Bi-color kitties that have black and white markings are often referred to as being Tuxedo or Piebald cats.
Some people wrongly assume that Tuxedo cats are a specific breed. It's actually just a reference to any cat that has the distinctive coat markings that give them the appearance of wearing a formal dinner suit. As well as the mixed-breed domestic cat, which is commonly referred to as a Moggie, there are plenty of purebred felines that can have black and white markings.
Here are a few popular black and white cat breeds. Don't forget that these breeds can come in other coat colors, and Tuxedo markings aren't only limited to black and white.
Maine Coon
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The Maine Coon may be one of the largest cat breeds around, but they're also known for being incredibly gentle. This, combined with their distinctive good looks and lustrous coat, has helped them to become one of the most popular breeds across the world.
Commonly Maine Coons are tabby, but they come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, including black and white. These cats usually rub along well with all family members, including respectful kids and dogs, and they're loyal and affectionate without being too needy.
Maine Coons are known for being expert mousers, so they might not be suited to a home with additional small furries.
Breed Overview
Weight: 9 to 18 pounds
Length: 36 to 40 inches
Physical Characteristics: Medium-to-large, broad-chested cat with pointed ears and a long, dense coat that's shorter on the shoulders and stomach; coats can come in more than 75 color variations, but their eyes are usually green, gold, or copper
Cornish Rex
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A black and white Cornish Rex is striking to behold. With their famous tight, curly rows of fur, their wide-set large ears, and their svelte physique, they're sometimes referred to as the Greyhound of the cat kingdom.
Energetic and sociable, this breed thrives in company. The Cornish Rex is smart too. They can often be taught an array of impressive tricks, and some even enjoy providing support as Therapy Animals.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Tight, curly short hair with a triangular head, high cheekbones and over-sized, wide-set ears
Manx Cat
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Like the Cornish Rex, the Manx is often referred to as being rather dog-like. They're usually playful, companionable, even-tempered and energetic. Manx Cats are also smart and highly trainable.
This breed is usually tailless, but sometimes they do have a short stump. They come in a wide variety of coat colors, including black and white.
If you're considering a Manx, it's worth being aware that even the short-coated variety can shed a lot and, with their rounded, shorter back, they can be more prone to spinal problems. These cats are also famed for their skills as mousers.
Breed Overview
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Length: About 14 to 16 inches
Physical Characteristics: Short-and long-haired varieties all with no tail. They come in white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, and brown
Munchkin
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This breed gets its name from their shorter than average legs, which occur as a result of a naturally occurring 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.
There are still strong debates surrounding the ethics of promoting a breed with this type of abnormal mutation and the potential correlation between specific health problems and this type of body shape.
Breed Overview
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Length: About a foot and a half long, but their legs are around 3 inches shorter than your average cat
Physical Characteristics: Shorthaired with a medium-length plush coat or longhaired with a semi-long silky coat; coats come in any color combination or pattern
Oriental Shorthair
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Often confused with their relative, the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair is a popular breed in its own right. Unlike Siamese, these cats have green eyes, and they come in many patterns and colors, including black and white.
Just like Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair tends to be inquisitive, chatty and even-tempered. Although no cat is truly hypoallergenic, this breed is known to produce less Fel D1 protein which can trigger allergies.
Their short, single coats mean these cats can feel the cold, and they'll prefer living in a cosy and draught-free home. A longer-haired variety of the Oriental has been classified as a separate breed.
Breed Overview
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Length: About a foot and a half long
Physical Characteristics: They have a wedged shaped head and a fine, tapered muzzle; coat is short and smooth and comes in many color possibilities
Persian
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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 and vivid eyes, and smushed faces. They're popularity also stems from their laid back, low-energy and snuggly personalities.
Persians aren't low-maintenance, however. Their lengthy, lustrous coat requires daily grooming. It can become easily matted and uncomfortable if this is neglected.
The breed isn't known for being one of the smartest or most trainable cats either.
Breed Overview
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Sturdy, medium-sized built with a "smushed" face, and round, vivid eyes; long, silky coats that come in solid, bi-color, tabby, calico, and other color variations and patterns
Scottish Fold
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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, however. Known for being laid back and friendly, Scottish Folds usually live well alongside other pets and respectful kids.
This breed is at greater risk of developing a degenerative joint disease which can impact on cartilage and bone development, and their dense coat needs regular grooming to prevent problems with furballs.
Black and white is just one of many color combinations the breed comes in.
Breed Overview
Weight: 5 to 11 pounds
Length: 10 to 30 inches
Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized cat with a round head, and folded, flat ears; coats can come in many colors and patterns, but commonly calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby
Siberian Cat
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Siberian Cats have a very dense, semi-long-haired, triple coat. They needed this to survive back in the freezing, forested subarctic Siberian regions of Russia they originate from.
These days, the breed is growing in popularity in the US., thanks to it's affectionate, playful personality and striking good looks. Siberians are active and intelligent and need plenty of enrichment to prevent them from becoming bored. Also, they're coat, while not prone to matting, does shed profusely during their bi-annual blowout.
Although brown tabby is the most common pattern the Siberian is found in, they come in a wide range of color and patterns, including black and white.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized, semi-longhaired, strong and agile cat; their coat varies from coarse to soft; moderately long to longhaired triple coat with a full collar ruff; they come in a wide variety of colors
Turkish Angora
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The elegant, long-haired Turkish Angora, was once associated with only being white. While they're most commonly still found in this color, they also 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 they can become mischievous if they're bored.
Turkish Angoras, unlike most cats, also often love to swim and play in water.
Breed Overview
Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Length: Between 12 and 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Delicate, graceful cats with long, silky coats; can come in a variety of colors and patterns, like white with lavender, chocolate, or Himalayan markings, tabby or calico; eyes are typically blue, emerald, gold, copper, or two different colors
Moggies
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Moggies, more formally referred to as Domestic Short or Long-haired cats, are mixed-breeds that don't have any formal pedigree. If you're looking to adopt a cat, this is the type you'll most commonly find looking for a forever home in rescue shelters across the country.
While they might not have any formal papers, it doesn't stop Moggies from generally being beautiful, intelligent and affectionate cats that can have wonderful temperaments and minimal health issues.
They also come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, including black and white.
Black and white markings can be found on many different cat breeds.
When considering a black and white cat, be sure to take into account what kind of temperament and physical characteristics the breed tends to have. You'll want to be sure you can offer a good fit in terms of home and lifestyle.
And don't forget there are lots of wonderful mixed-breed black and white Moggies waiting to be adopted too.