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Home » Blog » Cat Breeds » Bombay Cat Breed: History, Personality, and Characteristics
Bombay cat is one of the short-haired domestic cat breeds developed by breeding Sable Burmese and Black American Shorthair. Bombay is a very solid cat, both in feels and in looks, and has great strength.
Bombay breed cats are very active but curious and love watching the world around them. She is a medium-sized cat but an excellent climber and jumper. She is muscular and has a surprising weight for her size. When you pick her up, she feels considerably heavier than she looks.
The Bombay is a well-balanced, friendly, outgoing, muscular medium-sized cat with surprising weight for its size. She is round all over; the head, ears, chin, eyes, and even the feet are round. The cat is short with an elegant black and glossy coat.
When the coat is in fine condition, it is a deep black luster, which looks like patent leather. The CFA describes the cat as a “patent leather kid with new penny eyes”. She has a characteristic walk that is reminiscent of the Indian black leopard. When she walks, her body appears almost to sway.
Here are some significant characteristics of a Black Bombay cat:
In the late 1950s, Nikki Horner, an American breeder, attempted to create a cat breed that resembles a miniature black panther. She desired a cat who looks like Burmese but has a glossy, sleek, patent leather black coat. Instead of brown fur and yellow eyes, she wanted to develop a cat with a sleek black coat and copper eyes.
Nikki’s first attempt was a failure, but the second in 1965 was a success. She crossed the Burmese and black American shorthair male that had the rich eye color which she wanted. After many failed attempts, Nikki produced the results she was looking for. She produced a beautiful black coat and copper eyes with the body type of Burmese cat breed.
The combination reminds one of an Indian black leopard. So, she named the cat after Bombay, India, the land of black leopards. In 1970, the breed was officially recognized and accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). In 1979, The International Cat Association (TICA) also recognized and registered the Bombay cat breed.
The Bombay cat inherited the body of Burmese and looks of American shorthair cats. The following are the physical attributes of the Bombay cat:
| Physical Attributes | Description |
| Height | 11-14 inches |
| Length | Up to 20 inches |
| Weight | 6-12 pounds |
| Eye color | Gold to copper |
| Body Color | Deep Black |
| Legs | In proportion to the tail and body |
| Paws |
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| Head |
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| Body |
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| Tail |
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| Coat |
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| Eyes |
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| Ears |
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Bombay is a black domestic cat with a personality of independent and lighthearted nature. Playful, charming, curious, loving, active are some of Bombay’s personality traits. They agree with their family’s suggestion, especially when it is about play fetch or a cuddle.
They are a pleasing balance between vocal, frisky Burmese, and moderate American shorthair. Due to their hybrid heritage, they possess the qualities of both parents. Due to their Burmese background, they are very clever and people-oriented. Thanks to the American shorthair parent, Bombay does not talk your ears off every second of the day.
Bombay loves to cuddle and be with its owners. They are very opinionated and have their own view of the world and want to run the house according to them. They are adaptable to many different environments and lifestyles. They are wonderful companions and would love to sit on your lap for hours.
They demand high attention and love to be around people. They would follow their owners wherever they go. Don’t be surprised watching her sitting around you moments later when you get home. They bond perfectly with every member of the house rather than just one person.
Bombay cats are very smart and intelligent, and they want a lot of physical activities. They may suffer from obesity if they do not get enough exercise. They keep an eye on everything happening around them and want to be a part of every house chore. This won’t make chores finish quickly, but the work becomes enjoyable.
They are quiet vocalists and know how to get their thoughts across if they have something vital to impart. They would repeat their message and stare you down with those hypnotizing copper eyes until you give them your full attention. They want to be the center of attention and very clever in their attempts to gain your attention.
They get along with everyone, including other cats, children, and even dogs. They are a very personable breed and not at all shy. They are neither highly active nor inactive, rather somewhere between. Some of them are very talkative, while others are quiet.
Bombays are very inquisitive cats; you’ll always find them looking for something hidden behind the doors. They will slip a paw underneath the door to get whatever they feel is worth playing. You do not have to spend a lot of money on toys since a potato, grocery sack, or even paper towel can entertain them for hours.
