Collection: Personalised Bombay Gifts

No guessing where the Bombay originates from…well, nearly. The Bombay is named after the black leopards which are found in the city of Bombay – this breed actually originates from America not India. This beautiful breed is a short-haired cat with glossy black fur looking for all the world like a miniature panther.

The Bombay was a deliberate breeding not an accident, designed to create a cat that looked physically very much like the Burmese but with a glossy black coat. The Bombay appeared in America in the 1950s bred by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville in Kentucky, the result of a cross between the Burmese and a black America shorthair. The first attempt failed but by 1965 efforts had been successful and introduced a cat with copper or gold eyes and sleek black fur. The cat is all black with a black nose, mouth and pads on the paws.

Recognised in 1970 by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the International Cat Association in 1979, the Bombay is still not a common cat even in America and almost always draws a crowd whenever it appears at a cat show.

The Bombay is one easy going cool customer. Sociable and friendly, they are adaptable to different types of homes because they are tractable and relaxed in nature.

The Bombay has inherited the lovely nature of the Burmese and is good with children and other cats. They can display dog-like tendencies such as playing fetch and even walking on a lead but at heart, the Bombay loves his downtime and will happily be a lap cat for the evening. This is a cat that loves company and engagement but is not an overly energetic cat so doesn’t require huge spaces outside.