the bombay, reviewed
that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →
The Bombay is a cat built to look like a miniature black panther: sleek, jet-black from nose to tail, with brilliant copper eyes. Behind the sultry looks is a warm, affectionate, people-loving cat with a Burmese heart. It scores high on presence, which is exactly the point. Here is the honest review.
Origin: The United States, bred to resemble a black panther by crossing Burmese with black American Shorthairs.
Size: Medium, muscular and deceptively heavy, like the Burmese.
Coat: Short, close-lying, satiny and jet-black, with a patent-leather shine. Copper or gold eyes.
Temperament: Affectionate, social, playful and people-oriented. Warm and involved.
Lifespan: Around 12 to 18 years.
Good for: Owners who want a striking, affectionate companion and are home enough to give it attention.
what is a bombay
The Bombay was created quite deliberately to look like a small black panther, by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs. The result is an all-black cat with a glossy, patent-leather coat and glowing copper eyes, muscular and sleek. But the panther look is only half the breed. Inside it is essentially a Burmese, which is to say warm, affectionate and thoroughly devoted to its people.
temperament: the affectionate panther
Do not be fooled by the wild appearance. The Bombay is a lap cat at heart, social, affectionate and people-loving, seeking out company, warmth and involvement in everything you do. It is playful and clever, often keeping its kittenish streak for life, and it tends to bond closely with its family and to get on with children and other pets. It carries itself with real presence, which earns the high royal score, but it wants attention and does not enjoy being left alone all day. A striking cat with a soft centre.
care and health, the honest part
The short, glossy coat is beautifully easy, needing only the occasional wipe or brush to keep its shine. The main commitment is company, since this is a social cat that suffers when ignored. On health, being closely related to the Burmese, the Bombay can share some of the same inherited concerns, and responsible breeders screen for them, and its shine can dull if it is overweight, so sensible feeding matters. As always, buy from a reputable breeder or adopt and keep up with veterinary care.
is a bombay right for you
If you want a cat with wild-cat drama and a lap-cat heart, and you are home enough to give it the attention it craves, the Bombay is a wonderful, characterful choice. It is not for a household that is empty all day or an owner wanting an aloof, independent cat, because you will get an affectionate shadow instead.
the chairman's verdict
Eighty-one. The Bombay pulls off a rare trick: it looks like a panther and behaves like a devoted companion, all presence on the outside and warmth within. It loses points only for the neediness that comes with all that affection. A striking, loving cat for a present home. High marks, awarded with a respectful nod to the panther impression.
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rate your catRelated reading from my desk: the Burmese at its heart, black cat names for the panther, and more in the cat breeds guide.
Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on a Bombay's needs, health, or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.