In the semi-darkness of the hallway you only see two copper eyes. Then a small black cat, shiny as freshly polished patent leather, comes out of the shadows and nudges its head against your shin. Anyone who picks up a Bombay is usually surprised at how heavy it is for its size.
| Recognition | FIFe (breed code BOM, provisionally recognized since 2023), WCF (BOM), TICA and CFA; according to the WCF list not fully recognized by FIFe |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Weight | not set in FIFe standard; the standard calls for a medium-sized cat, “surprisingly heavy for its size” |
| Fur | short, fine, silky and tight-fitting, with a shine like patent leather |
| Colours as per standard | only deep black down to the hair root; White spots or a white medallion are considered defects. Eyes gold to copper, the deeper the better |
| Activity | medium to high, very playful (editorial assessment) |
Origin
The Bombay has nothing to do with India. It got its name because of the black leopards that were associated with the city of Bombay. She was bred by Nikki Horner from Louisville, Kentucky, by crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthair cats. The FIFe dates the first animals of this type to 1958, the CFA names 1966 as the starting point for breeding. Both agree on recognition by the CFA in 1970 and champion status from 1976. So far it has only been provisionally recognized by the FIFe.
Characteristics
The FIFe describes the Bombay as open-minded and affectionate, well suited for families with considerate children and cat-friendly dogs. The CFA calls her a mixture of the calmness of the American Shorthair and the love of the Burmese: she nudges her head, likes to cuddle with her people at night and plays with enthusiasm. An empty shopping bag or box is often enough for half an hour of fun. Visitors are usually greeted with curiosity, not hidden.
Attitude and employment
According to CFA, the Bombay adapts to almost any environment. Keeping them indoors works well if there are climbing and viewing areas: a stable scratching post, a window sill with cushions, perhaps a secured balcony. Plan fixed play times every day, for example with the feather fishing rod or a ball that she brings back to you. Because she is very attached to people, she feels more comfortable with a friendly second cat if you are away from home for many hours. You can find tips for getting to know each other in the guide Bringing a second cat together.
Care
According to the CFA, the short, satin-like coat sheds very little. Two to three times a month with a rubber brush, that's all you usually need. One point deserves attention: the CFA mentions that some Bombays are prone to watery eyes, which require careful cleaning on a regular basis.
Health
Reliable studies specifically on Bombay are rare. The CFA considers the breed to be quite healthy because of its mixed heritage, but cites hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle and the most common heart disease in cats. Reputable breeders have their breeding animals examined before mating. When it comes to the head, the standard draws a clear line: the CFA disqualifies animals whose nose bend is so severe that it interferes with breathing or tear drainage, and the FIFe requires a moderate stop without a bend. Ask the breeder to show you the cardiac findings of the parents and look at the parents' noses: open, not depressed.
Who is the Bombay suitable for?
For people who are looking for a cuddly, playful cat who wants to be there everywhere without demanding loudly. Also for families with children who treat animals with consideration.
Who is it not for?
For everyone who spends long days away from home and just wants to keep one cat. If you are looking for an independent cat that cares little about its people, you would be better off with another breed.
The cat age calculator shows how old your Bombay is in human years. You can check whether the breed suits you in the cat test. You can find name ideas in our cat names. And if you want to have your cat on the wall: Cat portraits from your own photo.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a Bombay get? According to the FIFe standard, it is medium-sized, muscular and surprisingly heavy for its size. The standard does not specify a weight. According to FIFe, male cats often only reach maturity when they are around two years old.
Is a Bombay just a black house cat? No. The Bombay is a separate breed of Burmese and black American Shorthair, with a set standard for head shape, fur and copper-colored eyes. A black domestic cat without a pedigree is not a Bombay.
What color eyes does a Bombay have? Gold to copper, the deeper and brighter the better. According to the CFA standard, green eyes lead to disqualification.
Does a Bombay shed a lot? No, according to the CFA, the short, satin-like coat sheds moderately to little. A rubber brush two to three times a month is usually enough.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: FIFe: Breed Profile Bombay; FIFe: Standard Bombay (BOM), vorläufig anerkannte Rasse, Fassung 01.01.2025; FIFe: Liste der anerkannten Rassen; WCF: EMS-Code-Liste mit Anerkennung je Verband (Stand 01.11.2026); WCF-Rassestandard Bombay (BOM), Stand 01.01.2010; CFA: Bombay.
