Bombay
Sleek and affectionate, this breed charms with a striking black coat and playful nature. Loves human company and adapts well to both families and singles.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25–30 cm (male)
23–28 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3.5–5.5 kg (male)
2.5–4.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
Bombay: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Bombay isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bombay's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Bombay is typically affectionate, social, and enjoys close companionship with people, often forming strong bonds with family members and adapting well to indoor environments.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys human company and social interaction
Learns quickly and solves simple problems
Active but not hyperactive indoors
Loves interactive games and chasing toys
Adjusts well to new people and environments
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Highly adaptable to indoor living
- Minimal grooming required for coat care
- Intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Typically sociable with other pets
Challenges
- Prone to obesity if overfed
- May develop separation anxiety alone
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Requires interactive play for stimulation
- Can be vocal when seeking attention
Protect your Bombay
Bombay can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excessive tearing. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bombays are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent, curious, and quick to learn, responding well to interactive play and positive reinforcement training methods, making them suitable for learning tricks and basic commands.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
Bombays have moderate energy levels, requiring daily play and mental stimulation to stay content, but they are generally satisfied with regular indoor activities and interactive toys.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bombays are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bombay would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Bombays are social, affectionate, and easy to handle for new cat owners.
Apartment Living
Their playful nature and moderate activity suit small living spaces well.
Active Lifestyle
Bombays enjoy playtime and can match an energetic household's pace.
Kids
They bond well with children and tolerate gentle handling.
Multiple Pets
Bombays get along with other pets if properly introduced.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop anxiety.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bombays compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bombay
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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