Your guide to finding and caring for a Bombay in Des Moines
A Bombay suits the brick bungalows of Beaverdale or a converted Victorian apartment in Sherman Hill. These cats like being in the middle of things, so expect one to follow you from the kitchen to the couch and claim the window with the best view of the street. They stay indoors, which works in a city where January nights drop into the teens. Plan on daily play with a wand toy and a lap in the evening.
Open your home to a Bombay
While we don't have enough cats near Des Moines, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 858 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 858 miles
Bombay
F, 3-7 y., 862 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 3-7 y., 862 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 3-7 y., 862 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 0-6 mo., 862 miles
Bombay
M, 0-6 mo., 862 miles
Bombay
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 862 miles
Bombay
F, 0-6 mo., 862 miles
Bombay
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 862 miles
Bombay
Bombays were developed in the United States beginning in the 1950s, when Nikki Horner of Kentucky crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to create a miniature black panther. The result is a medium-sized, solid cat, usually 6 to 12 pounds, with a short satiny coat that is black to the roots, black nose and paw pads, and round gold to copper eyes.
Many Bombays are affectionate, playful and curious, and they often trail their people from room to room before settling into a lap at night. Some learn fetch or harness walking. Pedigreed Bombays are uncommon in shelters, and most sleek black cats with copper eyes listed under this name are domestic shorthairs who share the look, so the cat's own personality matters more than the label.
Having a Bombay in Des Moines
A Bombay's glossy coat needs little upkeep, but its attachment to people asks for time. In a Des Moines winter, when everyone spends more hours indoors, that sociability and play drive show up daily, along with a healthy appetite.
Bombays tend to be affectionate, outgoing and eager to be involved, and many greet visitors instead of hiding. Some bond closely with one person and dislike long stretches alone, which matters on long Des Moines commutes. Many accept other cats and calm dogs after gradual introductions, though history and socialization shape each cat.
Most Bombays enjoy daily interactive play with wand toys, chase games and fetch. Food puzzles and short trick sessions add mental exercise on snowy days when outdoor time is out. Their muscular build and strong appetite make regular play important for weight control. Some take to harness walks with patient training, while older cats usually prefer gentler sessions.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been reported in Bombays, and some have watery eyes that need occasional wiping. Like many sturdy, food-motivated cats, they can gain weight easily, which raises the risk of diabetes and joint strain, especially in a long indoor winter. A veterinarian can check the heart and weight, and measured meals and dental care help.
A Bombay settles into a Des Moines bungalow or a downtown apartment as long as it has company, play and places to climb. Window perches, cat trees and scratching posts matter more than floor space. Because many crave attention, a home where someone is around part of the day often suits them, and indoor living keeps them safe.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $30 to $60 per month | $360 to $720 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $465 to $1,165 per year | $465 to $1,165 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,275 to $2,835 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* The $15 Des Moines license for a spayed or neutered cat, litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and other supplies, and minimal grooming tools for the short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Des Moines.
Des Moines' shelters and rescues care for cats of every age, including sleek black shorthairs with the Bombay look. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Des Moines area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether a Bombay is coming in.
Yes. Des Moines has no breed rules for cats, since its breed-specific rules apply to certain dogs. You'll need to license your Bombay once it's six months old and keep its rabies vaccination current. Pedigreed Bombays are uncommon, so many adopters bring home a black shorthair with the Bombay look and personality.
Yes, a Bombay usually does well in a Des Moines apartment. It's a medium, fairly quiet cat that cares more about company, a window perch and a tall cat tree than square footage. Because many dislike long days alone, it suits renters who work from home or keep regular hours. Check your lease for pet fees.
A Bombay can be a good fit if you're home a fair amount. It enjoys play, lap time and following you around, which suits the long indoor stretch of a Des Moines winter. It's less ideal for someone away most days, since many Bombays get lonely. Cats vary, so spend time with the cat first.
Yes, as long as they live indoors. Des Moines has roughly 45 days a year when the high never rises above freezing, and a Bombay's short coat offers little protection outside. Inside, give it a warm bed away from drafts, a sunny window perch and plenty of play so it doesn't gain weight while snowed in.
No. DART buses don't allow pets other than service animals, and no exception for carriers is listed. Plan vet visits by car with a secure, well-ventilated carrier, and expect a vocal passenger, since many Bombays are chatty. A familiar blanket in the carrier helps the cat stay calmer on the road.
Very little. The short, satiny coat needs a weekly brushing or a rubber grooming mitt to keep the shine, plus occasional nail trims and a wipe of watery eyes. Dry winter air can make skin flaky, so brush gently. Grooming costs are minor and fall under the Other line in the cost table.
Plan on about $25 to $50 a month for food, $30 to $60 a month for insurance, $150 to $350 a year for routine vet care, and $465 to $1,165 a year for everything else, including the license and litter. Together that's roughly $1,275 to $2,835 a year, depending on insurance, dental needs and supplies.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Des Moines.
