shades. Thus, species b pulls out pigment granules and separates them over long distances, resulting in a chocolate color. And the bl form further expands and moves the granules away from each other, resulting in a cinnamon color.
In most cases, black cats give birth to black kittens.
Perfect black cats are rare. At least minimally lightened areas are still present on the body, but they are often very well hidden and not noticeable.
Black cats are not a separate class. This color can be found in any breed. But blue eyes among them are a very rare phenomenon. Here are some of the cases where black cats have been observed to have blue eyes:
Bombay
Kittens are usually born with blue eyes, but as they age the color changes to yellow.
Oriental
Black Orientals even have jet black noses and toes.
Canadian Sphynx
Canadian Sphynx cats have unusually short mustaches.
Cat breeds with green eyes and black fur
As we have already found out, green-eyed cats or blue-black cats are found in many breeds. But to find a kitten that simultaneously has pure black fur, without a single spot, and emerald eyes, you will have to work hard. Let's consider the breeds that a person who dreams of having such a spectacular pet should turn to.
Black kittens are immediately born with charcoal fur.
Maine Coon
The luxurious giants Maine Coons are one of the most striking representatives of the breeds within which green-eyed black cats are found. The blue-black coat of the Maine Coon is considered standard, and is often accompanied by a distinctive green gaze.
Perhaps, it was from a black, green-eyed Maine Coon cat that Bulgakov could “copy” his Behemoth. It is important that the gorgeous black coat of the Maine Coon does not have brown or gray inclusions - this is partly determined by genetics, partly by the keeping of the animal. All black cats can “burn out” in the sun, and then the fur in some places has a warm chocolate tint. By Maine Coon standard this is unacceptable.
Despite the impressive size of Maine Coons, they are very friendly and affectionate creatures. Because of their active nature, high intelligence and desire to follow a person everywhere, they are called cats and dogs. On the streets of large cities, Maine Coons walking on a leash with their owner are a common sight.
Green-eyed Maine Coon
British cat
Black British cats are not uncommon, but finding the green-eyed “black one” is difficult. The fact is that cats of the British breed, which have a pure black coat color, usually have yellow, hazel, copper or even orange eyes.
The solid (solid) Britons themselves are difficult to breed, since both the center coat and the undercoat must have absolutely identical shades. That is, a completely black cat should have a completely black undercoat peeking out from under the awn, without a single gray or white hair. Due to the fact that black Britons are prone to coloring their fur brown or gray, blue-black individuals are rare. And if instead of yellow, classic eyes, a kitten has green ones, it turns into an exclusive one.
Cats of the British breed, despite their plush appearance, are discreet and independent animals. Many owners are concerned about the character of their pets, as well as independence and aristocracy. At the same time, a Briton who grew up with a loving owner will never refuse affection and communication.
Important green-eyed Briton
Oriental cat
The green-eyed black oriental is a miniature graceful panther that gladly accepts human affection and attention. In Oriental cats, black coat color is standard and very common; combinations with green eyes of different shades are also common.
Orientals have large almond-shaped eyes, so all the beauty of the green color is fully revealed in them. The black coat color of Orientals is called “ebony” (tracing on black ebony wood), and implies that the animal will be coal black from the nose to the pads on the paws.
Orientals are cats with amazing intelligence, and another feature they have is a very loud and expressive voice. These animals prefer to “comment” on all their actions, purr loudly and, in principle, belong to the “talkative” breeds. The Oriental needs an attentive and sensitive owner who gives them a dose of communication, affection and games every day.
Graceful black oriental cat
Bombay cat
This breed was bred in the USA in the 50s - feline breeders sought to obtain coal-black cats that looked like panthers. Accordingly, black color for the Bombay breed is considered the main and classic color, like the green color of the iris. Newborn kittens of this breed sometimes have a light spot in the chest area, which disappears over time. Individuals that acquire a sable color (black and chocolate) with age are considered defective according to the standard.
Bombay cat
Bombay cats are often called “the shadow of their owners” because representatives of this breed are extremely sociable, very attached to people and cannot stand loneliness. Despite their brutal appearance, these are sensitive and affectionate cats, most of all preferring to be on the lap of their beloved owner or play outdoor games with him.
How to care for Bombay cats and what to feed them? How much does a kitten of this breed cost and where can it be purchased? Read in the special article.