They are territorial, extremely possessive, and can be bossy sometimes. They do not like to share their prey, so you might find them protecting it by growling at those who try to take it away.
They would love to adapt their schedule according to yours. They make changes in their sleeping schedule to make sure they are wide awake to welcome you home. If you are looking for a lever, intelligent, affectionate, and active cat, Bombay is the one for you.
Bombay cats are very easy to groom and bathe because of their low shedding coat. They have a kind of ‘wash and wear’ coat. So, if you bathe them monthly, the shedding will be almost non-existent. However, regular brushing may be required to keep the coat sleek and shiny.
Their needs are similar to any other cat breed. They require fresh water, healthy food, a clean place to sleep, and regular veterinary checkups. Basic care and grooming should be given at an early age so that they get used to you handling them. Here is how you can take care of your Bombay pet:
Trim their claws twice a month or whenever you notice that they are getting long. Use good quality nail clippers and make your pet comfortable with them. While using the clipper, you may have to push their pad to extend the claw and avoid clipping near the pink nerve. Several sessions may be required to clip all the claws.
Weekly brushing will not just keep the coat shiny and sleek but also healthy and low shedding. Strip the coat whenever it feels heavier or thicker than usual. Coat stripping pulls the heavier undercoat out and helps the coat to lay flat. You can use a stripping comb to strip the coat and give it a sleeker appearance.
As Bombays are prone to getting teeth infections, it is important to brush and monitor their teeth regularly. You may have to invest in some good cat toothbrushes and toothpaste. Let your cat taste the toothpaste and get familiar with the taste. This way, they won’t be resistant when you do the brushing.
Bombay cat is a very sophisticated cat breed; they do not like messy or dirty trays. They will not use a tray that has not been cleaned for weeks. Clean their litter tray twice a week, if not regularly. Or, you can also try different trays to see what suits them.
Besides care and grooming, the most important thing that Bombay needs is a good diet. Provide them high-quality food to enhance their health and have a full life.
Proper diet and nutrition are important to give your Bombay pet a healthy life. They do not need any special diet; just high-quality wet food or dry food is sufficient. You may have to invest in some best cat food recommended by vets to provide your cat with complete nutrition.
Protein, good fats, amino acids; all are necessary for every cat breed, and Bombay is no exception. The amino acid cannot be found in any dog food or human food, so you need to get the specific cat food for your pet.
Bombay cats have a denser build than other cats, and their black satin coat efficiently hides the weight gain. It becomes crucial at times to monitor their food intake; otherwise, they will suffer from obesity. To keep your pet healthy, make sure you provide them with a sufficient diet.
The following cat food formulas are easily available and suitable for Bombay cats:
It is recommended that you provide your cat with high-quality food that contains all the nutrition necessary for the cat. You can consult your veterinarian to discuss the feeding schedule and which food is best for your cat.
If you are looking for a family-friendly feline who resembles a black panther, Bombay is for you. They are the ultimate completely black cats with penny eyes. They are not as expensive as other cat breeds, and you do not have to spend a fortune to welcome them home. However, the price is a bit on the steep side.
The average cost of a Bombay cat ranges from $400 to $1200; sometimes, it can go even higher or lower. If you are interested in a show cat, you should expect to pay a little higher price. The price could go up to $2000 for a show Bombay cat. Show cats fit the ideal physical breed standard for competing in cat shows, which is why they are expensive.
The average cost of a kitten and an adult Bombay cat is:
| Kitten Bombay Cat | Adult Bombay Cat |
| $400-$700 | $500-$1200 |
The cost is just the initial outlay; you need to spend some amount on grooming and feeding. The maintenance cost is pretty straightforward; you need to provide food, grooming, and some basic things, including toys, a water dish, etc.
Bombay cats need minimal grooming, so you need to have a brush or a comb. You may want to provide them with a kitty condo to give them personal space. A litter box, pot of catnip, toys, food bowl, water bowl are some basic things that you should be providing your pet.
They require a healthy and balanced diet that includes high-quality protein and amino acid. The average annual cost for cat foods ranges between $150-$500. Moreover, they are subject to acute and chronic health problems, so you need to set aside a particular amount for medical expenses.
