Your guide to finding and caring for a Bombay in Wheaton
Open your home to a Bombay
F, 2 mo., 465 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 8 y., 481 miles
Bombay
F, 12 y., 481 miles
Bombay
M, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay
M, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
M, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
F, 0-6 mo., 255 miles
Bombay, Domestic Short Hair
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 cat that looked like a miniature black panther. The result is a medium-sized, surprisingly solid cat with a short, satiny coat that is black to the roots, black nose and paw pads, and round eyes in shades of gold to deep copper.
Many Bombays are people-focused, playful and curious, often following their humans from room to room and claiming laps once the day winds down. Some learn to fetch or walk on a harness. 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 individual cat's personality matters more than the label.
Having a Bombay in Wheaton
A Bombay's glossy black coat is easy to care for, but its attachment to people asks more of an adopter's time. Knowing how its sociability, play drive and appetite show up at home helps match a cat to the household it will share.
Bombays tend to be affectionate, outgoing and keen to be involved, and many greet visitors rather than hide. Some become attached to one person and dislike long stretches alone. They often accept other cats and calm dogs after gradual introductions. Individual history and socialization shape behavior, and some cats take longer to warm up to handling.
Most Bombays enjoy daily interactive play with wand toys, chase games and fetch, and some take to harness walks with patient training. Food puzzles and short trick sessions add mental exercise. Their muscular build and strong appetite make regular play an important part of weight control, while older cats usually prefer shorter, 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. Regular veterinary exams, measured meals and dental care help, and adopters should ask for any available heart screening records.
A Bombay can settle into an apartment or a house when 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 for part of the day often suits them, and indoor living keeps them safe.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $125, one time | $125 in year one |
| 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* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,260 to $2,820 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,385 to $2,945 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Bombay listings in Wheaton on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Bombays; we don't have costs specific to Wheaton yet.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and other supplies, and minimal home grooming for the short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Bombays available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Wheaton area where you can find Bombays and other cats available for adoption.
We have 1 rescue with Bombays available: Whisker Mission. You can see every rescue with Bombays available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Bombays near Wheaton.
Expand your search to find Bombays available for adoption near Wheaton.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Wheaton.
