Bombay

Origin and History

The Bombay was developed in America in the 1950s by crossing black American Shorthairs with sable (dark brown) Burmese cats, with the aim of creating the look of a small black panther. Its name refers to the wild black leopards of the Bombay (Mumbai) region of India; however, the breed has no direct origin in India.

Appearance and Coat

Its most striking feature is its glossy, satin-textured short coat, jet black from root to tip. Combined with its round, bright copper or gold eyes, this shimmering coat gives the breed the look of a miniature panther. It has a medium-sized, muscular body that is heavier than expected ("like a cushion").

Personality and Temperament

The Bombay is extremely warm, social and devoted to people. It seeks warmth and loves snuggling on laps and following its owner around. Thanks to the intelligence inherited from the Burmese, it can learn to play fetch and walk on a leash. It is playful and open to interaction, and gets along well with children and other animals. It has an outgoing character and loves attention.

Care and Nutrition

Its short satin coat is very easy to care for; brushing once a week or wiping with a damp cloth keeps it glossy. Because it loves warmth, it prefers warm spots. A balanced diet and regular play are important; since it has a good appetite, attention should be paid to portion control.

Health

Because the Bombay descends from the Burmese, it shares some hereditary predispositions. These include the heart muscle disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the craniofacial defect (Burmese head defect) seen especially in some Burmese lines. In addition, cats inclined toward a flatter face may have excessive tearing or mild respiratory sensitivity. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary/heart check-ups are recommended.

Who Is It Best For?

The Bombay is ideal for families looking for a warm, people-loving and interactive cat, homes with children and first-time cat owners. It may seem too attention-seeking for those looking for an aloof, independent cat.