Equal parts curious and affectionate, the Bombay cat has amassed a worldwide feline following - and it’s easy to see why!
Bombay cats are the lovechild of the American Shorthair and the Burmese cat - and were originally bred to resemble a mini black panther (and who wouldn’t want one of those strutting around their bedroom?). And you only need to take one look at the Bombay cat to see they definitely understood the assignment!
There’s so much to know when it comes to these adorable, pint-sized panthers. So, settle in and get ready: here’s (more or less) everything you need to know about these adorable Bombay beauts…
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Bombay cat breed guide
The Bombay cat breed was developed by breeding a Burmese and black American Shorthair cat. They’re an active, playful and downright delightful feline that is famous for its lush, deep black fur and striking copper eyes. Originally bred to look like adorable mini black panthers, they are notoriously affectionate cats and loving feline companions.
Let’s delve into the nitty gritty of all things kitty and explore some of the main Bombay cat characteristics…
Appearance
The fluffy Bombay cat is a medium sized kitty with a solid, muscular body type. They have medium length tails and a rounded head with (adorable) wide-set ears.
One of the main characteristics of Bombay cats, however, is their lush black coat. Bombay cats are always black in colour - even their noses and adorable little toe beans (our favourite body part, period) are black.
This, combined with their bright eyes that can range from gold to copper, is one of the most iconic features of the breed. It’s what earned these adorable kitties the fun title of “the patent leather kid with the new penny eyes”.
Another tell-tale sign of a Bombay? Their walk. That's right - those black leopard roots run deep! And this black domestic little kitty has a certain sway to their walk that's now synonymous with the breed.
Temperament
Cats: They’re so independent, a little aloof... and will only come to you on their terms, right? Think again. The Bombay cat personality draws heavily on their Burmese roots. They are incredibly loving, affectionate and intelligent felines, and they're big people-loving pets.
They’re even pretty good around strangers and new people, too. Good news if you’re scouting out local cat sitters - as your Bombay is likely to welcome them with open paws!
The Bombay loves nothing more than cuddling up with their humans or cosying down somewhere nice and warm. They’re incredibly intelligent, too - it’s not unheard of for a Bombay to learn tricks, or even walk on a lead!
Bombays are very playful, and while they’ll calm down a little as they age, that playful streak never really leaves them. So, if spending hours pointing a laser at one wall or another sounds like your idea of heaven, you'll be in good company with a Bombay baby!
History
If you hadn't already guessed, these fancy black cats don't get their name because they originate from India. In fact, we have one woman to thank for the Bombay kitty: Nikki Horner, an American breeder hailing from Louisville, Kentucky.
Nikki first began her selective breeding mission in the 1950s, in a quest to create a domestic kitty that resembled a black Indian panther (hence where they get their name from).
She started by breeding a black American Shorthair (who possessed those striking copper eyes) with a sable American Burmese. After some trial and error, she created the kitty that we know and love today.
The Bombay was officially recognised by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1970, and a few years later by the International Cat Association in 1979. Today, you can find American Bombays (a cross between the Burmese and Black American Shorthairs), and British Bombays (a cross between Burmese and the Black British Shorthair).
Grooming
More good news - the Bombay black cat is super low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short fur means nothing more than a weekly brush is needed to keep them looking in tip-top condition.
They're also less prone to shedding, too (which we're sure will be welcome news to all those white-trouser loving pet parents out there).
Health
Bombays are, in general, pretty healthy felines and have a life expectancy of around 9-13 years. That said, (sadly) no pet is without the potential for health concerns. Here are some of the main issues to be aware of when it comes to these fluffy little pals:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle, usually caused by abnormal genes)
- Craniofacial Defect (a malformation of the skull and face, a result of the Bombay’s Burmese background)
- Breathing difficulties
Another thing to keep your eyes on? Your kitty’s waistline. Obesity is common with the Bombay breed, so it’s important to monitor their food intake to ensure they’re not piling on the pounds.
Related article: What can't cats eat?
Looking after a Bombay
So, you’re the proud kitty parent of a Bombay, or perhaps you have the pleasure of pet sitting for one… what do you need to know about looking after a Bombay baby?
Here are some quick-fire care tips to keep in mind when it comes to these little cuties:
- Schedule in lots of playtime to keep your young-at-heart kitty happy and content
- Provide lots of engaging toys (or regularly rotate their toys) to keep your brainy Bombay’s mind active
- Give them lots of love, cuddles and lap-time
- Provide them with warm, cosy areas - Bombay's love a nice, warm place to snuggle, whether that’s a cosy cat bed, a perfect sun spot… or a fresh pile of laundry!
- Clip your Bombay’s claws (or get them done your local vets/groomers)
- To keep your Bombay looking beautiful, be sure to give them a weekly brush and wipe their eyes on the reg’
- Keep an eye on their general health and schedule in a yearly check-up at the vet
- Going away? Find a pet sitter so they can stay safe and happy at home while you’re away
Bombay Cat FAQs
No, Bombay cats are not hypoallergenic. That said, they do shed very little, so depending on how sensitive you are to pet dander, you may be able to withstand being in the presence of the beautiful Bombay.
Like most cats, Bombay cats tend to eat a mix of wet food and dry kibble - they do not require a special diet. That said, pet parents should be aware that Bombays are prone to obesity, so it's important not to overfeed them and to stick to a regular feeding schedule.
No, Bombay cats are not aggressive. On the contrary, they have a lovable, playful and affectionate nature - and can even get on well with other pets and children. That said, like most cats they can have a fiesty streak and can be quite attention-seeking, so may lash out should they fail to get their own way.
Yes, the Bombay cat is considered a rare cat breed, and they are much less common to come across than your average moggy.
The Bombay cat is a medium sized cat, and typically grows between 13 - 20 inches in length, 11 - 14 inches in height, and weighs between 8 - 12 lbs. Male Bombay cats are typically a little heavier than their female counterparts.
Like most felines, Bombay cats do not particularly like water and much prefer to stay warm and dry.
The Bombay's short and dense coat means no regular bathing is needed - a weekly brush is more than enough grooming for these fuss-free felines.
Bombay cats have an average life expectancy of between 9-13 years.
Are you a new pet parent to a sweet Bombay kitty? Then you'll probably need a hand in naming the little cutie. Look no further than these popular common black cat names.
