Bombay Cat
Updated July 19, 2026
The Bombay is a medium-sized, muscular companion breed created to resemble a miniature black panther, with a patent-leather black coat, copper or gold eyes, and an affectionate Burmese-influenced temperament.
Strongly people-oriented, Warm-seeking lap cat, Playful and trainable, Moderately vocal, Adaptable with gradual introductions
6-11 pounds
12-16 years
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Affection Level
Energy Level
Good with Kids
Vocalization Level
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About Bombay Cat
The Bombay is a medium-sized, muscular companion breed created to resemble a miniature black panther, with a patent-leather black coat, copper or gold eyes, and an affectionate Burmese-influenced temperament.
Coat Length
Short Hair
Breed Group
Shorthair
Weight
6-11 pounds
Great For
What Makes Bombay Cats Special
The Bombay's glossy black surface, rounded head, and glowing copper or gold eyes create the carefully selected miniature-panther impression.
Beneath that dramatic appearance is a people-oriented companion that often seeks laps, warmth, conversation, and interactive games.
Bombay Cat History & Origin
Kentucky breeder Nikki Horner began developing the American Bombay in the 1950s by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs. Her goal was a domestic cat with a sleek miniature-panther appearance and a sociable temperament. The British Bombay was developed separately within the Asian breed group.
The American foundation combined sable Burmese type with the black coat and broader genetic base of American Shorthairs.
CFA accepted the Bombay for championship competition in 1976.
American and British registry definitions of Bombay are related in appearance but have different breeding histories.
Bombay Cat Characteristics
Individual Variation
Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Bombay Cat Appearance
This is a medium, compact, surprisingly heavy cat with firm muscle, a rounded silhouette, and no sharp angles.
The short black coat lies close with a high gloss, while large gold-to-copper eyes stand out strongly against the dark face.
Physical Features
Ears
Medium, broad at the base, slightly forward-tilted, and rounded at the tips.
Eyes
Large, round, widely spaced, and gold to deep copper, with richer copper preferred in some standards.
Nose
Short to medium with a visible stop, but not so abbreviated that breathing or tearing is impaired.
Coat & Build
Tail
Straight, medium in length, and tapering gently to a rounded tip.
Bombay Cat Temperament
The Bombay's glossy black surface, rounded head, and glowing copper or gold eyes create the carefully selected miniature-panther impression.
Beneath that dramatic appearance is a people-oriented companion that often seeks laps, warmth, conversation, and interactive games.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Bombays are often healthy and long-lived, but health selection should address risks inherited through Burmese ancestry as well as common cardiac, dental, respiratory, and weight concerns.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Ask breeders about HCM screening, DNA tests relevant to their Burmese-derived lines, and avoidance of extreme facial shortening; maintain dental care and lean weight, and investigate weakness, collapse, breathing noise, or persistent eye discharge.
Caring for Your Bombay Cat
Grooming Requirements
The short, satin coat is low-maintenance and gains its characteristic shine from gentle weekly grooming and normal petting.
Brushing
Brush once weekly with a rubber mitt or soft bristle brush, then polish lightly with a clean chamois cloth.
Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or before a show. Use a gentle cat-safe shampoo and avoid products that leave a dull residue.
Eye Care
Check the eyes at least weekly and wipe minor discharge with a separate soft, damp cloth for each eye. Persistent tearing, redness, or breathing noise needs veterinary assessment.
Nail Care
Every 2-3 weeks.
Essential Grooming Tools
Exercise & Play
Bombays have moderate exercise needs and a playful, trainable nature. Daily games help prevent weight gain and satisfy their desire for family interaction.
Daily Requirements
Provide about 30-40 minutes of interactive play daily, divided into two or three sessions, plus access to climbing and independent toys.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate puzzles and toys, provide warm window perches, and teach simple behaviors. Bombays tend to seek people out and benefit from games that combine attention with problem-solving.
Recommended Activities
Nutrition & Feeding
Feed a complete-and-balanced diet appropriate for the cat's life stage. The dense, muscular body should remain firm rather than rounded with excess fat.
Daily Amount
Use the food manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, measure the total daily ration, divide it into two or more meals, and adjust with a veterinarian to maintain ideal body condition.
Special Considerations
Bombays may be food-motivated and prone to sedentary weight gain. Measure portions, use part of the ration in puzzle feeders, offer wet food or several water stations, and avoid routine free-feeding.
Living Environment
Space Requirements
Adapts well to apartments and houses with daily family contact, stable climbing furniture, scratching surfaces, hiding places, and interactive play.
Climate Preferences
The close coat offers limited insulation. Bombays often seek warmth but still need protection from heaters, direct summer sun, high heat, cold drafts, and outdoor extremes.
Ideal Lifestyle Match
Best for a household that wants a close companion. Many Bombays dislike prolonged isolation and prefer people or a compatible animal nearby.
Colors & Patterns
The American Bombay standard permits one coat color: saturated black from the roots through the tips.
Solid Colors
Patterns
Eye Colors
Gold to copper, with deep copper preferred under CFA's American standard
Fun Facts About Bombay Cat
The Bombay is an entirely domestic breed and has no black-panther ancestry.
Nikki Horner created the American breed from sable Burmese and black American Shorthairs.
The mature show coat should be black from roots to tips.
Black nose leather and black paw pads complete the monochrome appearance.
The glossy coat has inspired the description patent-leather black.
Bombays often seek the warmest safe resting place in a room.
The American Bombay and British Bombay have distinct development histories.
The compact body can feel unexpectedly heavy because of its firm muscle.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bombay cats always black?
Yes. The show-standard Bombay is black from hair roots to tips, with black nose leather and paw pads. Sable kittens can occur in some breeding programs but are not shown as Bombays under major standards.
Is the Bombay related to a black panther?
No. It is entirely domestic. Breeder Nikki Horner used sable Burmese and black American Shorthairs to create a cat with a panther-like appearance.
Are Bombay cats affectionate?
Usually very. They are commonly people-focused, warm-seeking lap cats that enjoy play and household involvement, though individual temperament always varies.
Specialized Care Guides
Kitten Care
Use positive socialization, establish toothbrushing, grooming, carrier, scratching, and measured-feeding routines, and ask the breeder for documentation of relevant parental health screening.
Senior Care
Arrange veterinary checks at least every 6-12 months as advised, monitor weight, teeth, heart, kidneys, breathing, and mobility, and preserve warm, easily reached resting sites.
First-Time Owner Tips
A good choice for a first-time owner who wants a close companion and can provide company, portion control, daily play, dental care, and breeder health verification.
Looking for a Bombay Cat?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.