In "The Black Cat," the eponymous feline is a large and striking black cat with a single white spot on its chest, which serves as a significant plot point in the story. The cat initially appears as a beloved and cherished pet of the narrator, but as the tale unfolds, it becomes a symbol of the narrator's descent into madness and cruelty. Its black fur and white spot become emblematic of the duality of human nature and the story's themes of guilt and the supernatural. Poe's portrayal of the black cat is masterfully eerie, as it becomes an unsettling and malevolent presence in the narrative.