Bombay
At a glance, the Bombay closely resembles a friendly, miniature black panther with her sleek black coat, copper eyes, and distinctive sway to her walk.

Length
13-20 in.
Weight
8-15 lbs.
Life Expectancy
12-20 yrs.
History of the Bombay
The breed was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who, starting in 1958, attempted to create a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther. The first attempt was a failure, but the second, in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognised and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1970 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.
Read more: wikipedia

Characteristics of the Bombay
Cats are known for being independent, but it seems Bombay cats missed the memo! Bombays make the loveliest pets! They crave human company and even venture into Velcro cat territory.
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness Pets
Friendliness Strangers
Grooming Requirements
Vocality
Bombay Care
Bombays' coats are short, so you won't have to worry about much grooming! On the other hand, it's important to make sure your cat has plenty of ways to burn off their physical and mental energy.
Grooming
The Bombay is a very clean cat who sheds very little, so she's great for people who don't like a lot of fur in their home! Just give your sweetie a quick bath now and then to keep that coat looking and feeling soft and glossy! Trim those nails every two weeks or so, and don't forget to check in on your sweet Bombay's ears every week or two to make sure they're not red or excessively dirty. It's best to only clean your cat's ears if needed, to keep their naturally healthy bacterial balance intact.
Exercise
The Bombay cat is playful and curious. Bombay kittens have seemingly endless amounts of energy, but as they age, they become more mellow and are happy to cuddle up on your lap after a brief bout of exploration and play.
Bombay cats are super smart, so they love puzzle toys that get them moving and thinking. These toys help them to physically manipulate devices to get treats or food, which is great for their mental and physical wellbeing. Bombays are really easy to train, and sometimes they even act like dogs! Some of them really enjoy playing fetch, and they're also very comfortable walking on a leash and harness.
Health Problems
Though the Bombay is generally a healthy and long-living cat, a few genetically linked diseases.
Appearance
The Bombay is a gorgeous cat with a stocky, muscular build and a rounded head that resembles a mini leopard or jaguar. Their ears are perfectly medium-sized, and their large eyes are a gorgeous range of colors, from rich gold to copper. The coat is so soft and short, with a gorgeous satin-like texture and a shimmering, patent-leather sheen.
Diet and Nutrition
We all love our cats, but it's important to remember that obesity is a concern for all cats. The Bombay, with its stocky build, is particularly vulnerable to weight gain. Staying lean helps to prevent weight-related health issues like diabetes and arthritis, as well as heart disease, which affects the Bombay at higher rates than other breeds.
It's so easy to get carried away with our furry friends! Free feeding (leaving food out all day) can sometimes lead to too much snacking and weight gain. As a general rule of thumb, it's best to serve measured amounts of food twice a day for adult cats (and three to four smaller meals per day for kittens). Your breeder or veterinarian will be happy to recommend a high-quality food for your lovely Bombay.
Pros
- Affectionate and spirited
- Easy-care
- Friendly with people
Cons
- Hard to find
- Needs a lot of attention
- Prone to heart problems
Did You Know?
Bombay cats are typically extremely affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their family.
A Bombay is completely black on their outside—save the eyes.