Cats with green eyes: list of breeds with descriptions

Emerald iris color is rare

Initially, the most common eye color for cats with any coat was green. But subsequently, breeders became somewhat carried away by breeding new breeds with unusual eye colors: blue, bright orange, etc. Therefore, today, unfortunately, cats with green irises have become a relatively rare occurrence.

There are quite a lot of furry animals with tea-colored, marsh or, for example, khaki-colored eyes. But cats with emerald green or bright grass irises are very difficult to see today.

But still, if you try, you can find a cat with such eyes even today. Even an outdoor cat can have a bright emerald iris. Of course, this eye color is allowed by the standards of many breeds.

Abyssinian breed and Somalia

These ticked cats also have green or yellow eyes. The main thing, as the standard says, is that their color is intense, without intermediate shades. We wrote more about the characteristics of Abyssinian cats here.

Somalis are long-haired relatives of the Abyssinian cat, so their eye color options are the same as those of the Abyssinian cat.

Black wool: features

This fur color initially is also not uncommon for cats. The coat of a purebred cat may appear black if its color is defined as:

• jet black;
• dark chocolate;
• silver-black;
• black and blue, etc.

Fur of this color, as well as emerald eyes, are acceptable by the standards of many modern breeds. Of course, you can also have an outdoor kitten at home with this combination of fur and eye color. But you can, of course, only find such a pet with a certain amount of luck. Genes in street cats manifest themselves extremely unpredictably. Therefore, for those pet lovers who want to have a black cat with green eyes, it is better to visit the websites of nurseries that specialize in breeding those breeds whose standards allow such a combination.

What determines the color of a cat's eyes?

All kittens are born with blue eyes, and only after a few weeks the color of the iris begins to change.
What is this connected with? The iris consists of two layers - mesodermal and ectodermal. In the anterior part there are chromatophore cells that contain the pigment melanin, which is responsible for eye color. The lower the amount of melanin in the iris, the lighter the eye color. There is almost no pigment in blue irises, a little more in green eyes, and cats with golden eyes have the most coloring pigment.

The color of the iris is inherited. Just like coat color, it is associated with a combination of different genes. Inheritance occurs according to a complex pattern, so even experienced breeders cannot accurately predict the color of the eyes of future kittens. Looking at his parents, it is possible to predict the color of the iris in 50–60% of cases.

Heterochromia in the Angora cat

Heterochromia is an unusual phenomenon that occurs not only in cats, but also in humans. In this case, the color of the left and right eyes is different - one of them is blue, and the other may be green or golden. This feature is due to heredity.

Maine Coons

These cats have come into fashion in Russia relatively recently. At the moment, Maine Coons are extremely popular in our country. The main features of this breed are its truly gigantic size (weight up to 13 kg), the presence of a large “hooligan” box (the place where the mustache grows) and fluffy, rather long fur.

Cats are really big and often even look scary. However, the temperament of representatives of this breed is actually very soft and flexible. Despite their somewhat “street” appearance, the animals are exclusively indoor animals. Maine Coons have retained their hunting instinct. That is, they can catch mice and birds, for example, with the same zeal as other cats.

However, Maine Coons, unfortunately, cannot stand up for themselves on the street at all. Representatives of this breed have great love for all living creatures, including neighbor cats or even dogs. Such an animal can approach a pack of wild dogs completely without fear, which, of course, will end badly for him.

Blue-black wool for Maine Coons is considered one of the standards. Often such cats also have emerald irises. A photo of a black Maine Coon cat with green eyes can be seen below.

Features of black color

It is generally accepted that the black cat has Phoenician roots. Due to their color, they were considered temple animals and were even considered a talisman.

Such cats were completely invisible in the dark. They were known as good hunters and multiplied quickly. Soon the population of animals with this color grew greatly, and people began to expel them from populated areas. Flocks of coal cats with glowing yellow eyes terrified people, so black fur began to be associated with evil forces. There were fewer and fewer black fluffy animals, and black and white animals began to appear.

However, there is no need to be afraid of nigella. Dark coat color, on the contrary, absorbs negative energy. An energy vampire will never appear in a home where purebred or “yard” black cats live.

Such a cat can determine the owner’s mood as a barometer. His flexible character will bring harmony to the house. Purebred and ordinary black fluffies have a developed physical body. They can not only hunt mice and rats, but also stand up for their owner, protecting them from all sorts of dangers.

As many doctors say, black tails can protect against heart attack. Simply stroking your pet every day is enough to normalize blood pressure and get rid of stress. The black kitten always finds a common language with small children. Playful animals tirelessly chase a piece of paper on a string and jump with the children.

Cats with black fur have green or yellow eyes with varying shades. Any eye shade with this coat color always looks more expressive. However, with age, the intensity of the shade decreases.

