The Bombay cat originated in America in the late 1950’s and was named after the port city in India. Breeders were keen to create a cat that had a sleek, shiny black coat and resembled the Indian black leopard. What they delivered was exactly that.
Crossing the Burmese cat and the black domestic shorthair, this breed of cat has the Burmese structure with a black patent coat. The Bombay was recognised globally by Cat Breeders in the 1970’s.
The Bombay doesn’t walk, it sways, just like the Indian black leopard. It has a coat that is short and glossy, and rounded features throughout. Its head, ears, chin, eyes and even feet are round.
The Bombay is a muscular, heavy boned cat, combined with its standout black coat, makes it an appealing breed.
This breed is an active and curious cat that demands attention from its owners. It loves watching the world and can often be seen sitting at a window, watching out.
Its lively yet calm, affectionate nature makes it adaptable to different environments and perfect for other pets and children.
The Bombay is a friendly, intelligent and affectionate cat however, its curiosity can often lead it to stray. This breed love to play, so toys and scratching posts are a must.
Bombay’s are generally a healthy breed, although it can suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, excessive tearing of the eyes, and possible breathing difficulties because of its short muzzle.
Other than general hygiene routines, the Bombay’s coat needs to be brushed weekly to keep it clean and shiny. Make sure their litterboxes are always clean as it is very particular about bathroom hygiene.
| Size | medium-sized |
| Weight | 4kg – 7kg |
| Coat | Short, smooth |
| Colour | Black |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, intelligent and affectionate |