Shorthaired guide

Bombay: Complete Breed Guide

The Bombay is a cat breed covered in this guide for UK owners, with practical notes on everyday care, common health themes and pet insurance points a policy detail to check. When comparing cover for a Bombay, read the policy wording for vet fee limits, dental wording and ongoing condition cover, because those details can make a real difference if treatment is needed.

Last updated: 10 May 2026

Insurance points to check Reader photo gallery

Breed groupShorthaired

SizeMedium

EnergyModerate

CoatShort, glossy jet-black coat with a close, satin-like texture

What is a Bombay like?

Bombays are affectionate, interactive and emotionally engaged cats who usually enjoy close contact with their owners.

The breed was developed in the United States by crossing sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to create a small black panther appearance.

Bombay temperament

Bombays are loyal, people-focused and generally very affectionate. They often form strong bonds and may dislike being left alone for extended periods.

Bombay care needs

Their short glossy coat usually needs only weekly grooming.
Daily interaction and attention are important.
Puzzle feeders and climbing structures help maintain stimulation.
Weight should be monitored.
Dental care should be maintained from kittenhood.
Responsible breeder selection is important because Burmese-related conditions may occur.

Bombay size and lifespan

Bombays are medium-sized cats with a muscular, solid build. Males commonly weigh between 4kg and 5.5kg, while females are usually between 3kg and 4.5kg. Life expectancy is generally around 12 to 16 years.

Bombay exercise and activity

Bombays are moderately active and enjoy interactive games, climbing and puzzle-solving activities. Indoor living suits them well with enough stimulation and company.

Coat and grooming

The Bombay coat is short, close-lying and highly glossy. Weekly brushing is normally enough to maintain shine and remove loose hair.

Temperament and training

Bombays are intelligent and responsive cats who generally enjoy positive reinforcement training, interactive games and puzzle feeders.

Is a Bombay right for me?

A Bombay can be an excellent choice if you want a sociable, affectionate and visually striking cat with manageable grooming needs. Insurance is a policy detail some owners compare because cardiac, dental or chronic conditions can become expensive over time.

Browse cat guides | Shorthaired breed guides | Compare pet insurance

For more context before comparing cat cover, read our guide to pet insurance policy types and the jargon buster on pre-existing conditions.

Things worth knowing

General health themes for this breed — not a prediction about your cat

Dental diseaseBombays may inherit a tendency toward periodontal disease from Burmese ancestry.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)HCM can occur in Bombays and cardiac health can be discussed with breeders.
Respiratory sensitivitySome individuals may experience mild respiratory sensitivities linked to facial structure or Burmese ancestry.
ObesityTheir affectionate indoor lifestyle can contribute to gradual weight gain.
DiabetesWeight gain and age-related metabolic changes may increase diabetes risk later in life.
Stress-related behavioural changesHighly people-oriented cats may become anxious or vocal if isolated for long periods.

Insurance tip: check how each policy treats hereditary conditions, ongoing conditions, dental treatment and pre-existing conditions.

Bombay insurance points to check

This section is not financial advice. It is a plain-English checklist of policy details Bombay owners can use to understand policy wording before purchase.

Vet fee limit

Cardiac investigations, diabetes management and dental work can become expensive.

Policy wording shows whether the limit resets annually or applies across the policy lifetime.
Higher annual limits often provide more flexibility for chronic conditions.
Policy wording shows whether referral fees count toward the same limit.

Cardiac cover

Hereditary cardiac wording is a policy detail to read carefully.

Policy wording shows whether echocardiograms and specialist cardiology referrals are covered.
Ask whether hereditary cardiac disease is excluded.
Lifetime cover may be more useful for ongoing management.

Dental cover

Dental illness cover varies widely between policies.

Policy wording shows whether dental illness is included or only accidents are covered.
Look for annual dental examination requirements.
Ask whether extractions and periodontal treatment are covered.

Diabetes and chronic illness cover

Diabetes can require long-term monitoring and medication.

Policy wording shows whether insulin treatment and monitoring are covered.
Look for restrictions around chronic illness management.
Policy wording explains how repeat claims are treated at renewal.

Reader photo gallery

Bombay reader gallery

This gallery is for real Bombay cats owned by our readers; send us a photo and your cat's name and we will add it to the page.

View the full Bombay gallery Email photos

Related cat guides

Continue researching similar breeds and cat insurance topics.

Bombay FAQs

Common questions about Bombays and pet insurance.

Are Bombays expensive to insure?

Bombays are usually mid-range for insurance premiums, though hereditary cardiac disease and chronic illness risks may influence pricing.

What health issues are Bombays known for?

Health themes discussed in Bombays include dental disease, HCM, obesity, diabetes and mild respiratory sensitivity.

How does lifetime cover apply for a Bombay?

Lifetime cover is a policy detail some owners compare because it can continue covering eligible ongoing conditions at renewal, within the policy limits. This may be useful for cardiac disease, diabetes or chronic dental treatment.

Can I insure a Bombay with a pre-existing condition?

Most insurers will still offer cover, but pre-existing conditions and related issues are usually excluded. Exact wording varies between providers.