Bombay

Origin & history

Kentucky breeder Nikki Horner spent the 1950s pursuing one image: a miniature black panther with copper eyes. Crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs, she produced exactly that — and named it after India's Bombay, home of the black leopard. Recognised in the 1970s, the "parlor panther" remains a connoisseur's breed: rarer than its charm deserves.

Appearance & size

Everything is black and everything gleams: coat, nose, paw pads — set off by eyes in copper to deep gold. The three-to-five-kilogram body carries Burmese density ("a bowling ball in silk"), and the close-lying coat shines like polished patent leather when healthy. No other colour exists; the uniform is the breed.

Personality & temperament

The panther act ends at the looks. Bombays are warmth incarnate: people-seeking, lap-loyal, playful into age and softly talkative in Burmese tones. They famously monopolise the warmest spot in any room — preferably a human — greet guests, learn fetch and tricks, and handle busy households with sociable ease. Alone is the one thing a Bombay does badly.

Indoor or outdoor living

An indoor companion; the trusting nature and the showpiece gloss both argue against roaming, and a secured balcony covers the sunbathing needs this heat-seeker cherishes. Space demands are modest — the Bombay measures its territory in laps, not square metres. A second social cat carries working-hour gaps; see Indoor cat or outdoor cat?

Enrichment & activity

Playful mid-range energy: daily teaser sessions, fetch rounds and puzzle feeders keep the panther fit, warm laps handle the rest. The clever head enjoys clicker work and learns household routines to the minute.

Grooming

A weekly chamois polish keeps the patent-leather shine; shedding is minimal. The gleam is also a health meter — a dull Bombay coat says check food and vet.

Feeding & health

Quality protein keeps the gloss; portion via the food amount calculator against the solid Burmese appetite. Breeder questions: hypokalaemia gene test and moderate head type (both Burmese heritage), plus HCM checks. Responsibly bred Bombays are sturdy companions.

Costs

Kittens from tested lines cost €800–1,200 — finding a breeder is the harder part in Europe. Running costs are ordinary; the cat cost calculator totals them.

For beginners, children and other pets

A wonderful first cat and family member: patient with children, friendly with dogs and cats, adaptable and warm. The single non-negotiable is company — plan presence or a companion animal from the start.

Similar breeds compared

The Burmese is the sable-brown parent with identical velcro warmth; the Tonkinese a cousin in mink tones; the European Shorthair in black delivers panther looks with more independence.

Who this breed suits

Households that want a devoted, gleaming shadow and can offer warmth and company in return. The "Which cat fits me?" test confirms whether a parlor panther fits your evenings.