Bombay Cats: Personality, Care and What to Expect

The Bombay is a glossy, all-black cat with copper or gold eyes, bred to look like a small panther. Underneath it is a sociable, people-focused cat that loves attention and often follows its owners around. The short coat needs little grooming; the bigger jobs are daily play, company and keeping a healthy weight.

A glossy black Bombay cat with copper eyes sitting on a sunny windowsill

The Bombay in brief.

Bombay at a glance
Size and weight	Medium; about 5.5–11 lb (2.5–5 kg), males larger
Coat and grooming	Short, close-lying, glossy black; brush weekly
Activity	Moderate; playful and curious
Voice	Moderate, with a distinctive voice
Good with	Families who are home often; gentle children
Origin	United States, from 1958 (Burmese × black American Shorthair)

Who a Bombay Suits

Bombays suit people who want an affectionate, sociable cat that likes to be involved: greeting you at the door, following you around and settling close by. They are often good with gentle children and other pets after a proper introduction.

They are less suited to homes where everyone is out all day, because many Bombays dislike long stretches alone. Breed traits are tendencies; every cat is an individual.

Origin: A Panther in Miniature

The American Bombay was developed in Kentucky from 1958 by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs. The US Cat Fanciers' Association registered the breed in 1970 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. In the UK, a similar cat from Burmese and black domestic shorthairs is registered by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) as the Bombay within its Asian group. Registries allow only solid black with copper to gold eyes.

Personality and Play

Bombays are typically outgoing, curious and attention-seeking, with the people-focus of their Burmese ancestors. Many learn to fetch and enjoy puzzle toys. Daily interactive play keeps a clever cat busy and helps with weight; our play guide shows how.

Coat, Grooming and Shedding

The short, satin-like coat is easy: a weekly once-over with a soft brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair and keeps the shine. Bombays shed lightly. Check ears and claws while you groom, and brush teeth regularly; our grooming guide covers the basics.

Home Setup: Indoors, Outdoors and Climbing

Bombays can be happy indoor cats if they have company, climbing space and daily play. Some owners give them a catio or harness walks; others allow outdoor access where that's normal and safe. Our indoor or outdoor guide weighs it up. A black cat outdoors at night is hard for drivers to see, which is one more reason to keep cats in after dark.

Gear for a Bombay

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A rubber grooming mitt keeps the coat glossy, and puzzle feeders and a wand toy keep a bright, food-loving cat busy. A sturdy cat tree gives height, and a measuring scoop helps keep the appetite in check. A reflective breakaway collar helps if your Bombay goes outside.

Health: What to Discuss With Your Vet and Breeder

Bombays are generally sturdy, but they share ancestry with the Burmese, so ask breeders which health tests they carry out on their breeding cats and why. Breed sources note a tendency to gum problems and to put on weight, so regular tooth brushing, dental checks and measured meals are worth building in from the start.

Ask your vet what to look out for at check-ups, and keep up the preventive care in our cat health basics.

Finding a Kitten or an Adult Cat

Bombays are relatively rare, so you may need to wait for a kitten from a registered breeder. Meet the mother, ask about health testing and socialization, and expect the breeder to ask you questions too. Many black shorthair cats in rescues have a similar look and plenty of personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions Bombay fans ask first.

Are Bombay cats affectionate?

Typically very. Bombays tend to be sociable, people-focused cats that like to be near their owners and join in.

Do Bombay cats shed a lot?

They shed lightly. A weekly brush or rub with a grooming mitt is usually enough.

Can a Bombay be left alone?

Many dislike long stretches alone. They suit homes where someone is around often, or where they have a companion.

Is every black cat a Bombay?

No. A Bombay is a pedigree breed with papers from a cat registry. Many black domestic shorthairs look similar and make wonderful pets.

Are Bombays prone to weight gain?

Breed sources say they love their food, so measure meals and play every day.