Bombay Cat

Most people look up the Bombay cat when they’re deciding whether this sleek “mini-panther” will fit their home—especially if they want a friendly, indoor companion that’s easy to groom but not always low-energy.

Bombays are usually calm with a playful streak, often happiest in the orbit of their people. The details that matter day-to-day are simple: what they’re meant to look like, what their temperament tends to be, how to keep their weight steady, and which health checks are worth prioritising.

Bombay cat at a glance

• Size: Medium (often described as muscular and surprisingly heavy for their size)¹
• Coat: Short, close-lying, glossy black (only one colour accepted in many breed standards)^{1, 3}
• Eyes: Copper to gold/copper (“new copper penny” is a common breed phrase)^{1, 3}
• Temperament (typical): People-oriented, affectionate, playful, often keen to follow household activity¹
• Life span: Often 12+ years (individual health and lifestyle matter more than breed labels)¹
• Grooming: Low-maintenance coat; weekly brushing is usually enough¹
• Common watch-outs: Weight gain from indoor living and overfeeding; dental disease (common across cats, not unique to Bombays); heart disease screening is worth discussing with your vet^{1, 2, 5}

History of the Bombay cat

The Bombay is a deliberately developed breed from the United States, created to capture the look of a small black panther in a domestic cat. The foundational crosses are widely described as a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair, with breeder Nikki Horner beginning the project in the 1950s.^{1, 3}

The name “Bombay” points to the old name for Mumbai, India, and the idea of a black leopard—more a piece of imagery than a geographic origin story for the cat itself.^{1, 3}

Physical characteristics and appearance

In good light, a Bombay’s coat doesn’t just look black—it looks lacquered. The hair is short and tight to the body, showing the cat’s underlying muscle as it moves.¹

Breed descriptions often emphasise a rounded head and large, round eyes in the copper-to-gold/copper range. The overall impression is balanced and solid rather than fine-boned, with many Bombays feeling heavier than they look when you pick them up.^{1, 3}

Personality and behaviour

Bombays are typically described as people-focused cats that like being close to the action—curling up beside you, trailing you from room to room, then switching gears into bursts of play.¹

Individual variation matters. Some are chatty, some are quiet; some stay kittenish for years, others settle into a watchful, couch-adjacent calm. What tends to hold steady is their preference for company, and their habit of doing best when they’re included rather than left to entertain themselves for long stretches.¹

Care basics: diet, exercise and grooming

Diet and weight: keep it steady, not strict

Bombays are often described as sturdy and stocky, which can hide gradual weight gain. For indoor cats, it helps to treat weight and body condition as something you check routinely, not only when a collar feels tight.¹

Many vets use a Body Condition Score (BCS) as a practical guide. On a 9-point scale, the “ideal” range is commonly around 4–5/9.^{6, 7}

Exercise: short, daily bursts

Bombays usually respond well to interactive play. Think short, frequent sessions that mimic hunting: wand toys, small throws, puzzle feeders, and rotating toys so the same object doesn’t go “invisible” after a week.¹

Grooming: simple coat, regular routine

The coat is low-shedding and close-lying, so most Bombays only need occasional brushing to lift loose hair and keep the shine even. Nail trims, ear checks, and a quick look at the eyes and gums fit naturally into the same weekly rhythm.¹

Health issues to be aware of

No breed comes with guarantees. What you can do is understand the common themes, then make prevention and early detection part of normal life.

Dental disease (common in cats)

Dental disease is widespread across pet cats, and it can sneak along quietly until eating changes or breath becomes sharp. Tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste is one of the most effective home habits if your cat will tolerate it, but it needs to be introduced slowly and gently.^{4, 5}

Heart disease screening (HCM is common in cats generally)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats overall. Some cats show no signs early on, which is why routine vet exams matter, and why a vet may suggest additional testing if a murmur is heard or risk factors stack up.²

Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) is widely described as the gold standard test for diagnosing cardiomyopathies in cats.²

Training and socialisation tips

Bombays often learn quickly, especially when training feels like a game. Keep sessions short. Reward calm behaviour. End before your cat loses interest.

• Use food rewards thoughtfully: tiny portions, counted as part of daily intake, work better than “just one more” treats.
• Handle gently and often: brief touches to paws, ears, and mouth area (without forcing) can make vet visits and grooming easier later.
• Introduce new animals slowly: separate spaces at first, scent-swaps, then short supervised visits. Progress is usually measured in days and weeks, not minutes.

Finding a reputable breeder or rescue organisation

If you’re buying a kitten online, the safest starting point is simple: meet the cat in person, and see the conditions they’re being kept in. A responsible source will welcome questions, provide health and vaccination records, and avoid pressure tactics or rushed sales.⁸

Adoption can also be a calm path into Bombay ownership, especially if you’re hoping for an adult cat whose temperament is already clear.

Final thoughts

The Bombay cat is built around contrast: panther looks, domestic ease. They’re usually affectionate, bright, and strongly bonded to their household, with a coat that asks for little and gives back a lot in shine. Keep an eye on weight, take dental care seriously, and treat regular vet checks as part of ordinary life, not a response to crisis.^{1, 5, 6}

References

1. The International Cat Association (TICA) – Bombay breed information
2. Cornell Feline Health Center – Cardiomyopathy in cats (includes HCM and diagnosis)
3. Wikipedia – Bombay cat (overview and links to breed standards)
4. Cats Protection – Cat dental care (brushing guidance)
5. Blue Cross – Cat dental care (signs and prevention)
6. US FDA – Summary of AAHA nutritional assessment guidelines (BCS ranges)
7. World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – Global Nutrition Guidelines and BCS tools
8. RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – Red flags when looking for a dog or cat online