Bombay Cat
The "mini black panther" — jet black to the very roots with glowing copper-penny eyes. Created intentionally to look like a miniature panther. That patent-leather black coat, that muscular Burmese body. Complete guide: how an American breeder crossed Burmese with black American Shorthairs to create the ultimate black cat — black whiskers, black nose, black paw pads, all black to the root.
📋 Breed Overview
📖 About the Bombay — The Intentional Panther
The Bombay was created in the 1950s by Nikki Horner of Kentucky, who wanted a cat that looked like a miniature black panther. She crossed a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. The result: a cat that is solid black ALL the way — black whiskers, black nose leather, black paw pads, black coat from tip to root. No other breed is required to be solid black to this extreme. CFA recognized them in 1976. Inherits Burmese health risks: craniofacial head defect (DNA test mandatory for carriers), GM2 gangliosidosis. The name "Bombay" was chosen because black leopards are native to India.