Bombay Cats for Adoption in Milwaukee, WI

Your guide to finding and caring for a Bombay in Milwaukee

A Bombay suits Milwaukee's bungalows and Polish flats, where a cat that wants company has plenty of windows to watch from. In Riverwest or Layton Park, that sleek black coat looks right at home on a sunny sill, and the cat will probably follow you from room to room. Bombays like to play, so a wand toy and a tall cat tree go a long way through the long winters. They do best with someone around for part of the day.

594 Bombays available in Milwaukee and nationwide

Open your home to a Bombay

While we don't have enough cats near Milwaukee, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Bombays Available for Adoption Near Milwaukee

About the Bombay breed

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.

Weight
6–12 lbs
Height
8–10 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Temperament
Affectionate, Social, Playful
Shedding
Low

Owning a Bombay in Milwaukee

Having a Bombay in Milwaukee

The Bombay's glossy coat is easy to keep up, but its attachment to people takes more time. Sociability, play drive and a good appetite all shape which households suit these cats best, and how well they handle a Milwaukee winter indoors.

Temperament

Bombays tend to be affectionate, outgoing and keen to be part of things, and many greet visitors instead of hiding. Some bond closely with one person and dislike long stretches alone. They often accept other cats and calm dogs after gradual introductions, though each cat's history and socialization shape how it behaves.

Exercise Needs

Most Bombays enjoy daily interactive play with wand toys, chase games and fetch, and some take to harness training. In Milwaukee's long cold season, indoor play carries most of the load. Food puzzles and short trick sessions add mental exercise, and regular play helps keep this sturdy, food-motivated breed at a healthy weight.

Health Considerations

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, 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. A veterinarian can check the heart, weight and teeth at regular exams, and measured meals and dental care help.

Living Space

Much of Milwaukee is rentals, and a Bombay adapts well to an apartment, duplex or house if it has company and things to climb. Window perches, a cat tree and scratching posts matter more than floor space. A home where someone is around part of the day often suits them best.

What it costs to own a Bombay in Milwaukee

ExpenseTypical costPer year
Food$25 to $50 per month$300 to $600
Pet insurance$30 to $60 per month$360 to $720
Routine vet care$150 to $350 per year$150 to $350
Other*$462 to $1,174 per year$462 to $1,174
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$1,272 to $2,844

Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.

* Litter, the Milwaukee County cat license ($12 altered, $24 intact), flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and other supplies, and minimal home grooming.

Adopt a Bombay in Milwaukee.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have cats available in and near Milwaukee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only in a closed carrier. MCTS buses, including the CONNECT 1 line, and The Hop streetcar allow animals only in a closed carrier that fits on the rider's lap, unless it's a service animal. A medium Bombay of 6 to 12 pounds fits a well-sized carrier. Practice carrier time at home first so the ride stays calm.

Yes, as indoor cats. Milwaukee has about 123 freezing nights a year and January lows near 17°F, and a Bombay's short satin coat gives little protection outdoors. Indoors, a heated bed, sunny window perch and daily play keep it comfortable and active. Never leave a Bombay outside in winter, even briefly.

Yes. Milwaukee has no breed-specific rules for cats. You'll need a county license for any cat over five months, proof of rabies vaccination, and a microchip registered with a recovery database. Households can have no more than four dogs, cats and rabbits combined without a permit, and apartments allow four at most.

Yes, a Bombay usually does well in a Milwaukee apartment. Window perches, a cat tree and daily play matter more than square footage, and its low shedding keeps upkeep easy. Plan for company, since many Bombays dislike long days alone. Remember that multi-family buildings cap pets at four dogs, cats and rabbits combined.

For many households, yes. Milwaukee's long winters keep cats indoors, which suits a people-focused, playful Bombay, and its bungalows, duplexes and flats offer plenty of window space. It fits best where someone is home part of the day and will play daily. Each cat's personality varies, so look at the individual cat.

Very little. A Bombay's short satin coat needs a weekly brush or wipe-down to stay glossy, and Milwaukee's dry winter indoor air may add a little dander. Occasional eye wiping, nail trims and dental care round it out. Professional grooming is rarely needed, and the cost fits within the Other line of the cost table.

Expect roughly $25 to $50 a month for food and $30 to $60 for insurance. Routine vet care typically runs $150 to $350 a year, and other costs such as litter, the county license, prevention and dental care add $462 to $1,174. Together that comes to about $1,270 to $2,850 a year.

Find Bombays in Nearby Cities

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