Bombays were developed in the United States starting in the 1950s, when Nikki Horner of Kentucky crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs, aiming for a miniature black panther. The result is a medium-sized, surprisingly solid cat with a short, satiny coat that's black to the roots, a black nose and paw pads, and round eyes in shades of gold to deep copper.
Many Bombays are people-focused, playful and curious, and they often claim a lap 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 each cat's personality matters more than the label.