Bombay Cat
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Finding and adopting a Bombay cat from shelters and breed-specific rescues. What to expect and preparation tips.
Finding a Bombay to Adopt
Most people never consider that Bombays can be adopted rather than bought. Breed-specific rescues — many of them run by long-time breed-club members — rehome purebred dogs from owner surrenders, estate situations, and municipal shelters that would not know what to do with the breed. Adoption fees typically cover vetting, so what you pay is usually less than a breeder deposit.
Weighing around 6-11 lbs and lifespan of 12-16 yrs, the Bombay benefits from care tailored to its physical and behavioral profile. Among medium breeds in their breed group, the Bombay stands out for its specific mix of physical characteristics and behavioral tendencies.
Health Awareness: Predispositions seen in Bombays include HCM, breathing issues, excessive tearing.
Breed-Specific Rescues
Among medium breeds in their breed group, the Bombay stands out for its specific mix of physical characteristics and behavioral tendencies. Bombays with moderate energy levels strike a good balance between activity and relaxation.
- Size: medium (6-11 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Shedding: Light
- Lifespan: 12-16 yrs
Shelter Adoption
Knowledge of breed-level risks helps you prioritize, but individual monitoring drives the most effective care decisions.. Practical Bombays care is shaped by three things: medium size, light shedding, and a known predisposition to HCM and breathing issues.
What to Expect
- Maintain a weekly grooming routine
Preparing Your Home
First Days Home
Breed-aware owners tend to catch things earlier, which matters. Watch for early signs of HCM, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your cat at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions this breed is prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Bombays
Keeping up with preventive veterinary care is one of the most important things you can do for your Bombay. These are baseline recommendations.
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, HCM screening, Breathing Issues screening, Excessive Tearing screening |
Bombays should receive breed-specific screening for HCM starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. Screening before symptoms appear makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Cost of Bombay Ownership
More Bombay Guides
Continue learning about Bombay care with these comprehensive breed-specific guides.
- Bombay Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Bombay Pet Insurance Cost
- Bombay Grooming Guide
- Bombay Health Issues
- Bombay Temperament & Personality
- Bombay Cost of Ownership
- Bombays and Children
- Bombay Lifespan Guide
Bombay Cat Questions Owners Ask
What are the most important considerations for adopting a bombay cat?
A Bombay is a sleek black shorthair built like a Burmese: muscular and interested in people. Ask for a heart history, and expect a cat that follows you rather than a cat that lives on a windowsill alone.
A Bombay in rescue is a short-haired black cat that wants company and heat. Ask why the cat was surrendered, whether it lived with other cats, and what the last FeLV and FIV tests showed. Dental disease and a heart murmur are worth a vet check in the first week. The coat is easy. The social need is the part that makes a Bombay fail in a house where everyone is gone all day.