The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Animal Breeds›Bombay cat
Science & Nature • Animal Breeds

Bombay cat

The Bombay cat is a short-haired domestic cat breed developed in the United States to resemble a miniature black panther.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Bombay cat is a short-haired domestic cat breed developed in the United States to resemble a miniature black panther. It is known for its glossy black coat, copper to gold eyes, and affectionate temperament. The breed was created by crossing Burmese and American Shorthair cats.

History

The Bombay was developed in the United States in the mid-20th century by breeder Nikki Horner. She aimed to create a domestic cat with the appearance of a black leopard, using Burmese and black American Shorthair cats in the breeding program.

Appearance

Bombay cats are medium-sized, short-haired cats with a sleek, glossy black coat. Their most distinctive feature is their copper to gold eyes, which contrast with the solid black coat.

Temperament

Breed profiles commonly describe Bombays as affectionate, friendly, social, and energetic. They are often presented as companionable cats that enjoy human interaction.

Recognition and standards

The Bombay is recognized by major cat organizations, including the CFA and TICA. Breed standards emphasize the solid black coat, muscular build, and distinctive eye colour.

Key facts

  • The Bombay was bred to resemble a small black panther or black leopard.
  • American breeder Nikki Horner developed the breed in Louisville, Kentucky, beginning in the 1950s.
  • The breed originated from crosses between Burmese and black American Shorthair cats.
  • Bombays are solid black, including black noses and paw pads, and typically have copper or gold eyes.
  • Bombays are generally described as affectionate, sociable, and playful companion cats.
🍁
Canadian context

Bombay cats are a recognized domestic breed in Canada through international cat registries and are kept by Canadian cat owners and breeders, but the breed itself originated in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bombay cat from India?
No. The breed was developed in Louisville, Kentucky, although its name and black-panther image were inspired by India and the city of Bombay (Mumbai).
What breeds were used to create the Bombay cat?
The Bombay was created by crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs.
Who created the Bombay cat?
The breed is credited to American breeder Nikki Horner, who developed it in the 1950s.
What does a Bombay cat look like?
A Bombay cat typically has a short, jet-black coat, a muscular build, and copper to gold eyes.
What is the Bombay cat known for temperament-wise?
Bombays are commonly described as affectionate, sociable, playful, and people-oriented companion cats.

References

  1. Hill's Pet — https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/bombay
    Supports: Breed origin story, black-pantheon look, and breeding background.
  2. Feliway — https://us.feliway.com/blogs/news/25-facts-about-the-bombay-cat
    Supports: Nikki Horner as creator, first kitten in 1965, and naming inspiration.
  3. VCA Hospitals — https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/bombay
    Supports: Louisville, Kentucky origin and development in 1958.
  4. Cat Fanciers' Association — https://cfa.org/breed/bombay/
    Supports: Breed standards, hybrid origin, coat and eye characteristics.
  5. The International Cat Association — https://tica.org/breed/bombay/
    Supports: Breed origin, black coat, copper eyes, and foundation crosses.
  6. Purina — https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/bombay
    Supports: Recognition, physical traits, and general temperament.