Bombay cat

The breed was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who, starting in 1958, attempted to create a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther.[2] The first attempt was a failure, but the second, in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and The International Cat Association in 1979. Nikki Horner died in 1995.[2]

The Bombay is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese. Bombay cats are typically characterized as having an all-black coat, black soles, black nose and mouth, with copper or green eyes. The close-lying, sleek and glossy black coat is generally colored to the roots, with little or no paling.

The Bombay has a medium body build that is muscular.[3] Their weight is usually 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg) or more with males typically being heavier than females.[4]

A healthy Bombay can live around 15 to 20 years.[4] They can have some sinus problems, snuffly noses, and gingivitis.[5] Their food intake should be controlled to avoid overfeeding.[5]

A 10-year-old Bombay cat

The personality of the Bombay tends to be highly social, is marked by strong attachment to families, and is typified by a craving for attention. As a breed, they are therefore highly suitable for children.[6] Most Bombay cats are not independent, but tend to become more independent with age. Typically, the Bombay has a tendency to seek attention from humans, and tends towards dislike of being left alone for extended periods of time.[7] Although they like to be around people in general, Bombay cats also tend to have a certain person to whom they pay special attention in their lives.[7] Overall, the Bombay breed is intelligent, playful, and attention-seeking.[7]

The Bombay's muscularly dense body can easily appear to weigh less than it actually does. In direct comparison to other breeds, it sheds relatively little and so requires far less grooming. It tends to get along well with other cats, although an established pecking order will normally occur within a given household. It has a loud, distinctive purr.[7] and is generally regarded as significantly more vocal than the average cat.

Media related to Bombay cats at Wikimedia Commons