Bombay
Mutation/Crossbreed (CFA and TICA recognized) · Developed in the United States (Kentucky) in the 1950s by Nikki Horner, intended to create a cat that looks like a miniature black panther of India.
Also known as: Bombay, Black Mamba, Mini-panther, The Parlor Panther
Breed Group
Mutation/Crossbreed (CFA and TICA recognized)
Size & Weight
Medium-sized adult. Males typically weigh 8 to 11 lbs, while females weigh 6 to 9 lbs. Despite their sleek look, they feel like 'a lead brick wrapped in silk' when picked up.
Lifespan
Typically 12 to 16 years. Senior cats may develop arthritis and require more specialized diets to manage weight and kidney health.
Activity Level
Moderate to high. They enjoy interactive play, puzzle feeders, and climbing. They are quite athletic but also enjoy long periods of napping in sunbeams or on laps.
Description
The Bombay is a striking blend of the Burmese and the American Shorthair. It is the quintessential 'house panther,' offering the exotic look of a wild cat with the gentle, clingy nature of a dedicated companion cat.
Key Features
Satin-like black coat from nose to tail, copper/gold eyes, rounded head, and a dense, muscular 'heavy' feel when lifted.
Physical Description
A semi-cobby body type with surprising weight for its size. The cat features a rounded head, short muzzle, and a muscular build that suggests strength without bulkiness. The overall structure is compact and heavy-boned.
Coat & Coloration
An ultra-short, fine, and satin-like coat that lies very close to the body. It is exclusively solid coal-black to the roots, including the nose leather and paw pads, possessing a patent-leather sheen.
Coat Care
Low maintenance grooming. Requires weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or chamois cloth to maintain the high-gloss shine. Minimal shedding due to the short, single coat.
Eye Characteristics
Large, round, and set wide apart. The color is highly distinctive, ranging from bright gold to brilliant copper, often described as 'new copper pennies.'
Ear Characteristics
Medium-sized with rounded tips, set wide apart and tilting slightly forward. The base is broad, contributing to the alert and attentive expression of the cat.
Personality & Temperament
Highly social, affectionate, and people-oriented. Bombays are known to be 'lap fungus' because they constantly seek warmth and human contact. They are vocal, curious, and very intelligent.
Compatibility
Excellent for families with children and other pets, including dogs. They do not do well when left alone for long periods; they thrive in busy households with plenty of attention.
Diet & Nutrition
High-quality protein-focused diet. Because of their dense bone structure and tendency toward inactivity if bored, weight management is crucial. Recommended two measured meals per day.
Health Considerations
Generally healthy, though they can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and occasionally craniofacial defects inherited from the Burmese lineage. Regular dental checkups are advised.
Life Stages
Kittens may be born with slight tabby markings that disappear. They reach full muscular maturity around 2 years of age. Socialization in the kitten stage is vital for their confident adult personality.
Care Recommendations
Provide vertical spaces like cat trees. Ensure they have warm spots to sleep, such as heated beds or soft blankets. Keep them indoors to protect their unique coat and health.
History & Origin
Nikki Horner began her breeding program in 1953, crossing a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. After years of refinement, the CFA granted championship status to the breed in 1976.
Interesting Facts
The breed was named after Bombay (now Mumbai), India, the land of the black leopard. They often act as 'door greeters' and are known to fetch and walk on leashes.
Similar Breeds
American Shorthair (larger, more varied colors), Burmese (different coat colors, similar shape), and the domestic shorthair (lacks the specific 'patent leather' coat and copper eyes).
Photography Tips
Use soft, natural light to capture the sheen of the black coat without washing out the facial features. Higher exposure levels are often needed to reveal the texture of black fur against a dark background.