Cutest Pet Contest

Bombay

Weight: 6 - 11 pounds
Life span: 12 - 15 years
CFA rank: 31

  • Lap Cat
  • Intelligence
  • Ease of Training
  • Grooming Requirements
  • Shedding
  • Good with Children
  • Good with Dogs
  • Chattiness
Breed History | Background:

  • This breed was created not in India, but in Louisville, Kentucky in 1958 when cat breeder Nikki Horner carefully bred a Burmese with an American Shorthair to create a domesticated cat that looks like a small black panther.
  • The CFA, granted this breed championship status in 1976.

Cat Look:

  • The Bombay conveys two distinctive features: its copper-colored, hypnotic eyes and its all-black satiny short coat – right down to the roots.
  • The Bombay also displays a strong round face with heavy jaws, broad-set ears, full chin and Roman nose with nostrils set low.
  • Its medium-built body is agile and athletic. It is deceptively heavier than one expects when you pick up a Bombay to place on your lap.
  • Even this breed’s footpads are deep black.

Behavioral concerns:

  • The Bombay is generally friendly to strangers, so don’t be startled if he beats you to the door to greet houseguests.
  • In interacting with you, the Bombay may make it challenging for you to try to read the newspaper or watch your favorite television show without interruption. This is definitely an “in-your-face’ breed.
  • Possessing an easy-going attitude and active approach to life, the Bombay can be easily leash trained, engage in a game of fetch, and happily co-exist with dogs and other pets in the household.
  • Likes to chat, but not as vocal as a Siamese.

Grooming:

  • The Bombay’s no-fuss coat does not require grooming, but this cat will welcome the attention you give it by brushing or running a damp washcloth across its coat.
  • This breed is not prone to developing matts in its coat.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Please consult with your veterinarian about the type of diet and amount to feed your cat during their different life stages.  Different breeds may have a greater risk of obesity based upon their diet, metabloism, activity and age.  Thus, your veterinarian is your best source of information on this topic.


Fun Facts:

  • A popular remark among fans of this breed is if you are searching for a pet with the qualities of a dog, cat and monkey, your best bet is to get a Bombay.
  • The Bombay is also fondly known by these nicknames: “Parlor panther” and “patent leather kid with the copper penny eyes.”
  • The Bombay owns bragging rights of being the blackest cat among all purebreds.