Bombay Cats for Adoption in Kansas City, MO

Your guide to finding and caring for a Bombay in Kansas City

A Bombay suits Kansas City's loft and apartment scene, because it's happiest indoors and close to its people. In a converted brick warehouse in the West Bottoms or a Waldo apartment, a window perch and a wand toy go a long way. Bombays tend to follow you from room to room, so they do best when someone's home for part of the day. The label matters less than the cat, since many black cats listed as Bombays are shorthairs with the same sleek look.

597 Bombays available in Kansas City and nationwide

Open your home to a Bombay

While we don't have enough cats near Kansas City, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Bombays Available for Adoption Near Kansas City

About the Bombay breed

The Bombay was developed in the United States starting in the 1950s, when Nikki Horner of Kentucky crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs. The goal was a miniature black panther, and the result is a medium-sized, muscular cat that feels heavier than it looks. The short, satiny coat is black to the roots, with a black nose and paw pads and round eyes from gold to deep copper.

Many Bombays are people-focused, playful and curious, and 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. In a Kansas City household, the cat's own personality and history matter more than the label, so spend time with the cat before deciding.

Weight
6–12 lbs
Height
8–10 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Temperament
Affectionate, Social, Playful
Shedding
Low

Owning a Bombay in Kansas City

Having a Bombay in Kansas City

A Bombay's glossy 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.

Temperament

Bombays tend to be affectionate, outgoing and keen to be involved, and many greet visitors rather than hide. Some bond closely with one person and dislike long stretches alone, which matters for Kansas City commuters. They often accept other cats and calm dogs after gradual introductions, though history and socialization shape each cat.

Exercise Needs

Most Bombays enjoy daily interactive play with wand toys, chase games and fetch, and some take to harness walks with patient training. In Kansas City, short indoor sessions work year-round, and a harness stroll suits mild days. Food puzzles add mental exercise, and regular play helps keep a food-motivated cat at a healthy weight.

Health Considerations

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, raising the risk of diabetes and joint strain. Regular veterinary exams, measured meals and dental care help, and a vet can check the heart and discuss screening.

Living Space

A Bombay can settle into a Kansas City 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. Many crave attention, so a home where someone is around part of the day often suits them, and indoor living keeps them safe.

What it costs to own a Bombay in Kansas City

ExpenseTypical costPer 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*$460 to $1,160 per year$460 to $1,160
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$1,270 to $2,830

Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.

* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and other supplies, the $10 Kansas City cat license, and minimal home grooming for the short coat.

Adopt a Bombay in Kansas City.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Kansas City.

Rescues and Shelters in or near Kansas City

Kansas City's shelters and rescues care for many cats, and black cats with a Bombay look turn up among them from time to time. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Kansas City area with cats available for adoption, worth asking whether a Bombay is coming in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only on buses and only in a carrier. RideKC allows service animals and small pets in cages or carriers. The KC Streetcar doesn't allow pets at all, apart from ADA service animals. Choose a secure, ventilated carrier roomy enough for a medium-sized Bombay to turn around, and get the cat used to it before any trip.

Yes, as long as the cat lives indoors. Kansas City sees up to 47 days a year at 90°F or higher and roughly 93 to 107 freezing nights, so a Bombay's short coat needs steady home heating and air conditioning. Provide warm perches in winter and shaded, cool spots in summer, and keep fresh water available.

Yes, Kansas City has no known breed restrictions on cats. Cats over 120 days old need a city license, $10 for one year or $27 for three, plus proof of current rabies vaccination. Each household can keep up to four dogs, cats or potbellied pigs combined, so count current pets before adopting.

Yes, Bombays usually adapt well to apartments. Prioritize vertical space like a cat tree and window perch, plus daily play to burn energy. Bombays are moderately chatty, but they rarely cause the noise issues dogs can. Get your landlord's pet deposit and rent terms in writing, since Missouri's deposit cap excludes pet deposits.

Often, if someone is home part of the day. Bombays crave company, so long workdays can be hard on them, though a second pet or a play routine may help. Fireworks are illegal in the city but still heard around July 4, so keep the cat indoors, with a microchip and a current ID tag.

Very little. A weekly rub with a rubber brush or soft cloth keeps the satiny coat glossy and handles light shedding. Dry indoor winter air can dull it, so a bit more brushing helps then. Wipe watery eyes gently as needed and brush teeth if the cat allows. Professional grooming is rarely needed.

Expect roughly $1,270 to $2,830 a year for a Bombay in Kansas City. Food runs $25 to $50 a month, insurance $30 to $60 a month, routine vet care $150 to $350 a year, and other costs $460 to $1,160 a year, including the city license and litter.

Find Bombays in Nearby Cities

Expand your search to find Bombays available for adoption near Kansas City.