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 | |
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![]() 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 typically 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 nose is slightly flattened so called modern type. Some have a normal nose - the so-called traditional type. The ears are straight, rounded at the tips. Eyes only amber in color.
Wool: Short, dense and shiny, tight to the body, with a lacquered sheen[5]
Health
A healthy Bombay can live around 15 to 20 years.[4] They can have some sinus problems, snuffly noses, 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 a craving for attention. 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