Bombays were developed in the United States beginning in the 1950s by Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky, who crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to get a miniature black panther. The name comes from the black leopard of India, not the city. They're medium-sized, usually 6 to 12 pounds, and muscular enough to feel heavier than they look. The short, satiny coat is black to the roots, with a black nose and paw pads and gold to copper eyes.
Many Bombays are affectionate, curious and playful, with a moderate voice, and some learn fetch or harness walking. Pedigreed Bombays are uncommon in shelters. A sleek black cat with copper eyes listed as a Bombay is often a domestic shorthair with the same look, so each cat's personality matters more than the label. In Vegas, expect a people-loving cat that thrives in a cool indoor home with plenty of play.