Description: Bombay
The Bombay is a striking domestic cat breed distinguished by its sleek, jet-black coat and copper-gold eyes. Developed in the United States in the 1950s by crossing sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs, the Bombay was selectively bred to resemble a miniature black panther. These medium-sized cats are known for their affectionate personalities, playful nature, and intelligence. Bombays enjoy close companionship with their humans and often follow them around the house. They are well-suited to families, single owners, and households with other pets. Because of their easygoing temperament, Bombays make excellent indoor cats and adapt easily to new environments. Their short, close coat requires minimal grooming, and they are generally healthy and robust cats. The breed's alluring appearance and friendly disposition make the Bombay a beloved companion in homes around the world.
Bombay ratings
Properties
The Bombay cat is a breed known for its striking resemblance to a miniature black panther, with sleek, jet-black fur and captivating copper or gold eyes. Originating in the United States during the 1950s, the breed was developed by crossing sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs, aiming to produce a domestic cat that mirrored the appearance and grace of a wild panther. One of the most notable properties of the Bombay breed is its incredibly shiny and short single-layer coat, which requires minimal grooming and rarely sheds, making the breed an excellent choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance pet.
The Bombay is a medium-sized cat, with a muscular yet compact build. Adult Bombays typically weigh between 6 to 11 pounds, displaying well-balanced and proportionate bodies. The head is round with a short muzzle, and the ears are slightly rounded, giving the face a soft, expressive look. Their distinctive eyes, large and set wide apart, are always a deep, vibrant copper or gold. The black pigmentation extends even to the paw pads and nose, differentiating the Bombay from other black domestic cats.
This breed is known for its affectionate and people-oriented nature. Bombays are social and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent family pets. They often follow their owners from room to room, seeking interaction and attention. They are intelligent and curious, enjoying games of fetch and problem-solving toys.
Bombay cats are also voiced as moderately quiet but can be quite vocal when seeking affection or food. They tend to get along well with children and other pets, provided proper introductions and supervision. Their temperament is generally calm, and they adjust well to indoor living, preferring the security of home rather than exploring outdoors.
With regard to health, Bombays are considered a robust breed with few breed-specific issues. However, they can inherit respiratory difficulties from their Burmese ancestry due to their somewhat short muzzle. Their average lifespan ranges from 12 to 20 years, especially when provided with quality care and regular veterinary checkups. The breed’s striking appearance, loving nature, and adaptability make the Bombay a treasured companion in many households.
Appearance
The Bombay cat breed is renowned for its striking and elegant appearance, which closely resembles the mystique of a miniature black panther. This unique look is achieved through a combination of specific physical traits effectively standardized by the breed's development. The Bombay’s most notable feature is undoubtedly its extremely short, jet-black coat. The fur is fine, satiny, and lays close to the body with a beautiful glossy sheen, contributing to their panther-like impression. Every Bombay’s coat should be solid black to the roots, with minimal to no greying or burning—a hallmark of the breed standard.
Another eye-catching characteristic of the Bombay breed is its eyes. The eyes are large, round and set wide apart, and are usually a striking copper to gold color, with deep orange shades preferred in most standards. The brightness and intensity of their eye color create an unforgettable contrast with the sleek black coat, making them particularly expressive.
In terms of body shape, Bombays are medium-sized cats, muscular yet compact and surprisingly heavy for their size. The overall build is neither too cobby nor too slender, striking a balance between strength and grace. Their bodies are well-muscled with a distinctly rounded appearance throughout—rounded head, rounded tips to the ears, and rounded contours across the body and paws. The head is broad, short, and rounded, with a gently contoured (not flat) forehead and a moderate break to the nose.
The tail of the Bombay is medium in length, straight, and tapers slightly to a rounded tip—never whip-like or bushy. Ears are medium in size, rounded at the tips, tilted slightly forward and spaced well apart, adding to the breed’s distinctive face.
Overall, the Bombay’s facial features are soft, with no harsh angles or planes. The muzzle is short and broad without a pronounced whisker break, adding to the breed’s round, gentle look. Their paws are also rounded and their legs are sturdy and proportionate. Mature Bombays should present a seamless, muscular form that feels solid and heavy but always graceful.
This breed’s captivating, lustrous black coat, combined with its vivid copper or gold eyes and overall rounded, muscular build makes the Bombay one of the most visually stunning short-haired cats. Every inch of their appearance exudes elegance, mystique, and a wild beauty that is both memorable and distinct among domestic cat breeds.
History
The Bombay cat breed is a relatively modern creation, developed in the United States during the mid-20th century. The breed was established through the dedicated efforts of Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who aimed to create a domestic cat resembling a miniature black panther. The project began in the late 1950s, and Horner’s vision was to produce a cat with a sleek, jet-black coat, striking copper or gold eyes, and an overall panther-like appearance.
To achieve this goal, Horner crossed sable-colored Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs. This deliberate breeding program was designed to combine the Burmese's muscular body, affectionate temperament, and expressive gold eyes with the American Shorthair's deep black coat and robust health. The resulting kittens exhibited the desired characteristics, but perfecting the breed took several generations and a great deal of patience.
By the early 1970s, Horner's efforts paid off, and the breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976. Soon after, other cat registries, such as The International Cat Association (TICA), also granted the Bombay official recognition. Since then, the breed has won acclaim in cat shows around the world and built a following among cat enthusiasts.
The Bombay’s name is inspired by the port city of Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, reflecting the breed's resemblance to the Indian black leopard, the panther. However, it is essential to note that the breed has no actual ties to India or wild panthers. Rather, the Bombay cat is a wholly domestic breed born out of careful, selective breeding to mimic a wild look while maintaining a sweet, affectionate temperament.
Today, the Bombay is celebrated for its friendly personality, adaptability to indoor living, and striking appearance. It is known as a people-oriented breed, often seeking out human attention and forming close bonds with its owners. Although not as common as other breeds, the Bombay remains a favorite among those who appreciate its exotic looks paired with an easy-going, companionable nature.