Bombay
bom-BAY
Affectionate, Playful, Adaptable, Attention-seeking. Origin: United States (Burmese x American Shorthair).
An adult Bombay weighs 8-11 lbs (male) or 6-9 lbs (female), needs 150-330 calories daily, and lives 12-16 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Bombay needs 150 to 330 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.3 kg) needs around 250 kcal; a female (8 lbs / 3.4 kg) roughly 210 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Bombay. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Bombay was created by crossing Burmese with black American Shorthairs to produce a cat resembling a miniature panther. Their Burmese heritage contributes to their health profile. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most significant concern. Their brachycephalic tendency (shorter face than average) can cause minor breathing issues, particularly in heat. Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; playful and social but not hyperactive. Enjoys interactive toys and being part of family activities. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Bombay cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Bombay cats have a short, jet-black, close-lying, patent-leather sheen coat. Origin: United States (Burmese x American Shorthair).
Created to look like a miniature black panther. Every hair on a Bombay is jet black from root to tip, including their nose and paw pads. They're sometimes called 'velcro cats' for their tendency to follow their people everywhere. Heat-seekers who will burrow under blankets.
The Bombay is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
The Bombay was bred to look like a miniature panther, and they carry themselves with that same sleek confidence. They are heat-seeking cats that love warm laps, sunny spots, and burrowing under blankets. Despite their exotic appearance, they are among the most people-oriented breeds. They train easily and many will walk on a leash.
Tools for Bombay owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect your Bombay to need 150 to 330 calories daily. An average individual at 10 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 8-11 lbs (3.6–5.0 kg), while females are lighter at 6-9 lbs (2.7–4.1 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
For Bombay owners, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the condition worth knowing about. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include craniofacial defect, respiratory issues. Not every Bombay will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026