Video – Bombay cat
Devon Rex
Funny miniature curly cats called Devon Rexes are another representatives of black, green-eyed pets. However, cats of this breed do not have a deep charcoal shade. The standard states that colors close to black are silver-black, black on an ash background or black-blue.
However, the wavy structure of the coat without undercoat hardly makes it possible to understand that the animal is not completely black. Most lovers of these elven creatures will agree that they can be classified as black cats.
Devon Rexes are called eternal kittens for their insatiable curiosity and desire to be in the center of attention and with their family. These are absolutely tame cats, not ready to live a day without human affection and attention. At the same time, Devon Rexes are smart, fearless and very loyal, so they are ready to go with their owner on any journey.
Devon Rex black ash color
American Bobtail
The funny tailless bobtails are also among the breeds where black coat color is standard. However, many representatives of the breed have white spots on the throat, chest or face. This is not considered a marriage, but it does not suit the person who desires a black kitten. Fortunately, you can also find a completely black bobtail with green eyes.
It is important to understand that there are three recognized black colors in the breed: charcoal, black-ash and black-chocolate. When a kitten is small, it is not easy to determine the final shade of the coat, so you need to either trust the breeder or purchase a raised animal.
American Bobtails are considered family cats, since their character is not love and affection for one family member, but affection for all household members. This cat will happily accept both quiet time and active fun.
Charcoal American Bobtail
Japanese Bobtail
Japanese bobtails are also distinguished by their short tail, but they differ from their American relatives in their graceful shape and miniature size. Also, unlike tailless cats from the United States, Japanese cats are rarely blue-black, a pure color. Among Japanese Bobtails, spotted colors are more common.
But, if you try really hard, you can buy a solid black kitten. Like all representatives of this breed, he must have a short tail, curled in the shape of a chrysanthemum.
Japanese Bobtails are often compared to small dogs. This is due to their devotion to the owner, the desire to always be close to him. The Japanese Bobtail needs a person who fully understands that loneliness is contraindicated for his pet, and who is ready to devote every free minute to the cat.
Black Bobtail from Japan
Turkish Angora
Black Angora cats are a paradox, since the breed was originally bred exclusively with a standard snow-white color. But the spectacular cats with a fluffy tail resembling a peacock feather attracted the interest of both breeders and hobbyists, and individuals of a different color appeared.
Black color is one of the acceptable colors for Angoras, along with white and blue. Charcoal cats should have a uniform black color of fur and undercoat; the nose, paw pads and even the skin also remain black.
Turkish Angoras are cats with a gentle, easy-going character, but at the same time very active and inquisitive. Not a single family business will take place without the participation of this beautiful cat, and isolation from family members or loneliness will be destructive for the Angora. At the same time, Angora cats are more suitable for lonely people, since they give their heart to one person and show more favor to him than to others.
Unusual black angora
Curl
Unusual and rare cats in Russia, distinguished by ears that are hard to the touch and seem to be turned inside out. This breed was bred in California, but until now they have not been able to achieve 100% “unique” ears - kittens are born with ordinary ears, and the characteristic curl appears later, but in about a third of the entire litter.
The color standard for Curls specifies black, but not charcoal, but rather warm. It is usually dark brown or “bitter chocolate.” At the same time, the dense, shiny fur of Curls is practically indistinguishable from blue-black, and only a connoisseur of the breed can determine that the cat is actually black and chocolate.
The Curl is one of the few cat breeds that adore children. For a child, such a pet will become both a friend for active games and a cozy warmer before bed. At the same time, Curls are intellectuals who never impose their attention on family members. It is important that these cats rarely meow, preferring to express their emotions by purring.
Funny Canadian Curl
Norwegian Forest Cat
An extremely impressive breed that captivates lovers of massive cats. These luxurious animals are among the oldest cats in Europe, formed thanks to the aboriginal blood of wild ancestors. The Norwegian cat has very thick, long fur, and the prefix “forest” is a tribute to the bones on the animal’s ears. Therefore, Norwegians are considered relatives of Maine Coons.
The colors of Norwegian cats are varied, they include a monochromatic black shade, and variations of black and gray and black and brown. There are also dark coffee cats with such a rich color that the brown tint is only visible in the sun. Green eye color for the Norwegian Forest is considered classic.
Giant Norwegians are gentle and soft-tempered cats that combine neatness and tolerance towards everyone. The Norwegian Forest dog gets along well with children and other animals, but will become a faithful friend to a lonely person.
