Bombay Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The Bombay is known for its gorgeous, shiny and short black coat, which also happens to shed very little. You’ll only need to brush your Bombay weekly and provide occasional baths to keep strays at bay.

Shedding: The Bombay has a short coat with fine fur that sheds very little. Weekly brushing keeps it in tip-top shape.

Temperament & Behavior: Known for their intelligent and inquisitive nature, the Bombay is friendly, loves to play and gets along well with children and other animals, as long as they are properly introduced and socialized. “Bombays are very social, both with people and other cats,” says Sparrow Marcioni, executive director and chief behaviorist at La Maison du Chat, home of CatRangers Rescue. “We always enjoy being able to rescue Bombays, as they are so very personable, and many other types of black cats wait quite a while to find their homes.”

Keep in mind that the Bombay is a very social breed that is likely to follow you around, cuddle and crave attention. As such, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time and can be pretty vocal when they get upset.

Behavior with Kids: The breezy and playful Bombay makes the perfect companion for kids.

Life Span: On average, Bombay cats live to be between 9 to 13 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Although certain health conditions can occur at a higher frequency in any breed of cat as a result of genetics, no specific conditions have been identified in the Bombay.

Preventive Care: As with all cats, the Bombay should be examined by a veterinarian once or twice per year. During this exam, a veterinarian will evaluate a Bombay’s eyes, ears, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and joints. Veterinarians have been extensively trained to detect subtle changes before they become larger and more significant problems. Bombay owners should regularly monitor their cat at home and alert their veterinarian to any changes in their cat’s appetite, energy level or litter box habits.

Nutrition: Newborn cats should be fed a diet made up only of their mother’s milk. Kittens aged 2 months to a year should be fed a diet appropriate for kittens, which contains extra fat, protein and nutrients to help aid your kitten’s growth. Adult cats 1 to 10 years of age should be eating a complete and balanced diet with all of the correct nutrients, fats and minerals. Senior cats require extra nutrients and vitamins that can help to maintain or improve their overall health. It is recommended to feed a senior age specific food to senior cats.

Daily Consumption: An adult Bombay eats 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry food per day

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: The Bombay is a generally easygoing breed, open and friendly to everyone, but they crave constant companionship, so they don’t do well when they are left alone for long periods of time and can be quite vocal if they are. If you’re looking for a cat that loves to cuddle and sit in your lap, though, this is the breed for you.

The Bombay is a high-energy breed that loves interaction and has even been known to play fetch. They can be leash trained and generally enjoy any activity that involves their people, including interactive toys and games.

Climate: Their short, thin coat doesn’t make for great insulation, and the Bombay breed doesn’t like to be out in the cold.