United States
Shorthair
Medium
8-10 in
6-12 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Bombay
Bombays were developed in the 1950s in the United States by crossing Burmese cats with American Shorthairs to create a miniature black panther with a gentle heart. Their glossy black coat, copper eyes, and muscular build give them an exotic look, while their sweet nature makes them wonderful family companions.
Where It All Began
Created in Louisville, Kentucky, by Nikki Horner, the Bombay was recognized by major cat registries in the 1970s. The goal was to create a cat that looked like a black panther but had the loving, people-oriented temperament of the Burmese.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed does well with regular, moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.
- ✓ 30–45 minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Daily walks plus some playtime
- ✓ Benefits from occasional training sessions
✂ Grooming Needs
- ✓ Brush weekly to remove loose hair
- ✓ Short, low-maintenance coat
- ✓ Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- ✓ Clean ears as needed
- ✓ Dental care recommended
- ✓ Keep indoors for safety
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but regular vet care can help prevent common issues.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • Dental care is important
- • Watch for obesity and dental problems
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Bombay is a moderate investment due to their premium pedigree and care needs.
Purchase Price: $800 - $2,000
Monthly Cost: $60 - $130
First Year Cost: $900 - $2,300
Lifetime Cost: $11,000 - $16,000
👍 Pros
- Beautiful, sleek black coat
- Affectionate and loving
- Playful and entertaining
- Great with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
👎 Cons
- Can be attention-seeking
- Needs companionship
- May be vocal
- Prone to overeating
- Premium price
💡 Did You Know?
Bombays are often called "velcro cats" because they love to stick close to their humans and hate being left alone for long periods of time!
Compare Bombay
See how the Bombay stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
