Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Bombay cat was developed in the United States in the mid-20th century by breeder Nikki Horner, who aimed to create a domestic cat resembling a miniature black panther. The breed originated from crossings between the American Shorthair and the Burmese cat. From the Burmese, the Bombay inherited a muscular body and expressive golden eyes, while the American Shorthair contributed its deep black coat. The breed was officially registered in the 1970s and gradually gained recognition as an elegant and rare feline. Today, the Bombay is prized for its glossy black appearance, balanced proportions, affectionate nature, and its embodiment of the “miniature panther.”
General Appearance
The Bombay is an elegant, medium-sized cat with well-developed muscles and a harmonious, rounded body. Its appearance combines grace and strength, evoking the look of a small panther. The body is solid but not heavy, with smooth lines and rounded contours. A defining feature of the breed is its short, close-lying, jet-black coat with a glossy sheen that emphasizes the sleek body. The head is round with a broad skull and gentle transitions. The eyes are large, round, and expressive, usually a vivid gold or copper color, creating a striking contrast with the coat. The overall impression is one of balance and refinement, without exaggeration or coarseness.
Important Proportions
The Bombay’s proportions are symmetrical and balanced. The body length slightly exceeds its height at the shoulders, giving a gently elongated silhouette. The head must be round and proportional to the body, with no sharp angles. The eyes are evenly spaced and set prominently. Ears are medium-sized, following the head’s rounded lines. The tail is proportional—not too long or short—and continues the body line gracefully. Legs are medium in length and well-boned. The breed’s essential trait is overall harmony, avoiding extremes of heaviness or delicacy.
Behavior and Temperament
The Bombay cat is calm, affectionate, and strongly people-oriented. It enjoys companionship and forms deep bonds with its owners, preferring constant contact and attention. Intelligent and playful yet not overly energetic, the Bombay adapts easily to home life. It learns quickly, interacts well with children, and generally tolerates other pets when socialized properly. Its temperament is even, neither dominant nor shy, making it an ideal family companion.
Head
The head is medium-sized, round, and well-proportioned. The forehead is gently curved, with a smooth transition to the muzzle. Cheeks are softly rounded; the chin is firm but not heavy. The skull is broad, without flat planes, giving a full, balanced look.
Facial Features
The face is round, with a short but not flattened muzzle that maintains a soft and pleasant expression. The cheeks are smooth, the nose is medium in length with a gentle curve, and the tip is rounded. The chin is strong and aligned with the profile. The overall effect is rounded harmony, free from sharp angles or excessive shortening.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and set wide apart, giving the face its characteristic expressiveness. The only acceptable colors are deep gold or copper, bright and rich, contrasting vividly with the black coat. The gaze is calm, intelligent, and gentle, reflecting the breed’s balanced nature.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, wide-set, and slightly tilted forward, continuing the rounded line of the head. Tips are softly rounded, and the base is broad but not coarse. The ears must not be pointed, overly large, or high-set.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong yet graceful, blending smoothly into the shoulders and chest. It should appear muscular without heaviness, maintaining the breed’s elegant balance.
Body
The body is medium in length, muscular, and compact, with a broad chest and firm back. The abdomen is tucked up, and the sides are gently rounded. The silhouette should convey both power and grace, reminiscent of a panther in miniature.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, straight, and evenly thick from base to tip, tapering slightly to a rounded end. It should continue the body line smoothly without kinks or abrupt changes in thickness.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, of medium length, and well-muscled. The shoulders are strong, the paws rounded and compact, with firm pads. The stance should be stable and straight, showing strength without bulkiness.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving a gentle rise toward the shoulders. Thighs are muscular, hocks firm, and paws rounded. The posture must be steady and well-balanced.
Gait and Movement
The Bombay moves with fluid, panther-like grace. The gait is smooth, soft, and confident, with precise, elastic steps. Movements should be free and flexible, never stiff or awkward.
Coat
The coat is short, close-lying, sleek, and silky, with a deep natural shine that gives a velvet-like appearance. Hair is even in length across the body, with minimal or no undercoat. The coat should emphasize the body’s curves and smooth contours.
Acceptable Colors
Only one color is permitted: pure, solid black from root to tip, with no shading or markings. Nose leather and paw pads must also be black. Eye color must be golden or copper—any other shade is unacceptable.
Size
Males typically weigh between 4–6 kg, females between 3–5 kg. The body height averages 25–30 cm at the shoulder. The physique must be medium, well-balanced, neither overly heavy nor fragile.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the standard such as an elongated or narrow head, sharp angles in profile, flat muzzle, pale or greenish eyes, dull or patchy coat, tail deformities, or imbalance in body proportions. Behavioral issues such as shyness or excessive aggression also count as faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying defects include the absence of solid black color, the presence of white hairs or spots, or eyes of any color other than gold or copper. Tail kinks, deformities, or shortening are also disqualifying. Genetic defects affecting health, such as jaw or limb deformities, and aggressive behavior preventing examination are grounds for disqualification. Animals lacking authentic ICCF documentation are excluded from shows and breeding.
Important Notes
The Bombay requires regular coat care to maintain its signature gloss and shine. Breeding within the ICCF system must follow strict standards—only cats that fully meet the breed criteria and hold official ICCF documents are eligible. Cats showing deviations in color or type must not be bred. Inbreeding is prohibited to preserve genetic health. Show and breeding evaluation prioritizes type expression, physical harmony, and calm temperament.
Conclusion
The Bombay cat is a rare and striking breed that unites beauty, strength, and balance in the form of a miniature panther. Its gentle, loyal temperament makes it an ideal companion. Within the ICCF system, only officially registered and standard-compliant cats may participate in shows and breeding programs. Proper selection ensures the preservation of the breed’s elegance, genetic health, and signature panther-like allure.
