Cat breed · United States
Bombay
Mèo Bombay
The Bombay was designed to look like a miniature black panther, with a gleaming "patent-leather" coat and brilliant copper-penny eyes [1]. Despite the wild name, it's a 100% domestic breed [1]. Bombays are affectionate, mischievous and mad about toys [1]. The breed is recognised by CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association): The world's largest registry of pedigree cats, based in the US. It keeps pedigree records, writes breed standards and runs cat shows. All terms and TICA (The International Cat Association): An international cat registry based in the US and one of the largest. It often recognizes newer breeds before CFA does. All terms [5], and holds preliminary FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline): The International Feline Federation, an umbrella body of cat clubs, mostly in Europe. All terms recognition for 2023–2027 [2].
Contents (10 sections)
Quick facts
- Origin
- United States (Kentucky, 1966), from Burmese x black American Shorthair
- Weight
- ~2.7–5 kg
- Lifespan
- ~12–15 years
- Coat
- short, glossy
- Energy
- moderate
Details & sources
Traits (scale 1–5)
- Energy
- 3/5
- Shedding
- 2/5
- Grooming needs
- 1/5
- Good with kids
- 5/5
- Vocal
- 3/5
- Independence
- 2/5
Basis: Editorial estimate based on CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association): The world's largest registry of pedigree cats, based in the US. It keeps pedigree records, writes breed standards and runs cat shows. All terms 's description, not a measurement
Recognized by major cat registries
Cat registries keep pedigree records and set the standard for each breed. Tap an abbreviation to see what it means.
| CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association): The world's largest registry of pedigree cats, based in the US. It keeps pedigree records, writes breed standards and runs cat shows. All terms US | Yes |
|---|---|
| TICA (The International Cat Association): An international cat registry based in the US and one of the largest. It often recognizes newer breeds before CFA does. All terms international, US-based | Yes |
| FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline): The International Feline Federation, an umbrella body of cat clubs, mostly in Europe. All terms Europe | Preliminary |
| GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy): The UK's oldest pedigree cat registry (since 1910). All terms UK | - |
GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy): The UK's oldest pedigree cat registry (since 1910). All terms : pending verification.
History
In 1966 Kentucky breeder Nikki Horner set out to combine two popular breeds, the American Shorthair and the Burmese [1]. She began by breeding a black American Shorthair male to a Burmese female [1]. CFA accepted the Bombay for registration in 1970 and for championship in 1976 [1]. The name was inspired by India's black leopards and the city of Bombay [1].
Appearance
Photo gallery
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Photos: Wikimedia Commons - author & licence shown when enlarged and on the Photo credits page.
Temperament
Bombays are described as part cat, part dog and part clown [1]. They balance the American Shorthair's easygoing nature with the Burmese's curious, lap-loving personality [1]. Neither hyperactive nor placid, they adapt to almost any home [1]. They're sure every visitor has come to see the cat [1]. Expect head-butts, kisses and night-time snuggles [1]. Children love the devotion, and with proper introductions Bombays bond quickly with dogs and other pets [1].
Care
Health
- Eyes: some have overly teary eyes needing regular wiping [1].
- HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy): A heart disease where the heart wall thickens; the most common heart disease in cats. All terms : hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been found in Bombays; responsible breeders test before breeding [1].
- Lifespan: VCA estimates 12–15 years [6].
Ask the breeder about the parents' heart screening, and talk to your vet about any specific concern.
Don't confuse with…
- Vietnamese domestic cat in black (mèo mun): non-Pedigree: A record of a pedigree cat's ancestors over several generations, issued by a registry. All terms cats can be solid black too; the Bombay is a registered pedigree breed [1].
- Burmese: a parent breed with a similar build, in sable, champagne, platinum or blue [3].
- Black Oriental Shorthair: svelte, with a wedge head and very large ears [4].
Ask your vet. This information is for reference only and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
Cat facts
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell a Bombay from a black domestic cat?
Looks alone won't settle it. Bombays have a very glossy, close-lying black coat, a rounded head, a short broad muzzle and gold-to-copper eyes [1].
Is a Bombay easy to care for?
Very. Shedding is moderate to minimal; use a rubber curry brush two or three times a month. A quick bath helps if needed, and Bombays usually take it well [1].
Are Bombays good with kids and dogs?
Yes. They're very affectionate, given to head-butts and night-time snuggles, and if properly introduced they bond quickly with dogs and other pets [1].
Similar breeds
Breed photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC0 / CC BY / CC BY-SA) - authors & licences on the Photo credits page.
References
- CFA, Bombay (breed profile & standard)
- FIFe, Breeds (BOM Bombay, preliminary recognition 2023–2027)
- CFA, Burmese (breed profile & standard)
- CFA, Oriental (breed profile & standard)
- TICA, Browse All Breeds (Bombay listed)
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Bombay (cat breed profile)
Accessed: 2026-10-02
CFA, TICA, FIFe and GCCF are the major cat registries in the US, Europe and the UK. See the glossary
Written by Catopedia from the sources above. Photos credit their author and licence under each image and on the Photo credits & licences.