Bombay Cat: The Little Black Panther's Personality and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A Bombay looks like a miniature black panther and acts like a lap cat that has never heard of personal space. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1950s by breeders who crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs, aiming for a jet-black cat with a sleek coat and glowing copper eyes. The result is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a sweet, people-focused personality.

Origins

Louisville breeder Nikki Horner set out to create a cat that resembled the black leopards of India, which is how the breed got its name, after the city of Bombay, now Mumbai. She combined the Burmese's affectionate nature and muscular build with the American Shorthair's black coat. The breed gained recognition from cat registries over the following decades, and today it remains a rare but beloved companion.

Appearance

Bombays are medium-sized cats that feel heavier than they look. Males usually weigh 8 to 11 pounds and females 6 to 9 pounds. Key features include:

• A short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body
• A solid black coat from root to tip, and black nose leather and paw pads
• Round, copper or gold eyes
• A rounded head with a short muzzle
• A muscular, compact body

Kittens may show a rusty tinge to the coat, which usually deepens into true black as they mature. Sun exposure can lighten the coat slightly.

Temperament

Bombays are devoted. Many follow their owners from room to room, sleep under the covers and greet visitors with curiosity. They are:

• Affectionate. They love laps, cuddles and being near people.
• Playful. Fetch, chasing wand toys and puzzle feeders hold their attention.
• Intelligent. Many learn tricks or to walk on a harness with patience.
• Moderately vocal. They chatter and make soft sounds but are not as loud as Siamese. See the Siamese profile for a louder breed.
• Social. They usually get along with children, cats and cat-friendly dogs when introduced carefully. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Because they crave company, Bombays may develop stress behaviors if left alone for long hours. See cat separation anxiety.

Grooming

The Bombay's coat is low-maintenance. A weekly rub with a soft brush or a chamois cloth keeps it shining and removes loose hair. See how to brush a cat. Bathing is rarely needed. Trim nails every few weeks, check the ears and brush the teeth regularly. See how to trim cat nails and cat dental disease.

Health

Bombays are generally healthy, but breed-specific concerns include:

• Heart disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in many breeds. Ask breeders about screening of parents.
• Breathing issues. The shorter muzzle in some lines may cause noisy breathing or problems in hot weather. See keeping cats cool in hot weather.
• Craniofacial defects. Seen in some Burmese-related lines, so ask about the pedigree.
• Weight gain. Their solid build and love of food mean portion control matters. See how much should I feed my cat.
• Dental problems. Common in many breeds.

Regular vet visits and vaccines keep your Bombay healthy. See the cat vaccination schedule, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with a Bombay

Bombays do well in apartments and houses, as long as they have company and stimulation. Provide:

• Climbing trees and window perches. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Interactive play every day
• Puzzle feeders and rotating toys. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• A warm place to sleep, since they love warmth

Keep them indoors or supervised. Their dark coat makes them hard to see at night, and they are curious.

Is a Bombay right for you?

A Bombay suits people who:

• Want a affectionate, lap-loving cat
• Are home often or can have a second pet
• Enjoy play and interaction
• Prefer low-maintenance grooming

It may not suit people who want an independent cat, or who are away for long periods.

Finding a Bombay

Choose a reputable breeder who tests for health issues, allows you to meet the parents and provides a health guarantee. Shelters and rescues sometimes have black cats that look like Bombays, and any black cat can be a wonderful companion. Black cats are often overlooked, so adoption is a fine choice.

Cost and care

Kittens from breeders cost more than shelter adoptions, and lifetime costs include food, litter, vet care and insurance. See cat vet visit costs.