Orientals

This is another breed that is definitely worth considering for those who want to have a black, green-eyed pet. A feature of Orientals is, first of all, a very unusual “lynx” appearance. Their muzzle and ears form an inverted triangle. These cats have shiny fur and look very elegant and graceful.

One of the characteristic colors for this breed is ebonite, that is, coal-black. Orientals with such fur usually do not have a single light spot on their body. Even the nose and paw pads of these cats are black.

The character of Orientals is quite flexible. These cats adore their owners and constantly demand attention from them. One of the characteristics of this breed is its loud voice, which Orientals love to use with or without reason.

Green eyes in Orientals, including blacks, are quite common. Moreover, the iris of such cats can have a variety of shades - from swamp to bright grassy. The eyes of animals of this breed are large, almond-shaped. That’s why orientals with a green iris look incredibly impressive. A photo of a black cat of this breed is presented below.

Which cat breeds have specific eye colors?

The color of the iris, like the color of the coat, certain characteristics of the breed (fur length, weight, body shape, etc.) are inherited. Different breeds have their own characteristics, including the shade of the iris. Certain colors are included in the list of characteristics approved by international standards, and if a kitten is born with an atypical eye color, it may be disqualified. What representatives of the cat family look like with different eye shades can be seen in the photo below.

Yellow eyed cats

Burmese Shorthair
One of the most common iris colors is yellow. What breeds are characterized by yellowish, orange, golden eyes?

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Oriental

Black cats with green eyes look most impressive. Since ancient times, it was believed that such pets were indispensable companions of witches and magicians, and especially powerful sorcerers even knew how to turn into black cats. Some people still believe in omens and try to turn in the other direction if a black cat crosses the road.

Maine Coon

Amber eyes

British shorthair cat

• Bombay;
• Scottish lop-eared;
• British Shorthair;
• oriental;
• ragamuffin;
• Burmilla;
• Abyssinian

Persian cat

Cats with sky blue, sapphire, and cornflower blue eyes are a real rarity. They look very aristocratic, especially in combination with white fur. The gene responsible for this shade is considered recessive, so it is rare. Which breeds are lucky to inherit blue eyes?

Siamese cat

Ragdoll

This cat is just perfect for those pet lovers who want to have a calm and affectionate pet. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their phlegmatic and lazy character. Even the name “ragdoll” itself translates literally as “rag doll.”

The weight of a cat of this breed can reach up to 9 kg. That is, these animals are very large. Ragdolls have a fur structure that is unlike any other cat. Since representatives of this breed have very thin hairs on their bodies, their fur is more reminiscent of a rabbit's.

Actually, black is not included in the standard of this breed. However, ragdolls with dark coffee or black-chocolate coat are allowed for exhibitions. These cats look almost jet black. Pets with green eyes of the Redgall breed are also quite common.

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

American Bobtail

A distinctive feature of this cat is its bob tail. Representatives of this breed look very funny. Breeders often sell black American Bobtails with white spots on the face or chest. According to breed standards, this is not considered a marriage. Black and white cats with green eyes also look quite impressive. This combination is liked by many pet lovers. But if you wish, it will be quite easy to find and purchase a completely black green-eyed bobtail.

The standards for this breed recognize 3 shades of black:

• dark chocolate;
• carbonic;
• black and ash.

These cats are considered a family breed. They treat all people living in the house equally with love. Bobtails do not require too much attention from their owners, but they will also take part in active games with pleasure.

What can the color of a cat's eyes mean?

If the iris is green, yellow, or brown, then the tapetum contains a special luminescent pigment that reflects dim light in the dark. There is little of this pigment in the blue iris, which is why in the dark such eyes look red and do not glow like small lanterns. The blue-eyed cat is not so active at night, she can bump into objects, so she prefers to sleep at night.

There are signs that connect eye color with the character of a cat. For example, blue-eyed ones are considered calmer than yellow-eyed ones, while green-eyed ones are distinguished by their wayward and independent character. However, there is no direct connection between a cat’s behavior and the color of the iris. Character depends more on the breed, because for many generations breeders have selected exactly those representatives who met their requirements not only in appearance, but also in behavior.

Devon Rex

All the breeds described above are quite large in size. Those pet lovers who want to have a small black cat with green eyes should pay attention to the Devon Rex. Tiny representatives of this breed look really cute and cute.

The Devon Rex's coat is not too long and wavy. There are no pure black shades in the standards of this breed. However, if you wish, you can purchase a Devon Rex in silver-black, ash-black or black-blue. Green eyes are very common in cats of this breed.

Due to their cheerful, playful disposition, Devon Rex cats are often called eternal kittens. Animals are active and insatiably curious. Such a cat will have to pay quite a lot of attention. Among the advantages of this breed, many pet lovers also include high intelligence and fearlessness.