This whole-coloured variety must be of a raven blackness, though many have a distinct rusty tinge, especially noticeable in direct sunlight.

If black cats are exposed to the heat of the sun, they soon get a rusty colour.

When judging these cats, never do so by artificial light. The presence of white hairs constitutes a disqualifying feature, especially upon the feet or about the face - being least objectionable when upon the chest. Unscrupulous exhibitors sometimes resort to dying in order to overcome this fault.

The individual hair should be fine, and the whole coat be possessed of a brilliant lustre.

Eyes an intense orange - a light eye being a common fault.

The durability of the black and its special suitability for the town has made it exceedingly popular, and the enormous number of black cats attests public opinion in this respect, but of course there are good, bad, and indifferent specimens - the two last-named being the commonest.