Cat · Medium Breed
Bombay
The Bombay is a sleek, medium-sized cat developed to resemble a miniature black panther, with a glossy black coat and striking gold to copper eyes. This breed is typically affectionate, people-oriented, and intelligent, often forming strong bonds with family members. Bombays usually thrive in homes where they get plenty of companionship, play, and mental stimulation.
The Calculator
How old is your Bombay in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Bombay is approximately 15 in human years.
Field Notes
About the Bombay
The Bombay was developed in the United States in the 1950s by breeder Nikki Horner, who crossed sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs to create a cat with the look of a small black panther. The breed was later recognized by major cat associations and remains relatively uncommon compared with many other pedigree cats.
Temperament-wise, Bombays are usually social, curious, and deeply attached to their people. Many are described as "Velcro cats" because they like to follow family members from room to room, join daily activities, and seek out laps, warmth, and attention.
For care, Bombays do best on a measured, high-quality diet because they can gain weight easily if overfed. Routine veterinary visits, dental care, nail trims, litter box hygiene, and environmental enrichment are all important, and many Bombays also do better when they are not left alone for long stretches.
Exercise needs are moderate to fairly high for an indoor cat, especially when Bombays are young. Daily interactive play with wand toys, balls, climbing trees, food puzzles, and short training sessions helps prevent boredom, supports a healthy weight, and gives this intelligent breed an outlet for its athleticism.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Obesity
- Dental disease and gingivitis
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Kidney disease in older cats
- Burmese head defect (craniofacial defect in some lines)
Grooming
The Bombay's short, close-lying coat is low maintenance and usually only needs weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep its signature glossy shine.
Growth Curve
Bombay weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range — 3–5 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Bombay Feeding Guide
Stage-based portions tuned to breed energy requirements. Use as a starting point — your veterinarian tailors the final numbers.
Formative years
Young
Follow breed-specific puppy feeding guidelines
Peak years
Adult
Follow breed-specific adult feeding guidelines
Mature years
Senior
Follow breed-specific senior feeding guidelines
Questions, Answered
On the Bombay
Bombay cats are generally affectionate, social, and strongly people-focused. They usually do best with owners who want an interactive cat and can provide regular attention, play, and companionship.
Bombays are not usually considered a hypoallergenic breed. They have short hair and relatively easy coat care, but they still produce allergens in saliva, skin, and dander like other cats.
Bombay cats can do well with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs when introductions are handled properly. Their outgoing nature often helps them adapt, but they still need respectful handling and a safe place to retreat.
Bombays need regular interactive play and mental enrichment to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Cat trees, scratching posts, puzzle feeders, and short sessions of fetch or wand play are excellent ways to meet their activity needs.
A healthy Bombay often lives around 12 to 16 years, and some may live longer with excellent care. Lifespan is influenced by genetics, body weight, dental health, preventive veterinary care, and early detection of medical problems.
Adjacent Breeds
