Bombay Cat

Sleek, muscular, and jet-black from the tip of its nose to the pads of its paws, the Bombay cat is a stunning “parlor panther” that brings the exotic look of the wild jungle into your living room, coupled with an affectionate and loving personality.

Introduction to the Bombay Cat Breed

The Bombay cat was created with a very specific goal in mind: to look like a miniature black panther. In the 1950s, breeder Nikki Horner from Louisville, Kentucky, began a breeding program to develop a cat that resembled the black leopard of India (hence the name “Bombay,” though the breed has no genetic connection to the city now known as Mumbai).

She achieved this by crossing a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. The result was a cat with the muscular build and short, satin-like coat of the Burmese, but the deep black color and copper-to-gold eyes of the American Shorthair. It took years for the breed to be officially recognized, but today, the Bombay is cherished as a distinct and beautiful breed.

Physical Appearance: The Patent Leather Kid with the New Penny Eyes

This descriptive nickname sums up the Bombay perfectly. They are medium-sized cats, but they are deceptively heavy. Picking up a Bombay is often described as lifting a solid brick wrapped in silk—they are surprisingly dense and muscular.

The Ultimate Black Coat

The coat of a show-quality Bombay is its crowning glory. It is short, fine, and lies close to the body. It should be jet black to the roots, with no white hairs or tabby markings. The texture is like satin or velvet, and when the cat is in good condition, the fur has a patent-leather sheen that shimmers as they move.

Mesmerizing Eyes

Set against the ink-black fur are the Bombay’s stunning eyes. They are large, round, and set wide apart. The color ranges from a rich gold to a deep, brilliant copper. The darker and more intense the copper color, the better it is considered in breed standards.

Personality and Temperament

While they may look like wild predators, Bombays are total softies at heart. They combine the easy-going nature of the American Shorthair with the social, inquisitive personality of the Burmese.

The “Velcro” Cat

Bombays are renowned for their attachment to their humans. They don’t just want to be in the same room as you; they want to be on you. Whether it’s sitting on your lap while you watch TV, curling up under the covers with you at night, or perching on your shoulder while you walk around, the Bombay loves physical contact. They are often called “Velcro cats” because they stick by your side.

Intelligent and Playful

These cats are smart and love to play. They are excellent candidates for leash training and can learn to play fetch. They enjoy interactive toys and puzzles that challenge their minds. Despite their dignity, they can be quite goofy and entertaining.

They are also very social with visitors. Instead of hiding under the bed when the doorbell rings, a Bombay is likely to greet guests at the door, hoping for a pet or a play session. They generally get along well with children, dogs, and other cats, making them perfect family pets.

Care and Maintenance

The Bombay is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their short coat doesn’t mat and sheds very little. A weekly rubdown with a rubber curry brush or even a soft cloth (chamois leather works wonders) is enough to remove loose hair and polish their coat to a high shine.

Because they are stocky and love food, Bombays can be prone to obesity. It is important to monitor their diet and ensure they get enough exercise through play. Regular dental check-ups and nail trims are standard care.

Bombays are heat-seekers. You will often find them resting on a radiator, in a sunbeam, or burrowed under a pile of blankets. Ensure they have warm spots to nap, especially in winter.

Health and Longevity

Bombays are generally healthy, sturdy cats with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, due to their Burmese ancestry, they can sometimes carry genes for:

• Craniofacial Defect: A severe deformity found in kittens (reputable breeders screen for this).
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Heart disease.
• Breathing Issues: Some Bombays have shorter snouts, which can lead to sinus issues or watery eyes, though this is less common than in brachycephalic breeds like Persians.

Is a Bombay Right for You?

If you want a cat that is independent and aloof, the Bombay is not the right choice. But if you desire a constant companion who will adore you, follow you everywhere, and act like a tiny, affectionate shadow, then the Bombay is the perfect match. Their stunning panther-like looks are just a bonus to their wonderful, loving souls.