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 pocket-sized black panther, and the breed is named for the black leopard of India, not the city. Bombays are medium-sized and heavier than they look, with a short satin coat that is black to the roots and round eyes from gold to copper.
Many Bombays are affectionate, curious and playful without being frantic. Some learn fetch or walk on a harness. In Milwaukee, a Bombay-labeled cat is often a sleek black domestic shorthair with the same look, so each cat's personality matters more than the label. Expect a cat that wants to be involved in your day, and plan on indoor living.