Bombays are glossy solid black cats with a muscular build, and have characteristic large bright copper-golden eyes.

American-type Bombays were developed by crossbreeding sable American Burmese and black American Shorthair cats,[1][5] to produce a cat of mostly Burmese type, but with a sleek, panther-like black coat with copper-golden eyes.

[1][6] The British-type Bombay originated from three mismatings of European Burmese with black domestic short-haired cats.

In 2023, only 160 kittens of the total Asian group were pedigreed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

"[2][5] The Bombay is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese.

[1][4] Their weight ranges between 2.5–5 kg (5.5–11.0 lb),[1] with males typically being heavier than females.

The muzzle is short, with a moderate nose “stop” which is visible (not a break).

[2][3] Coat: Short, dense and shiny, tight to the body, with a lacquered sheen.

[16] The personality of the Bombay tends to be highly social, is marked by strong attachment to families, and is typified by craving attention.