Bombay
United States
Breed Traits
About
The Bombay is a sleek, all-black cat with a strikingly muscular build and copper eyes, often described as a miniature panther for the home. Beneath that sleek exterior is a warm, people-loving personality that craves closeness with its family.
1. A Loyal Family Companion
Bombays are known for their dog-like devotion, often greeting owners at the door and following them around the house throughout the day. They don't like being left alone for long stretches and do best with plenty of interaction and companionship.
2. Where the Bombay Comes From
The breed was developed in the United States in the 1950s and 60s by crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs to create a domestic cat resembling a sleek black panther. The result was a breed with a striking look and an equally striking, affectionate personality.
Is the Bombay Right for You?
Ideal Home / Owner
Bombays thrive in households with plenty of company and interaction, whether that's kids, other pets, or attentive owners. They're not suited to homes where they'd be left alone for long hours, as their social nature craves companionship.
Care Tips
- Provide daily playtime and interaction
- Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods
- Brush lightly once a week to maintain coat shine
- Trim nails every few weeks
- Keep an eye on tear production and clean gently if needed
- Feed a consistent, high-quality diet to maintain healthy weight
Bombay History
The Bombay was created quite deliberately in the United States during the 1950s and 60s by a breeder named Nikki Horner, who had a very specific image in mind, a domestic cat that looked like a miniature black panther.
To get there, Horner crossed sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs, aiming for that sleek, solid black coat and muscular build alongside striking copper or gold eyes. It took several attempts and generations of careful selection before the look and temperament came together consistently.
The name Bombay was chosen specifically to evoke the black panthers of India, even though the breed itself has no direct connection to the country beyond that naming choice. It's a fitting bit of imagery all the same, given how closely the finished cats resembled a small, domesticated big cat.
The breed gained formal recognition through the 1970s and has since built a loyal following for exactly the qualities Horner was chasing from the start, striking looks paired with a warm, people-oriented personality. That combination of a wild appearance and a genuinely affectionate temperament is still what draws people to the Bombay today.
Diet
Bombays have moderate energy needs and do well on a balanced, high-quality diet that supports their muscular build without encouraging weight gain. Since they're a generally healthy breed, standard portion control and consistency go a long way.
Key guidance:
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level
- Avoid overfeeding, as Bombays can gain weight if not given enough playtime
- Offer regular meals on a consistent schedule
- Provide fresh water daily alongside a balanced wet and dry food mix
Weather & climate
Bold and Affectionate
The Bombay carries itself with sleek confidence but melts into an affectionate companion the moment attention is on offer. They love being involved in whatever their family is doing.
Training
Bombays are intelligent and eager to please, making litter and scratching post training straightforward, and many enjoy learning simple tricks or walking on a harness. Their sociable nature means they respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent routines.
1. Start Early Socialisation
Early exposure to handling, visitors, and everyday household activity helps Bombay kittens grow into the confident, people-oriented adults the breed is known for. They tend to socialise easily given their naturally outgoing personality.
Grooming
The Bombay's short, sleek coat is wonderfully low-maintenance, one of the easiest aspects of this otherwise attention-seeking breed. A quick brush now and then is really all that's needed.
1. A Light Weekly Brush Is Enough
A quick brush once a week keeps their coat glossy and helps remove loose hair, and most Bombays enjoy the extra attention.
2. Trim Nails Every Few Weeks
Regular nail trims keep their claws in good shape and protect furniture, especially since Bombays enjoy climbing and playing.
Health
Bombays are generally a healthy breed, though due to their Burmese ancestry they can occasionally be prone to issues like excessive tear production or, rarely, cranial deformities in kittens from certain breeding lines. Choosing a responsible breeder minimises these risks considerably.
1. Watch for Excessive Eye Watering
Some Bombays inherit a tendency for watery eyes from their Burmese lineage, so keeping the area clean and mentioning any persistent tearing to your vet is a good habit.
