Short-haired breeds
Bombay: personality, life span and weight
The Bombay is a jet-black short-haired breed that looks like a small black panther. It is known as an affectionate cat that likes to stay close to people.
- Loves people
- Lap cat
- Seeks warm spots
Bombay at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Shedding
- low
- Activity
- moderate
- Origin
- United States (a cross between the Burmese and black American Shorthairs)
- Coat
- Jet-black short coat with a patent-leather shine, and copper or gold eyes
Bombay personality
Its favourite places are a lap and under the covers. It tends to approach visitors without fuss, and it enjoys play without being overly active. Long hours alone can be hard for it.
Coat care and daily care
Brush once a week and wipe the coat with a soft cloth to bring out the shine. A good appetite means weight goes up easily. Cats with a shorter nose may have watery eyes, so wipe around them.
Health problems Bombay keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Have the heart checked at regular check-ups.
- Watery eyes and breathing problemsThese can appear in cats with a shorter face.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Bombay photos from cat keepers
Photo tip For a black cat, raise the exposure a little and shoot against a light background to bring out the expression. Look for the angle where light catches the eyes.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryBombay questions and answers
- How long do Bombay cats live?
- An indoor Bombay typically lives about 12–16 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Bombay weigh?
- A fully grown Bombay usually weighs 3–5.5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Bombay cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is low. Jet-black short coat with a patent-leather shine, and copper or gold eyes. Brush once a week and wipe the coat with a soft cloth to bring out the shine. A good appetite means weight goes up easily. Cats with a shorter nose may have watery eyes, so wipe around them.
- What is the Bombay personality like?
- Its favourite places are a lap and under the covers. It tends to approach visitors without fuss, and it enjoys play without being overly active. Long hours alone can be hard for it.