Forest, but domestic cat
Siberian cat
The Black Siberian cat is another magnificent and long-haired representative of the black color. This is the first breed bred and registered in Russia, and the first Siberian cats were motley, paticoloured. Over the years of selection, many shades have emerged that are recognized as the standard, but blue-black has not taken root in the arsenal of Russian breeders.
The darkest colors of Siberian cats are darkened (or veiled) chinchilla, black brindle, merle and black smoke. But, sometimes in nurseries almost charcoal kittens are born, which are considered rare. As a rule, black or almost black Siberian cats always have green eyes of varying degrees of saturation.
Respectable Siberians are the embodiment of dignity and mischief. They say about these cats “they walk on their own, but come when the owner calls them.” Simply put, the Siberian cat is always happy to communicate with the owner, loves to play and lie on the lap, but if she is not called, she will always find something to do with herself.
Black Siberian cat from Moscow cattery
Ragdoll
Phlegmatic and lazy cats, the name of the breed translates as “rag doll”. These animals are extremely popular abroad because of their docile, completely non-cat character. At the same time, ragdolls are large cats, reaching a weight of eight to nine kilograms.
Another feature of ragdolls is their delicate fur, the structure of which resembles that of a rabbit, which looks very impressive because of its silkiness. Note that the breed standard does not include black (and, in principle, a single color). However, there are ragdolls that are dark coffee or black chocolate in color, which look almost charcoal.
Dark ragdoll
Ragamuffin
These animals are the result of crossing ragdolls and outbred cats. At first glance, such matings seem useless, but this is how feline breeders introduced a greater variety of colors to the breed, as well as strong immunity. It is precisely because of the admixture of the blood of yard cats that ragamuffins got their name, which literally translates as “ragamuffins.”
Actually, outbred cats gave ragamuffins a black color, which does not exist in ragdolls. Green eye color is also common in this breed, and the breed standard states: “the richer the color of the iris, the better.” Ragamuffins, having acquired new colors, retained the docile character of Redgolls, which even lively street cats could not spoil. Therefore, representatives of this wonderful breed have outgrown the popularity of their ancestors.
Ragamuffin "black ash"
Cornish Rex
These graceful and affectionate cats have two standard black colors: “coal black” and “black smoke”. In the first case, the animal is completely black, including the skin, nose and paw pads. In the second type of color, animals are allowed light skin. Cornish Rex dogs do not have undercoat, so the smoky effect is achieved due to their light skin tone.
Despite their aristocratic and sophisticated appearance, the green-eyed black Cornish are real mischief-makers. These are restless cats, dependent on human attention and company. The Cornish Rex is not suitable for those people who prefer solitude, because the breed is one of the most social, sociable and friendly.
Cornish Rex, black smoke color
Persian cat
Persians, like the British, are a breed with a common black color. But finding a black green-eyed kitten is considered a problem, since the standard and classic eye color for this color is copper or orange. You cannot find a rich emerald iris among Persians, the maximum is a shade of khaki or gooseberry.
The black color extends to both long-haired and smooth-haired Persian cats. What is typical is that the shorter the fur, the more saturated the orange color of the cat’s eyes becomes. This is due to the fact that a shorter coat better transmits light, which reflects the pigment of the eyes.
Persian cats are meek and gentle creatures, and their stern look “from under the eyebrows” only seems so. This breed gets along well with people, preferring to spend evenings on the owner’s lap or on a soft sofa with the family.
Persian kitten with gray-green eyes
La Perm
Another breed of unusual curly cats, whose fur curls into spirals from the very base. La Permas give the impression of being wet, but are extremely pleasant to the touch: their coat is soft and silky. Actually, the name of the breed comes from the English-French mixture of the phrase “permanent wave”.
There are no color restrictions in the La Perm standard; animals can be of any shade, from pure white to jet black. True, pure black cats are rare, since the majority of colors have various spots. La Permas are often born with straight hair, which begins to curl when kittens are three to four months old.
The character of La Perms is sociable and friendly. This breed has noticed an interest in the owner's face; during communication, La Permas tend to touch the owner with their paws, climb on the shoulders or even on the head.
Black la-perm
Manx
Tailless cats are native to Great Britain and closely resemble the classic British breed. Actually, due to the external similarity, many believe that this is a mutation of the British shorthair cat. Although, a number of felinologists believe that this is an ancient independent breed. There was even a myth invented to explain the absence of a tail in the Manex - when this cat was the last one to run onto Noah’s Ark, the doors closed and the tail remained outside.
