Let’s start with the headline feature of a Bombay cat: the coat. Of course the central, immediately noticeable characteristic of a Bombay is its gloriously shiny jet-black fur. Unlike many other black cats, however, Bombays are black all over: they do not have white noses or white pads. The only thing stopping them being 100% black, in fact, is their yellow-gold eyes, which shine out of the darkness at you.

They like water, perhaps more than the average cat, but don’t worry if yours doesn’t — every cat is different. They have rounded features (head, tips of ears, chin, eyes, and feet); a muscular body that is surprisingly heavy given their size and they take around two years to reach their full adult size, the kittens attaining sexual maturity within their first year.

A Bombay cat’s lifespan is in the 10-18-year range. In the cat world — and indeed in our human world — this isn’t a hugely long time, so in the precious time that your cat is around, make sure to look after it with pet insurance cover that’s right for the both of you. If anything happens, you’ll be covered.

You can compare pet insurance plans from leading providers here, using the WAG! Online comparison tool and cover routine vet bills and vaccinations with one of our comprehensive wellness plans.

Caring for a Bombay cat

If you are lucky enough to have a Bombay cat in your house, be ready to give it plenty of affection and attention. This is a cat that needs and wants cuddles; if you don’t provide them, it might look for its cuddles elsewhere.

You should also be ready to surrender a little power to your Bombay: this is a cat that likes being in control, perhaps because it thinks of itself as a little panther. When it comes to diet, your Bombay needs high-quality food. It’s an active cat – Bombay kittens in particular have bundles of energy – so our friends and partners Cat Food Advisor is a great place to discover reviewed and recommended food.

A diet that’s high in protein can be beneficial for a Bombay cat, but be sure not to overfeed it. Because the Bombay tends to be stocky, you should keep a careful eye on its weight to ensure it’s always in the healthy range.

The Bombay cat's personality

The typical Bombay cat personality is probably best described as curious. It loves to roam around the outside world but is just as happy indoors, climbing over your various surfaces and burrowing under your covers for a nap.

When you own a Bombay cat you definitely don’t need to worry about it being lazy or inactive; it enjoys exploring the world around it because it is an intelligent, sociable animal. If you own a black Bombay cat, you’ll already know it’s often difficult to go anywhere without your gorgeous pet sticking to you like glue: a Bombay is one of the most affectionate breeds, curling up in your lap or bed when it fancies a little cozy time. If you want a cat that keeps its distance from you, don’t get a Bombay.

FAQs about Bombay cats

Are Bombay cats aggressive?

No. A Bombay cat is a gentle, playful creature at heart that needs to be treated with gentleness and playfulness in return. There is absolutely no need to be scared of this cat; Bombays are not naturally aggressive, even though they may look a little like a small panther. They’re nowhere near as scary. Like all cat breeds, males can be aggressive with other males, especially if they’ve not been neutered. But aggression levels in a Bombay tend to be lower than in other breeds, and people with young children don’t need to be concerned about how the cat will react.

Are Bombay cats rare?

Though it may lay claim to being the quintessential black cat, the Bombay is actually considered a relatively rare breed. This may make them slightly more difficult to find than the average breed and will also mean that you will probably need to look for a certified Bombay breeder if you are in the market for one of these beautiful cats. But the breed is not so rare that, with a bit of searching, you wouldn’t be able to find a lovely Bombay to fill the cat-shaped hole in your life.

Are Bombay cats hypoallergenic?

No, unfortunately Bombay cats are not hypoallergenic. They have many fine qualities but if you are allergic to cats you are extremely likely to be allergic to Bombay cats. However, they don’t molt or shed hair much and don’t require as much grooming as many other cats – so that’s a bonus. If you’ve got questions about how often to groom your cat, incidentally, we’ve got the guide you need right here.

Are Bombay cats expensive?

Because they’re pretty rare, Bombay cats can be a little expensive. As with all breeds, prices can vary enormously but $500 is a good estimate for a Bombay kitten. This is obviously a great deal less than the more uncommon, ‘fancier’ cats, so you shouldn’t need to worry about breaking the bank. What might break the bank is an unexpected vet bill; always remember to take out pet insurance for your beloved Bombay.

Comments (2)

Eda plaž

12/09/2024

My wife Got me this Bombay 2 yrs ago, after me saying for years,I wanted a new cat. She is the 2nd best cat I’ve ever owned. But in her insane cat brain, she owns you. Everything above corresponds and the cuddle kitty sleeping on my arm, agrees.

Ella

10/23/2024

Great article on Bombay cats! As a cat enthusiast, I found the breed guide both informative and fascinating.

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