Bombay

Temperament

The Bombay treats its person as the center of the universe. It likes to head-bump, climb into laps and snuggle under the covers at night. It is neither hyperactive nor sluggish: during the day it happily fetches, hunts a wand toy and explores new bags, then rests in the warmest spot in the house. Its voice is moderately loud, and it usually speaks up when it wants something. It adapts well to different homes and quickly accepts children, dogs and other cats if they are introduced calmly. It can be confident with guests and likes to boss other pets around. It is quick to learn, and many owners teach it to walk on a harness and follow simple commands. It does not like long hours alone, so if you work full time away from home, consider a second cat.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Bombay for?

A Bombay suits a person or family who want a cuddly, engaged cat with minimal grooming and have time for it in the evenings. It does well in an apartment and in a home with children or a dog. It is less suited to someone who travels a lot or wants a completely independent cat, because it handles being alone worse than the average cat.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Bombay's short, satiny coat is one of the easiest to maintain: a once-over with a rubber grooming mitt 2–3 times a month is enough, plus a wipe with a chamois or damp cloth for shine. Baths are rarely needed. Keeping an eye on the eyes matters more: some cats tend to tear up, so wipe the corners with a clean cotton pad. The Bombay has a solid, compact build and a good appetite, so measure its portions and combine feeding with play, for example with treat balls. It needs several short play sessions a day, high shelves and a scratching post. It loves warmth and appreciates a radiator bed or a sunny spot by the window. It learns to walk on a harness easily, which gives it safe access to a yard or balcony.

Health and breed-related conditions

Bombays are considered a healthy breed: VCA lists no breed-specific diseases, and TICA gives a life expectancy of 12+ years. The CFA does, however, point to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which has been found in the breed, and to excessive tearing. Because the Bombay was developed with Burmese, genetics labs list it among the breeds worth testing for the ALX1 mutation that causes the Burmese head defect. Kittens with two copies of this mutation are born with a fatal defect of the skull and face, and carriers may have a shorter muzzle. The CFA standard disqualifies cats with a nose break that obstructs breathing. The parents should have a heart ultrasound and a DNA test.

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Found in Bombays; responsible breeders screen their cats before breeding.
• excessive tearingThe CFA mentions eyes that need regular wiping.
• craniofacial defect (Burmese head defect)A fatal defect in kittens with two copies of the ALX1 mutation from contemporary Burmese lines; a DNA test is recommended for Bombays too.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The breed was started in the 1950s and 1960s by Kentucky breeder Nikki Horner, who wanted a cat that looked like a small black panther. She crossed black American Shorthairs with sable Burmese, and 1966 is considered the year the breed was born. The name was taken from the Indian city of Bombay to evoke the leopards of India. Achieving a consistent type, with a short, glossy coat, round head and copper eyes, took many years. The CFA accepted Bombays for registration in 1970 and granted championship status in 1976. In Europe the breed remained rare for a long time; FIFe gave it preliminary recognition only for 2023–2027.

Fun facts

• The Bombay is black right down to the skin: its nose and paw pads are black or dark too.
• The breed is named after the Indian city of Bombay, associated with black leopards.
• The Bombay was created by crossing black American Shorthairs with Burmese.
• In FIFe the breed has only preliminary recognition, valid until 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 1CFA – Bombaycfa.org
2. 2TICA – Bombay breedtica.org
3. 3VCA Animal Hospitals – Bombayvcahospitals.com
4. 4UC Davis VGL – Burmese Head Defectvgl.ucdavis.edu
5. 5FIFe – Breeds (BOM preliminary 2023–2027)fifeweb.org
6. 6WCF – Breed standards shorthairwcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.