Bombay

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A sleek black cat with a patent-leather shine and big copper eyes, bred to look like a mini panther.

A Bombay cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
6 to 11 lb (2.7 to 5 kg)
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Coat
Short, close-lying and glossy
Colors
Black only
Origin
United States, from Burmese and black American Shorthair crosses in the 1950s
100% of the time, our scanner puts a Bombay in its top three. It names it first 76% of the time. How we tested

What does a Bombay look like?

The Bombay is black from nose to tail, including the nose leather and paw pads. Its short coat lies close and shines like patent leather. The head is round with a short muzzle, and the large round eyes are gold to deep copper. The body is surprisingly heavy for its size.

Bombay personality

Bombays are social, playful and attached to their people. Many follow their owners from room to room and demand attention.

How to care for a Bombay

A quick rub with a soft cloth or a weekly brush keeps the shine. Bombays love food, so watch portion sizes.

How do I know if my cat is a Bombay?

Most black cats are not Bombays. Black is one of the most common colors in house cats. A Bombay has a very short, glossy coat with no rusty tint, a rounded head and copper eyes. A black cat with green eyes or a longer coat is most likely a house cat.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

Identify my cat

Breeds that look like the Bombay

House cat House catA mixed-breed cat, called a domestic shorthair or longhair. Most pet cats in the world are house cats, not purebreds. British Shorthair British ShorthairA round, calm cat with chubby cheeks, copper eyes and a thick, plush coat. Oriental Shorthair Oriental ShorthairA Siamese in every color but points: very slim, huge ears and a loud voice.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is my black cat a Bombay?
Usually not. Black is very common in house cats. A Bombay has a glossy, very short coat, a round head and copper eyes, and comes from a breeder.
Are Bombay cats rare?
They are a fairly uncommon pedigreed breed, while black house cats are everywhere. That is why most black cats are not Bombays.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat