breed of shorthaired cat known for its lustrous, jet-black, very shiny coat, often compared to patent leather; named for its resemblance to the Indian black leopard; muscular body seems to always be in a half-crouch, giving appearance of great agility; ears are medium-sized with gently rounded tips; tail is elegantly long and slender; eyes are round and coppery; impish demeanor; purrs constantly and loves to be petted; can spend its entire life indoors without ever going outdoors; average litter of 4 kittens, which darken with age and need to be fed frequently; created in 1950s in U.S. by breeding a Burmese with a black American shorthair.