Bombay Cat Picture

Bombay cat - photograph copyright Helmi Flick
Please respect Helmi's copyright

The Bombay cat is a super, glossy, jet black, purebred cat with large copper eyes. It is nice to see the black cat celebrated. The adult black cat is apparently unpopular at cat rescue facilities. Yet, there is evidence that the black cat is potentially healthier than any other color and pattern. This Bombay cat picture is by the celebrated, American Helmi Flick, a professional cat photographer. She says that they are difficult to photograph because autofocus cameras cannot get a fix on the black, patent leather coat. Helmi has to use manual focus to ensure a sharp image.

The concept behind the Bombay cat was to create a black panther type domestic cat.  In that way it is an alternative to the wildcat hybrid concept. The breed was created in 1953 and it is fully recognised by the CFA. The Bombay is a hybrid cat from mating a Burmese with a black American Shorthair. Cats of this breed have a Burmese cat personality: relaxed, friendly and intelligent. The cover of the beautiful book on cats, Legacy of the Cat features a Bombay cat. Click here to read and see more.