Bombay Cats – breed guide and fabulous facts

The Bombay cat breed hasn’t been around all that long, in terms of the huge expanse of cat history – they’re relatively modern cats who have been with us for around 60 years.

Bombay cats date back to the middle of the 20th century in Kentucky, where breeder Nikki Turner wanted to create her own version of a tiny black panther. Breeding a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair, Turner made history by creating the Bombay, now one of the most popular cats in the world. It was called the Bombay because of Turner’s desire for the breed to look like the black-coated leopard of India.

Pretty much always jet-black in color, the Bombay is arguably the ‘classic’ black cat: short-haired, regularly proportioned, delightful. 

• Bombay cat characteristics
• Caring for a Bombay cat
• A Bombay cat's personality
• FAQs about Bombay cats
  
  
  

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. 

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. 

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.

Are Bombay cats aggressive?

Are Bombay cats rare?

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.