On average, you may need $100-$500 annually for veterinary checkups and other medical expenses. Some people opt to buy cat health insurance to compensate for medical expenses. Insurance companies cost around $10-$40 for monthly health insurance for a pet.
The average life expectancy of a Bombay cat is 12 to 16 years. However, some may live up to 20 years due to the inherited average lifespan of the American Shorthair parent. Both parents are exceptionally long-lived breeds. Therefore, Bombay's life expectancy is also long.
However, to make sure your cat lives a long life, you need to provide them with a complete and balanced diet. Proper grooming and care are necessary to make sure your cat has a healthy and good life.
Like all other mixed breeds, Bombay has the potential to develop genetic health problems. However, they are generally healthy, but the following are some diseases they are prone to:
Sinus issues are very common in Bombay cats. Viral infections are the main cause of sinusitis in cats. Sinus infection can cause frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, and discharge from the eyes. This can occur seasonally or throughout the year.
Bombay inherits this problem from the Burmese. It is the defect of craniofacial bone structure that causes the lower jaw and nostrils to be deformed. They have a severely deformed head at birth and are usually euthanized.
It is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease caused by accumulations on the teeth, bacteria, or a film of plaque. The gums will become inflamed, but bones and ligaments are not yet affected. Regular brushing, plaque prevention gels, and oral rinses can reduce the chances of developing gingivitis.
Bombay cats often experience obesity, usually when they do not get enough exercise or eat more calories. An extreme level of obesity can lead to heart problems and other severe health issues in a Bombay cat.
The Bombay cats are generally healthy and moderately active cats. However, if they show any symptoms, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to get early treatment. Your vet can guide you about the right treatment and how you should take care of your cat.
People think that all black cats are Bombay cats, but that's not the truth. There are many misconceptions about black cats and Bombay cats that should be cleared. People usually confuse black cats with Bombay cats. The following characteristics will distinguish both cats:
Bombay’s are the ultimate black cat with a glossy coat and a set of golden saucer-like eyes. Aside from their exotic look, here are some interesting facts about them:
Here are the pros and cons of the Bombay cat that you should be aware of.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smart and easy to train | A loud and talkative cat breed |
| Loyal and highly affectionate | Cannot be left alone for a long time |
| Can get along well with children and other pets | Need for attention |
As Bombay cats are very loving and affectionate cat breeds so they make a great emotional support cat. They are a perfect option for an ESA. So, if you want to have an ESA, you should consider a Bombay cat. The following benefits you’ll enjoy if you get a Bombay Cat as ESA:
When you decide to have an ESA, make sure you get a legal ESA letter from a certified mental health professional. The ESA letter will make you eligible to live and travel with your cat without any hassle. Get your authentic and legitimate ESA letter from RealESALetter.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bombay cats are very rare, most people confuse them with black cats but they are separate breeds. Bombay resembles a black panther and looks like a wild cat.
The Bombay is closely related to the Burmese cat breed. These cats are short-haired domestic cats and characterized as having an all-black coat, mouth, nose, sole with copper eyes. The coat is shiny and silky which helps in distinguishing them from black cats.
There is no pedigree of Bombay cats. There is just one type of Bombay cat.
Yes, Bombay cats are skilled masters and they are very good mousers or hunters. Their fast speech helps them catch mice quickly.
Yes, Bombays are very good indoor cats. They love playing with kids and other pets and also love to be around people. They crave cuddling, love, affection and look for high social attention.
Yes, as Bombay cats love affection in any form, they will enjoy time sitting in your lap. They can spend hours cuddling and curling up in your lap.
There is no such difference between male and female Bombay except the size. The males are larger than females.
No, Bombay cats are not hypoallergenic. People with allergies should keep this in mind while getting a Bombay cat.
Generally, Bombay cats are completely black, i.e., coat, face, nose, pad, etc. However, they are not born black but sable colored and have a few white spots on the tail, ears, and chest. They turn entirely black as they grow.
Bombay cats are considered fast cats; they can run up to 30 mph. An average house cat with no special training, carb loading, stretching, and conditioning can easily bolt at this speed.
Yes, Bombay cats love water and they enjoy every water activity, be it swimming or simply playing with water. They do not mind staying in the bathtub for hours.
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