Cat breed · Shorthair
Bombay
Bred as a 'miniature black panther' — glossy black coat, copper eyes and a Burmese-derived love of people and warm laps.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Short, satin, jet-black to the roots
- Temperament
- AffectionatePeople-focusedHeat-seekingPlayful
History
Developed in the 1950s–60s from black American Shorthair × Burmese crosses, named for the Indian black leopard.
Appearance
Medium, muscular, entirely black cat with a patent-leather sheen and striking copper-to-gold eyes.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; playful but also a champion lap-warmer.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming; the black coat shows dust, so an occasional wipe keeps the shine.
Health considerations
- Generally healthy
- Burmese head defect in some lines (responsible breeders test)
- Obesity if under-exercised
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Bombay
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Moderate; playful but also a champion lap-warmer. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Obesity if under-exercised), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Bombay breed profile — Cat Fanciers' Association
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice