Cat Breeds: The Bombay Cat

Bombay cats became one of the captivating cat breeds in Louisville, Kentucky in the mid-20th century. Nikki Horner of Shawnee Cattery began the breed by crossing a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. Her selective breeding created a distinct and consistent breed that sports the deep black color of the American Shorthair, but with the long body type of the Burmese. Cat Fanciers Assn. made the Bombay one of the championship cat breeds in 1976.

Horner’s aim was to create a ‘baby panther’ cat breed to resemble a small version of the black leopard or black panther, a species found in India. The modern city of Mumbai was termed “Bombay,” until recently, and so the cat breed got its name.

The professional breeding associations still allow the gene pool to be enhanced by mixing pedigree black American Shorthairs with sable Burmese cats, but most Bombays these days are bred from within the breed.

Though sable kittens still crop up in certain litters, they aren’t considered to be acceptable as show cats. And because of the cross-breeding, some of the black kittens in the litter will not mature into show cats, for one reason or another. No matter. They are all great pets.

Cat breeds in the United Kingdom include the Bombay, but it is not the same as the American Bombay cat.

Bombay cats may appear to be smaller than average, but they are very agile and very strong. Because they are so muscular, they often weigh more than expected.

Unlike some black cats, the Bombay’s coat is black to the roots and lies tight to the body. The glossy sheen is often referred to as a patent leather glow. Because the Bombay is a short-haired cat, there isn’t much grooming required.

Bombays usually exhibit big golden or copper-colored eyes. The copper eyes are highly prized and are very striking when contrasted with the cat breed’s jet black coat. Eyes are round and set wide in a wide face. The muzzle is short and tapered. The Bombay’s ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded, and the nose and paw pads are as black as the cat’s coat.

People love Bombay cats for their intelligence and affectionate nature, and they can be trained to fetch or walk on a leash. They’re also full of antics. Their agility and alertness makes them very delightful.

Bombay cats love to be held and carried around, and have an affectionate disposition with comes from the blend of both cat breeds. The American Shorthair and the Burmese are loving and enjoy being with people. Even strangers don’t upset them. They don’t run away to hide when someone unfamiliar arrives, as many other cat breeds do. Bombays also like kids and even dogs.

When it comes to attractive cat breeds, the Bombay is just stunning. This jet black pedigree pet is a favorite of many.