Moreover, if we talk about the similarity of Manxes with the British, then the colors of these breeds will also be similar - black is also acceptable for Manxes. Often there are cats that are completely black, of a single color, with green eyes.
Black Manx
Scottish fold and Scottish straight
Scottish Folds or Scottish Fold cats are an unusual breed with a gene mutation that makes their ears small and curved down and forward. Sometimes kittens are born with straight ears, which do not curl as they grow older; this type is called Scottish Straight.
Both variations of the breed can have black or almost black coat color, while green eyes are close to yellow shades, so representatives of the breed have more gooseberry eyes or a shade of dry foliage.
Scottish Fold
Sphinxes
Not all Canadian and Don Sphynxes are hairless - there are representatives of the breed that have light short fluff (velor or brush). Therefore, Sphynxes can easily be classified as cats that can have a black color. Sphynxes have both charcoal-colored fur and skin. There are also combinations when the kitten has black fur on its face, paws and tail, while its skin is dark, including its paw pads and nose.
Black Sphynxes are not considered a rarity, the color is included in the standard, and litters with charcoal kittens are periodically born in almost every nursery. Sphynxes of this color are affectionately called embers by their owners, because, as you know, hairless breeds of cats are very warm to the touch, almost hot.
Black Sphynx with tortoiseshell mother cat
Burmilla
An elegant Asian cat, the main difference in its color is a certain veil. Even on a plain coat, for example, a black shade, you can see ticked hairs. This means that each hair has several colors: lighter at the base, darker at the end.
If you don’t look closely, black Burmillas seem completely monochromatic, but as soon as the cat lies down in the sun, an unusual color appears. This is the heritage of British chinchilla-colored cats. At the same time, the Burmilla has two black colors - the warmer one is called “black British”, and the cold, charcoal one is called “Bombay”, in honor of the blue-black cat breed of the same name.
Burmilla black Bombay color
Mandalay
A young and very rare breed with Burmese roots. Cats of the Mandalay breed are exclusively dark in color, more precisely, black and dark coffee. A distinctive feature of the breed is its rich olive-colored eyes, which range from completely yellow to light green.
Mandalays were the result of crossing purebred cats with street cats, so the animals are distinguished by strong immunity and a good nervous system. The Mandalay cat is a sociable, active and patient pet that can get along with everyone in the household, including small children.
Mandalays have dark fur that is very pleasant to the touch.
Munchkin
Short-legged funny munchkins are also among the breeds with an acceptable black color and green eyes. These dwarf cats are distinguished by a wide variety of coat shades: from solid colors (charcoal, snow-white) to spotted (bicolors and paticolors). The black munchkin has a black undercoat, nose and paw pads.
Green-eyed Munchkin kittens are not considered rare, although on a black background there are often eyes of yellow and orange shades, but all variations of green are also found.
Semi-longhaired munchkin
Rules for caring for black fur
Black fur can fade in the sun, so if you want to maintain the jet black color of your cat's fur, you need to control the amount of time he is exposed to direct sunlight.
Black wool partly requires a special approach. So, you should not let your cat walk for a long time under the scorching sun, as the fur may fade and red spots will appear on the fur coat.
A cat's fur is an indicator of its health. If the fur coat begins to fade and fall out a lot, you should reconsider your pet’s diet and show it to the veterinarian.
Otherwise, the rules of nutrition and care are generally similar for all types of cats, but you need to follow the care features of each breed. For example, Manx cats have a thick undercoat, and therefore need to be combed thoroughly, but bathed no more than twice a year, using special shampoos and conditioners to enhance shine. Maine Coons need to be brushed at least once a week, while Persians and Siberians with long hair require special care. They need to be combed daily in three stages: first with a wide-toothed comb, then with a slicker brush, and finally with a fine-toothed comb. You can bathe them four times a year, after which you treat the wool with a special product to make combing easier.
Summarizing
Black cats have always attracted the attention of people; they were surrounded by an aura of mystery and even witchcraft. Superstitious people still believe that a black cat crossing the road brings bad luck. It has long been proven that this sign has no basis, so lovers of coal pets, free from prejudice, dote on them.
Despite the fact that such cats “get in the way” of their owners every day, this only brings them happiness
Bright green eyes are a real decoration of a black cat, because there are no other shades in its color. This spectacular combination is present in many breeds, and a person who wants to buy a black green-eyed kitten can be guided by his preferences in the pet’s character.
