Bombay at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3.6–6.8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Time alone.
Is the Bombay right for you?
Like every breed, the Bombay is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the cat.
- This would be your first cat and you are ready to learn.
- You have a calm, cat-friendly dog and can introduce them slowly.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- You cannot offer any safe outdoor space.
How would the Bombay fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Bombay
The Bombay is a muscular, medium-sized cat with a short, jet-black coat that shines like patent leather. It is typically curious, active and very affectionate, enjoys spending time with its owners and is often sociable with visitors too.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized cat.
- Coat length
Short
A short coat.
- Activity level
Moderate
Moderately active, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every cat sheds some hair.
- Vocal
Talks sometimes
Will talk to you, but is not usually loud.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other cats
Varies
Varies with the individual cat.
- Good with dogs
Often fine
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time cat owners.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Indoors and outdoors
Some outdoor space
Benefits from some safe outdoor space, such as a cat-proofed garden.
Two related cats share the name. In the UK, the GCCF recognises the Bombay as the black self variety of the Asian group, a British-developed breed with the head and body type of the Burmese. The Asian began in the UK in the early 1980s from a cross between a Chinchilla Persian and a lilac Burmese, and all Asian varieties had GCCF Championship status by 2003. The GCCF lists the Asian as a minority, or rare, breed.
The Bombay described by Purina was developed in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States, from 1953. Its breeder, Ms Horner, crossed a black American Shorthair with a strong eye colour with a sable Burmese female, aiming for a jet-black parlour panther. Through careful selective breeding and outcrossing she produced a consistent, striking black cat. Both lines combine Burmese ancestry with a glossy black coat.
Bombay temperament
Bombays are usually outgoing, intelligent and friendly, and get along with family and friends. They are personable but can be mischievous, and are inclined to invent their own entertainment. They can also be dominant and quite protective of their spaces, belongings and people.
They are usually moderately vocal, slightly talkative rather than loud. As members of the Asian group, UK Bombays are typically lively, affectionate people cats that want to be part of everything their owners do, and will often chat back when spoken to.
Size and appearance
The Bombay is a muscular cat of medium build. Adults typically weigh 3.6–6.8 kg. The GCCF describes the Asian as slender, athletic and heavy for its size, with a broad rounded chest, slender legs, neat oval paws and a medium-thick tapering tail.
The short coat is glossy and jet black, fine and close-lying. Purina describes the Bombay as having a rounded head, rounded ears, a broad muzzle and round, copper to gold eyes. In the GCCF Asian group, eye colour ranges from pale green through yellow to golden yellow and amber.
How active is the Bombay?
Bombays enjoy playing games and are active at home. They are clever and inventive, so offer a wide range of toys, cat trees and puzzles, and rotate them so none become boring. Bombays can be lead trained and taught to fetch, and a skilled clicker trainer can teach them tricks and useful behaviours such as going into a cat carrier on cue. Without enough to do, a Bombay may make its own fun by hiding personal items or knocking things off shelves.
Bombay grooming
The Bombay can groom itself well, but brushing once a week is a good habit that helps with bonding and handling. Shedding is typically low. A greasy coat can be a sign that a cat has stopped grooming itself, which may point to poor health.
Indoors and outdoors
Bombays appreciate access to a secure garden or purpose-built cat run, where they can climb, sunbathe, pounce on leaves and hide in nooks. They are a potential theft risk and should not be given unsupervised outdoor access.
They need company: Purina advises that someone should be at home for a good part of each day, and the GCCF says Asians need owners who will interact with them. A very hectic household may be stressful for them.
Living with a Bombay
The Bombay can be a great family pet for a family with time and older children who can respect a cat's space. Asians usually associate well with children when properly introduced. Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other cats
Varies with the individual cat.
Dogs
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
Indoors and outdoors
Benefits from some safe outdoor space.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time cat owners.
Other cats and pets
Bombays usually get along well with other pets. Asians generally live contentedly with other cats, especially confident, lively breeds, but can be wilful, and problems sometimes arise if one wants to be top cat. They usually associate well with dogs when properly introduced.
Bombay health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
The Bombay is described as a generally healthy breed, and DNA tests are available for the main inherited conditions. Asians mature sexually at a young age, so talk to your vet about neutering a new kitten early. Purina gives a lifespan of 12–20 years.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
An inherited condition in which cysts form in the kidneys, affecting how they work and possibly leading to kidney failure. The risk in the Bombay is lower than in some other breeds, and a DNA test is available.
Burmese head defect
A condition in which the face and skull do not form correctly. A DNA test is available.
Hypokalaemia
An inherited disease that the GCCF reports in the Asian group, which includes the UK Bombay. A reliable DNA test exists, and since 1 January 2018 testing has been mandatory for Asians registered for breeding.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Bombay home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a Bombay cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Bombay home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 12–20 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Bombay
If you have decided the Bombay suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Bombay
Bombays do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
Bombays looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Bombay adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Burmilla
Sociable, playful, affectionate, independent, intelligent, inquisitive, lively and relaxed.
View breed guideAmerican Wirehair
Playful, gentle, intelligent, easygoing, loving, curious, independent and quiet.
View breed guide
Bombay FAQs
Is the Bombay good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Can the Bombay be an indoor cat?
Benefits from some safe outdoor space. Indoor cats need daily play, places to climb and scratch, and a window to watch from.
How active is the Bombay?
Moderately active, with bursts of play. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the Bombay shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Bombay need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Bombay a talkative cat?
Talks sometimes. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Does the Bombay get on with other cats?
Varies with the individual cat. Introduce cats slowly, with separate food, water, litter trays and resting places.
Is the Bombay good with dogs?
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How long does the Bombay live?
Typically 12–20 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Bombay get?
Adults typically weigh 3.6–6.8 kg.