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!

• Life Span  12 - 20 years.
• Average Weight   3.6kg to 6.8kg
• Colours    A jet black coat that gleams and shines like patent leather.

1. Ideal for first-time cat owners
2. Loves playing games and staying active at home
3. Calm temperament
4. Sociable and affectionate
5. Moderately talkative
6. Medium build cat breed
7. Needs grooming once a week
8. Enjoys both indoor and outdoor spaces
9. Excellent family pet
10. Can be left alone during the day
11. Perfect for a relaxed household

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 is like a mix of monkey, cat, and dog, making it a very personable and sometimes mischievous breed. They are known for inventing new ways to entertain themselves when given the chance. Outgoing, intelligent, and friendly, Bombay Cats get along well with family, other pets, and friends.

A muscular cat of medium build, the Bombay cat features a jet black coat that gleams like patent leather. It has a rounded head with rounded ears and a broad muzzle. Perhaps the most striking characteristic is their glorious copper/gold eyes, which are round, full, and expressive.

• Family-friendly: 3/5
• Playfulness: 4/5
• Intelligence: 4/5
• Tendency to Vocalize:  3/5
• Likes Other Pets: 3/5
• Grooming needs: 2/5
• Shedding: 2/5

The Bombay cat was developed in Louisville, Kentucky by a breeder aiming to create a 'parlor panther' a jet black cat with stunning copper eyes and a sleek, muscular build. The Bombay cat perfectly embodies this vision.

Ms. Horner started her efforts in 1953 by breeding a black American Shorthair with striking eye color to a sable Burmese female. Through a lengthy process of selective breeding, outcrossing, and strict lineage control, she successfully produced a distinctive black cat unlike any other.

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 cat 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.

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.

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.

While Bombay cats are adept at grooming themselves, it's advisable to groom your cat weekly to strengthen bonding and ensure proper handling. A greasy coat could signal inadequate self-grooming, potentially indicating health issues.

Like all cats, regular vaccinations and parasite control are essential recommendations.

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.

• Is the Bombay cat a rare breed?

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

• Are Bombay cats friendly?

Bombay cats are outgoing and generally friendly towards people. However, they can also exhibit a dominant nature, being protective of their spaces, belongings, and sometimes their people.

• Are all black cats Bombay cats?

While all Bombay cats are black, not all black cats are Bombay's. There are various cat breeds that can have black coats.

• Can a Bombay cat have a white patch?

Although Bombay kittens may have white patches, their coats typically darken to a solid black color as they mature into adults.