Our black cats have always been wonderful. Even our veterinarian would comment on how relaxed and collected they were while on the exam table where most cats are unsure or not wanting to come out of their carrier. We had a black male cat that was (in my opinion) the most handsome cat we've ever owned. He wasn't drop dead gorgeous or flashy, but he was well put together with a thick, shiny coat and huge, inquisitive eyes and a heart of gold. Our current terror is a little tortie female. Sweet as pie but tough as nails, and has no sense of self preservation and (due to her poor conformation and poorly constructed frame, probably from bad nutrition as a baby) has injured herself playing several times in her short life. We've found a wonderful vet who has helped her with chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture, of all things. We took her in a few months ago unable to walk, and 48 hours later we had to lock her in a room because she was playing rough again!
We really have a hard time deciding to bring a new baby into the house whenever we have an old one around. A few have had the personalities in which a new, lively little sprout really woke them up and took years off their lives, and others have the opposite personality and consider young children of their own species to be pests. I have a lot of respect for anyone who is attuned to their elderly pets needs and does what needs to be done to ensure their golden years are happy, stress-free, and full of love as well as getting all the attention they deserve. Babies are fun, but the old ones are so special.