Bombay

The Bombay is a shorthaired black domestic cat breed created to suggest a small black panther in a household body. The American Bombay was developed in Kentucky by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs, while the British use of the name can refer to a black cat within the Asian breed group. A pedigree Bombay should have a close, glossy black coat, black nose leather and paw pads, and copper to gold eyes. The body is medium sized but surprisingly muscular, with a rounded head and a smooth, polished appearance.

Many Bombays are people-oriented cats that like warmth, laps, and interactive play, traits often linked to their Burmese background. They usually manage well indoors when given climbing spots, scratching posts, and enough attention to prevent boredom. Grooming is simple: a soft cloth or rubber brush keeps the coat shiny and removes loose hair. Because many black domestic shorthairs resemble the breed, buyers who want a Bombay should ask for registry paperwork rather than relying on color alone. Good breeders also pay attention to Burmese-line genetic testing, heart history, and avoiding exaggerated head type.