Bombays were developed in the United States starting in the 1950s, when Nikki Horner of Kentucky crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs, hoping for a miniature black panther. The name comes from India's black leopard, not the city. The result is a medium, muscular cat, usually 6 to 12 pounds, with a satiny coat that's black to the roots, black paw pads and round gold-to-copper eyes.
Bombays are affectionate, social and playful, and many greet visitors instead of hiding. The short coat needs little care, but their appetite and attachment to people need attention. Pedigreed Bombays are uncommon in shelters, and many sleek black cats listed under this name are domestic shorthairs with the same look, so each cat's personality matters more than the label.