Bombay Cat vs. Black Cat Traits: Not All Black Cats Are Bombays

Sometimes confused for black American Shorthair cats, Bombays stand apart with noses that are black instead of pink. Viktor Sergeevich / Shutterstock

Pinpointing Bombay cat vs. black cat characteristics can be tricky if you don't know exactly what to look for. How closely are you looking at a cat's whiskers, nose and paw pads?

The Bombay cat is a sleek, black cat with bright copper-golden eyes. Often called "mini panthers," they were bred in the 1950s by crossing Burmese and American Shorthair cats — two breeds of domestic shorthairs — in attempt to make the cats look like panthers.

But unlike wild black panthers, Bombay cats are known for being playful and affectionate. This relatively new breed of cat gained official recognition from cat fanciers' associations in the 1970s.

What Do Bombay Cats Look Like?

curious black cat — Black noses are the norm with Bombay cats. Elena Blanes / Shutterstock

Bombay cats are medium-sized cats with a muscular build. At first glance, a Bombay kitty might look like your average cat with black fur.

But upon closer look, you might notice that their noses and paw pads are also black. (Their black paw pads were inherited from their sable Burmese ancestors.) Even their whiskers are usually black.

They're also shinier than your average black cat. Their glossy coats have a patent leather-like shine, because they were specifically bred to look like a black panther.

What Type of Personality Do Bombay Cats Have?

Bombay cats are known for their affectionate and outgoing personalities, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. They thrive in environments where they can receive plenty of attention and stimulation, and their intelligence make them easy to train.

Bombay owners often describe them as having dog-like loyalty and an insatiable desire to interact with their humans.

How To Care For a Bombay Cat

Woman in a purple sweater holding a black cat — When it comes to care, Bombay cats need plenty of opportunities to play in addition to being cuddled by their humans. Viktor Sergeevich / Shutterstock

Because they're highly active and playful, Bombay cats love environments with plenty of opportunities to climb and explore. Cat trees, cat shelves and interactive toys are must-haves for Bombay kittens and adults alike.

Their sleek black fur is low-maintenance but benefits from regular brushing to maintain its shine.

Just like other cats, a high-quality diet, including wet food, is essential to meet a Bombay cat's nutritional needs. Healthy food is extra important for this breed to support their active lifestyle.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.