Bombay Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

Compare Breed

Origin

United States

Height

20 - 25 cm

Adult weight

3 - 5 kg

Life Span

12-16 years

Temperament

Playful, easygoing, intelligent, sociable

Other Names

Black Mamba, Mini Panther

Group

Medium-sized short-haired

Price

$400-$2,000

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

0 100%

90%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

0 100%

70%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

0 100%

70%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

0 100%

80%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

0 100%

90%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

0 100%

90%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

0 100%

90%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

0 100%

30%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

0 100%

30%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

0 100%

30%

Personality and Temperament

Stunning looks and an intriguing personality make the Bombay cat a charming addition to any household. These medium-sized shorthair cats are absolutely gorgeous thanks to their pure black coats and their brilliant copper-colored eyes.

Similar to the Burmese cats that make up the breed's foundation, Bombays tend to be chatty. At the same time though, they are less vocal and far less demanding than their Burmese cousins – probably due to the calming influence of the American and British shorthair cats that make up the other half of the Bombay hybrid.

As family pets go, Bombay cats are outstanding. Rather than bonding with a single individual, they are affectionate toward everyone they know – and they have a tendency to get along well with other pets.

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

The Bombay cat does not have any special nutritional requirements. At the same time, it's important to offer a high-quality diet to ensure that your pet stays healthy for years to come.

Bombay cats are low maintenance thanks to their shorthair coats. Still, you may want to give your cat a quick brush once a week or so, simply to remove loose hair and reduce the potential for the excessive shedding and hairballs that come with it.

The Bombay cat is frisky, with a strong play drive. These cats enjoy games of all kinds and they love to climb. A well-stocked basket of toys, multiple scratching posts, and a stout cat tree are essential for keeping this lively feline entertained.

These cats typically enjoy good health and has a fairly long lifespan that averages about 15 years. Even so, Bombays can occasionally have health concerns including breathing problems caused by their short nose, excessive tearing in the eyes, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

History

If the Bombay cat reminds you of a miniature black panther, you’re not mistaken! Nikki Horner, founder of the Bombay cat breed, started out with the intention of developing a cat that looked like a small panther. She crossed a black American shorthair male with a female Burmese and eventually the Bombay came into being.

The breed took more than a decade to develop, with American shorthairs and British shorthairs contributing to the cat's medium size and robust nature. The first breeding took place in the 1950s and despite the cat's stunning appearance and appealing personality, CFA did not grant official acceptance for registration until 1970.

Did You Know?

There is a slight difference between American Bombay cats and British Bombay cats. American Bombay cats have golden colored eyes, while British Bombay cats have green eyes.

Did You Know?

Bombay kittens display mild but visible tabby striping at birth. The striping disappears by the time the cat reaches adulthood.

Did You Know?

Bombay cats can be very demanding. They require plenty of attention and can be friendly toward strangers. While some cats are fine with being left to their own devices overnight, Bombay cats can become anxious when left alone for long periods of time. If you have a Bombay cat, you'll want to have them boarded or get help from a pet sitter even for short, overnight trips.

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Bombay cats have rounded eyes that are set far apart. The color is always gold or copper in American cats and green in British cats, with deeper colors being preferable.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be well formed and proportionate to the body and tail. The paws should have a rounded profile.

Tail

The Bombay cat's tail should be of medium length, with a slight taper.

The Breed Standard

Body

The Bombay cat is medium-sized, with a short coat. The body should be well proportioned and muscular.

Head

The head should be round, without any sharp angles. The muzzle should be broad and well-developed, maintaining the head's rounded profile. There is a slight indentation at the bridge of the nose, leading to a rounded muzzle.

Ears

The ears are rounded and set well apart. They should be broad at the base with a slightly forward-facing tilt.

Coat

The coat should be short with a fine, satiny texture. Hair should be very shiny throughout.

Color

Bombay kittens often display deep chocolate coloring that darkens with age. Adult Bombay cats should have black hair from tip to root. Nose leather and paw pads should be black.

FAQ

How much does a Bombay cat cost?

Bombay cats cost between $400-$2,000.

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

Bombay cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Bombay cat might weigh between 3 - 5 kg or more and range in height anywhere from about 20 - 25 cm inches tall.

How long do Bombay cats live?

The Average lifespan for Bombay is 12-16 years.

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

View All

Bombay: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

FAQ

How much does a Bombay cat cost?

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

How long do Bombay cats live?

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

Related Articles