Bombay Cats for Adoption in Seattle, WA

Bombays tend to be affectionate, outgoing and eager to be involved, and many greet visitors instead of hiding. Some bond closely with one person and dislike long days alone, which matters for Seattle commuters. Cats vary, though, and history and socialization shape each one, so some take longer to warm up to handling.

Plan on daily interactive play with wand toys, chase games or fetch, plus food puzzles on wet days. Seattle's rain keeps many people inside anyway, which makes indoor sessions easy to fit in. Some Bombays learn harness walks with patient training, but outings are optional. Regular play also helps keep this food-loving cat at a healthy weight.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been reported in Bombays, and some have watery eyes that need occasional wiping. They can gain weight easily, which raises the risk of diabetes and joint strain. Measured meals, regular exams and dental care help, and a veterinarian can check the heart and eyes. Indoor life also keeps a cat away from traffic and wildlife.

A Bombay does well in a Seattle apartment or house when it has window perches, a cat tree and scratching posts, since climbing space matters more than floor space. Many crave attention, so a home where someone is around part of the day suits them. Indoor living also suits Seattle's hilly, busy streets.

Winters run about 38 to 48°F and damp, and a Bombay's short coat gives little insulation, so expect it to claim sunny windows and warm laps. Occasional snow and windstorms can shut down hilly streets or cut power, so keep a few days of food, litter and a carrier ready. Antifreeze is deadly to cats, so wipe up any spills.

Spring runs about 44 to 60°F with frequent showers, so a window perch is prime entertainment as birds get active. Use secure screens on any open window, since a curious Bombay may leap at what it sees, especially in upper-floor apartments. Check a harness for fit before any outing, and wipe damp paws afterward.

Summers are short and mostly mild, with highs around 75°F, though about a month's worth of days reach 80°F and a few hit 90. Close curtains on sun-facing windows, keep fresh water out, and offer a cool, shaded spot. Never leave a cat in a car, and keep windows closed on smoky late-summer days.

Fall brings highs near 61°F, and rain returns in earnest by November, the start of the wettest stretch. Shorter days mean more time indoors, so keep up play sessions to hold weight steady. Windstorms can cut power, as the November 2024 storm did, so check your emergency kit and carrier before the season turns.

A Bombay's best spaces are at home: a window perch over the street or trees, a tall cat tree, and a safely screened balcony if your building allows one. Seattle's parks are set up mostly around dogs, so a harness walk is optional. If you try one, choose a quiet spot, keep the cat close, and avoid dawn and dusk, when coyotes are most active.

Seattle requires all cats to be licensed, and unaltered cats cost far more to license than spayed or neutered ones. Cats don't have to be leashed but can't be a nuisance. A household can have up to three dogs and cats combined on a typical lot. Seattle has no breed bans, and Washington law limits them statewide.

Renters are the majority in Seattle, about 58% of households, so a landlord's pet policy matters. The city caps the pet damage deposit at 25% of the first month's rent, allows one deposit per household, lets you pay it in three installments, and bans nonrefundable pet fees. Landlords may still charge pet rent or limit the number of pets.

Expect roughly $1,290 to $2,850 a year for a Bombay in Seattle: food at $25 to $50 a month, insurance at $30 to $60 a month, routine vet care at $150 to $350 a year, and $480 to $1,180 a year in other costs. One-time setup items like a carrier and cat tree are extra.