Resembling a miniature panther, the Bombay cat is an elegant yet robust feline, known for its curiosity, activity, and high affection. This black American breed, a cross between the American Shorthair and the sable Burmese, thrives on spending time with their owners and is quite social, often extending their friendliness to other people. As extroverted as dogs, the Bombay cat breed makes an excellent choice for even first-time pet owners!

• Ideal for first-time cat owners.
• Loves playing games like Whack-a-Mole.
• Calm temperament.
• Sociable and affectionate.
• Moderately talkative.
• Medium build Cat Breed.
• Needs Grooming once a week.
• Great and outdoor Indoor Cat .
• Excellent family pet.
• Can be left alone during the day.
• Perfect for a relaxed household.
• Highly adaptable to different environments.
• Bonds strongly with its owner.
• Friendly with other pets.
• Low-maintenance Grooming needs.

Bombay cats can be susceptible to:

• Polycystic Kidney Disease, an inherited condition characterized by cysts in the kidneys. This affects kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure. However, the risk of developing this disease is lower in Bombay cats compared to other breeds more prone to the issue.
• Burmese head defect, a condition where the face and skull do not form correctly.

Available testing:

• DNA testing for polycystic Kidney Disease and Burmese head defect, which determines whether a cat is at risk for these conditions.

The Bombay cat personality is known for being affectionate, social, and playful, making them a wonderful companion for families and individuals alike. The Bombay breed is often described as having a calm and easygoing temperament, yet they also love staying active and engaging in playful activities around the house. Cat Bombay tends to form strong bonds with their owners, enjoying close interactions and attention, while being friendly with other pets and adapting well to different environments. Their balanced nature makes them perfect for both first-time cat owners and experienced pet parents.

The black Bombay is known for its sleek, shiny, jet-black coat that resembles a miniature panther, giving it a striking and elegant appearance. The Bombay black cat often has stunning copper or gold-colored eyes, though some can have Bombay cat green eyes , adding to its unique look. While the breed is typically lean and muscular, you may occasionally find a more robust or fat Bombay cat due to overfeeding or lack of activity. Learn more about Obesity in Cats and how to manage it. Though the breed generally has short, fine fur, a rare fluffy Bombay cat with a slightly longer coat may sometimes be seen. The overall appearance is defined by their sleek body, rounded head, and captivating Bombay cat eyes , making them a visually stunning breed.

Although Bombay cats can be at risk of theft, they will appreciate access to a secure garden or purpose built cat run. They enjoy climbing and sunbathing, pouncing on leaves, and exploring hidey holes, so be creative with your 'catio furniture' and enrichment options. This striking cat might be mistaken for a stray big cat from a distance, leading to dramatic newspaper reports or potential theft. Therefore, it is best to keep your Bombay cat secure and avoid unsupervised outdoor access.

The Bombay is intelligent and inventive, requiring a variety of toys, cat trees, and puzzles. Rotating these items can keep them from becoming boring. Bombay cats can be trained to walk on a leash, fetch, and even perform tricks and useful behaviors like entering a cat carrier on cue, which is handy for vet visits. Without adequate entertainment and enrichment, they tend to create their own fun, often by taking and hiding personal items or knocking things off high shelves.

The Leaf Puzzle Feeder is the perfect puzzle for a Bombay cat.

Every cat is unique with their own preferences and dietary needs. As obligate carnivores, cats require 41 specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies based on factors like age, activity level, and overall health. Therefore, it's essential to adjust the diet to meet these individual requirements; for instance, a growing, active kitten needs a different nutrient balance compared to a less active senior cat.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article.

Additionally, it's crucial to feed the correct quantity of food to maintain the cat's 'ideal body condition' according to feeding guidelines. Addressing individual preferences, such as wet or dry food options, is also important. Proper nutrition significantly enhances their quality of life, potentially extending the Bombay cat's lifespan up to 20 years when provided with appropriate diets and care. 

Learn more about proper Feeding your cat to ensure they stay healthy and thrive.

The Bombay cat is an excellent family pet for households with time and older children who understand and respect a cat's need for space. Like all cats, they may find very busy households stressful and benefit from having someone at home for a significant portion of each day.

• A Bombay kitten can initially be born pure white, but their coat color will darken significantly within the first few months, ultimately becoming fully black by adulthood.

• ---

  The name 'Bombay' was chosen by the breeder due to their striking resemblance to black leopards found in Bombay/Mumbai, India.

• ---

  While American and British Bombay kittens share many similarities, they do have one distinct difference: American Bombay cats can have copper eyes, whereas British Bombay cats typically have green eyes.

Yes, Bombays are considered rare and are typically found through certified Bombay cat breeders.