Bombay

The Bombay holds only preliminary FIFe recognition, so it is not yet a fully recognised breed. It was developed in the United States by crossing Burmese cats with black shorthairs, with the aim of creating a small cat that resembles a black panther. The coat is short, smooth and glossy, solid black, with golden or copper eyes. Adults typically weigh around 3 to 5.5 kilograms and are muscular. Little grooming is needed, and an occasional stroke of the coat is enough. Bombays are typically affectionate, attached to their people and fond of company. It is named after the Indian city of Bombay for its exotic, panther-like look. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 16 years.

Preliminary FIFe recognition — the breed is not yet fully recognised.

Bombay: how old in human years?

3–5.5 kgWeight
12–16 yrsLife expectancy

Snowshoe

FIFe category: Category III — Shorthair
Recognition: Preliminary
FIFe: BOM
Country of origin: United States

Energy level

3/5
Playfulness

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3.5–5.5 kg

Females 3–4.5 kg

Life expectancy

12–16 yrs

Coat

smooth (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Bombay: average score for sociability and trainability is high.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 4/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Activity & Living Space

Bombay: average score for activity and living space is moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Playfulness 4/5
Hunting instinct 2/5
Apartment friendly 5/5

Personality & Communication

Bombay: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 5/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 2/5

Grooming & Shedding

Bombay: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Bombay

A Bombay picks the warmest spots in your home, and one of them will certainly be you. It turns up wherever you are, in the kitchen, at the desk, on your lap the moment you sit down, and wants a part in whatever you are doing. It likes to play, chasing a ball or a wand toy, but after a short game it is glad to come back to your arms.

It gets on well with children, other cats and a friendly dog, and meets visitors with curiosity, going up to say hello itself. Its hunting drive is mild, so a flat makes a fine home, given a scratching post and a spot by the window or the radiator.

A Bombay hardly uses its voice, but asks for attention in other ways, such as lying down on your book or keyboard. It copes with long hours alone but would rather not; if you work away from home, leave it toys and a warm bed with a view out of the window.

Grooming and coat

The Bombay's coat is short, smooth and close-lying, with a shine like patent leather. It sheds little and needs little: once a week, a soft brush followed by a chamois cloth or your palm brings the gloss back. Every speck of dust and fluff shows on black, so the same cloth comes in handy before visitors arrive.

As you brush, look at the skin: flakes or scabs give themselves away faster on black fur than on pale. Check the corners of the eyes and the inside of the ears for dirt or smell.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

Turn off the light and a Bombay all but disappears, leaving two copper eyes in the dark. Under the glossy black coat is a solid, muscular cat that lives twelve to sixteen years, and the two conditions linked to the breed are everyday ones: excess weight and dental disease. Both are easier to catch early if you feel its sides and look in its mouth now and then at home, and a vet sees it every year.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Obesity (excess weight)

Excess fat that weighs on the joints and the whole body. A Bombay likes nothing better than resting pressed against you, and a thickening waist is easy to miss, because the black fur hides the body's contours. Run your palm along its sides: if the ribs are hard to find, ask the vet what weight suits it.
Dental disease

Plaque, tartar and inflamed gums that make the mouth sore. A Bombay is affectionate and easy to handle, so from kittenhood get it used to having its lip lifted for a look at the gums. Bad breath, drooling or pawing at the face are signs to see a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 63 g of dry food a day, from €3,61 a month For a neutered, normally active 4,1 kg cat. Calculate for your cat