Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is a type of short-haired cat developed by breeding sable Burmese and black American Shorthair cats, to produce a cat of mostly Burmese type, but with a sleek, panther-like black coat. Bombay is the name given to black cats of the Asian group.[1]
Bombay | |
---|---|
![]() A common Bombay cat | |
Origin | United States |
Breed standards | |
CFA | standard |
TICA | standard |
ACF | standard |
ACFA/CAA | standard |
CCA-AFC | standard |
Domestic cat (Felis catus) |
History
The breed was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who, starting in 1958, attempted to create a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther.[2] The first attempt was a failure, but the second, in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and The International Cat Association in 1979. [2]
Appearance

The Bombay is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese. Bombay cats are characterized as having an all-black coat, black soles, black nose and mouth, with copper or gold eyes. The close-lying, sleek and glossy black coat is generally colored to the roots, with little or no paling.
The Bombay has a medium body build that is muscular.[3] Their weight is usually 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg) or more with males typically being heavier than females.[4]
Breed standard
Body: Medium size, graceful and elongated body. Long, elegant tail.
Head: Rounded, short. The shape is smooth. Some cats have a slightly flattened nose – the so-called modern type – and some have a normal nose – the so-called traditional type. The ears are straight, rounded at the tips. Eyes only amber in color.
Coat: Short, dense and shiny, tight to the body, with a lacquered sheen.[5]
Health
A healthy Bombay can live approximately 15 to 20 years.[4] They can have some nasal and sinus problems, and gingivitis.[6] Their food intake should be controlled to avoid overfeeding.[6]
Temperament
The personality of the Bombay tends to be highly social, is marked by strong attachment to families, and is typified by craving attention with excessive clicking, mewing and squeaking. As a breed, they are therefore highly suitable for children.[7]
Bombay cats are happy and comfortable being strictly indoor cats, and can comfortably live in a single room apartment, so long as all of their needs are met.[8] They prefer quiet surroundings.[8]
References
- Fogle, B.: The Encyclopedia of the Cat. Dorling Kindersley Limited: 2008
- "History". Rokstarr Bombay. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- "Bombay". The International Cat Association (TICA). Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
- "Bombay Cat Breed Profile". pet-adoption-guide.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
- "How does Bombay look like?". bombaykittens.com. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- "Cat Breeds – The Bombay Cat – Cats, Chaos and Confusion". cats-chaos-and-confusion.com. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- "Bombay Cat". Petfinder. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
- Adams, Charlene Tuttle (1995). Beauty of Cats. World Publications, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-57215-086-7. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
External links
Media related to Bombay cats at Wikimedia Commons