The Bombay is a distinctive cat that can often be leash-trained, learn to play games, perform tricks, and chooses to guard to the owner's dwelling.

Playful by nature, the Bombay seeks the company of people and craves attention. This endearing trait is a great match for a quiet household that is in turn, open to extending their loving affection to this special feline. Bombays are extremely smart and curious felines that delight in getting involved in everyday activities. While being both outgoing and assertive, they strike a balance of also being a gentle, calm, patient, and friendly sort. The Bombay loves warmth and will snuggle under soft blankets. Quite confident, they tend to behave as the dominant feline in a group of cats, but readily accept dogs, children, and adults. The Bombay's distinctive voice is not as loud, nor harsh as that of the Siamese. Some rarely talk, while others vocalize often. Their tight coat is ideal for owners that are seeking an indoor cat. But ironically, it's their outstanding coat that has helped earn them the nickname: 'The Patent Leather Kid With New Penny Eyes.'

The Bombay's vivid copper eyes are set off by a satiny, ebony coat of extremely high sheen. Its the striking contrast of their exceptional eyes and fine, jet black coat that sets them apart as the Bombay Breed. Dazzling, large, deep colored, and ranging from gold to copper - with copper being the ideal color -- their eyes are round, wide-set, and relay a host of sweet expressions. The Bombay's coat is black to the roots and close lying to its muscular build and strong bone structure. With an elegant, medium-sized, and compact body their weight comes as a bit unexpected. Male adults weigh about eight to ten pounds, while females tend to weigh about six to eight pounds.

Their head is medium-sized with smoothed-out, rounded edges. The Bombay's leather nose, also black, is slightly rounded at the tip. The muzzle is short with an indentation above the bridge. Cocked forward when alert, their ears are broad at the base and become a bit rounder at the tips. Their rounded, black feet are supported by legs that are in proportion with their body size. The Bombay has a whip-like tail that is usually of medium length.

The Bombay is the result of crossing a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. Although named for the black leopard of India, it is actually the result of arduous efforts by the cat breeder Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1953, Horner's objective to produce a "mini-panther" was difficult and took years of buying and breeding. But her dream persisted. By choosing a Grand Champion sable Burmese and a black American Shorthair, success was hers - the distinctive Bombay breed came to be. The breed was recognized in 1976 for champion status in the Cat Fancier's Association. In showings, it is the one cat that is judged 50% on both color and coat.

Because the Bombay reaches sexual maturity quickly, within six to nine months of age, be sure to have your feline spayed or neutered.

You may need to ration feeding portions, or follow a low-calorie feeding plan to keep your Bombay from becoming overweight. Merely, rubbing down its coat with your hand or a rubber brush, is all the grooming it needs. Because the Bombay is adept at grooming itself, your grooming activity will be a welcomed source of affection. An indoor setting is in their best interest for a healthy and long existence. You'll also welcome having your Bombay indoors, because its tight coat is not prone to shedding.

Breeders often outcross to a Burmese. So, when choosing your Bombay utilize the knowledge of Bombay breeders. They'll be able to decipher a true Bombay from a Burmese. If you decide to breed, it's imperative to do background research as this breed may be prone to a cranial facial disorder. This disorder is not present in all lines and is apparently not seen in the UK, as the GCCF banned all Burmese imports in order to prevent this problem.