About the Bombay Cat Breed
With copper eyes and short black hair, the Bombay cat has the exotic appearance of a tiny black leopard. In fact, the breed derives its name from the Indian city of Bombay—now Mumbai—which is also considered the land of the black leopard. The Bombay is considered a rare breed; learn more about other rare cat breeds at furpetvo.com.
Bombay Physical Characteristics
Curiously, this well-built, medium-sized cat looks rather mundane as a kitten. The Bombay does not develop its lustrous, satin-like coat, stunning gold or copper eyes, and other exotic characteristics until after the fourth month.
Color(s)
- Black
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Coat
- Short and shiny
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Bombay Personality and Temperament
Activity Level
- Moderate
Positives
Bombay cats get along well with children and thrive on human companionship. They form strong bonds—not just with one family member, but with everyone in the household. Though deeply affectionate, they call for attention in a gentle, polite way—never demanding or disruptive. Intelligent and curious, they love interactive play and exploring their surroundings.
Things to Consider
Bombays enjoy being the center of attention and are naturally alert and inquisitive—traits that may lead them to investigate cupboards, countertops, or other off-limits areas when left unsupervised. To keep them mentally stimulated and out of mischief, provide puzzle toys, climbing trees, or rotating play sessions.
Bombay Care
Ideal Living Conditions
A generally calm and adaptable breed, the Bombay thrives in a wide range of environments—including homes with other pets and young children. That said, it tends to prefer being the “alpha” feline in the household and may struggle to accept resident cats who arrived before it.
Special Requirements
This chatty, expressive breed loves conversing with its people—and isn’t shy about asking for attention. Its short, sleek coat requires minimal grooming: just a weekly brushing is enough to maintain its signature shine.
Bombay Health
The Bombay is generally a healthy, robust breed—but like many brachycephalic (short-muzzled) cats, it can be prone to certain health concerns. These include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common form of heart disease in cats, and mild respiratory challenges due to its compact facial structure. Regular veterinary checkups and heart screenings are recommended.
Bombay History and Background
The Bombay was created in the late 1950s by American breeder Nikki Horner, who envisioned a cat resembling a miniature panther—glossy black coat, vivid copper or gold eyes, and the warm, affectionate nature of the Burmese.
Her early attempts crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs didn’t yield the desired results. Undeterred, Horner eventually succeeded by pairing a rich-eyed black American Shorthair male with a champion Burmese. The resulting kittens embodied her vision: elegant, jet-black, and full of personality.
Despite its striking appeal, the Bombay faced resistance from major cat associations. It was denied Championship status for years—until the Cat Fanciers’ Association registered it in 1976. After nearly two decades of advocacy, the breed finally earned full Championship eligibility on May 1, 1986.
Though still relatively rare, the Bombay has cultivated a devoted following—and continues to win hearts worldwide through its charm, intelligence, and unmistakable panther-like presence.
