Cat Breed Comparison
Bombay vs Havana Brown: Key Differences
Bombay and Havana Brown are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bombay | Havana Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 10–15 years |
| Origin | United States (Kentucky, 1950s) | United Kingdom (1950s) |
Visual Differences
Telling a Bombay from a Havana Brown
Bombays are solid black with copper eyes and a short, flat muzzle. Havana Browns are chocolate with green eyes and a distinctly narrow, square-ended muzzle.
Bombay Key Markers
- Solid black coat from nose to tail-tip — every single hair must be black to the root, with no white hairs, no darkening along the spine, and no fading or rusting to brown; the CFA standard disqualifies any white spotting, locket, or ticking; the coat is short, fine, and satin-lay-flat, taking on a high-gloss lacquered sheen that the breed standard calls "a polished patent-leather gleam"
- Large, round copper to deep gold eyes set wide apart — the warmer and more brilliant the copper, the better; the contrast between the glowing copper eyes and the jet-black coat is the breed’s hallmark aesthetic; kittens are born with blue eyes that transition through hazel to their final copper shade by 6-8 months of age
- Rounded, broad head with a short, flat muzzle and full cheeks — inherited from the Burmese parent but the black pigment makes the contours less visible than on a brown Burmese; the head should have no flat planes, corners, or angular features
Havana Brown Key Markers
- Solid rich warm brown coat, the same shade through the hair shaft, with no white, no tabby, and no shading. The brown even covers the whiskers, nose leather, and paw pads.
- Distinctive muzzle: narrow and rounded with a pronounced whisker break, and a chin that makes the profile look almost square. Nose tip and chin line up nearly perpendicular.
- Vivid green eyes, oval and wide-set. Any deep level of green qualifies, and deeper color scores higher in the show ring.
Temperament & Personality
Bombay
- Extremely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, wants to be held, and sleeps on or next to their person every night; Bombays have been described as "velcro cats" for how closely they attach themselves to their chosen humans
- Playful and mischievous — retains kitten energy into adulthood; loves fetch, interactive toys, cat trees, and puzzle feeders; invents its own games when toys are not available
- Intelligent and trainable — learns to walk on a leash, responds to its name, opens cabinets, and solves food puzzles; needs mental stimulation or it finds its own entertainment
- Social with children, strangers, and other pets — Bombays are confident and outgoing, rarely shy or skittish; they often become the center of attention at social gatherings
- Moderately vocal — has a distinctive soft, sweet voice that the breed community describes as "mini-roar"; communicates needs clearly but without the loud insistence of a Siamese
- Needs company — does not tolerate being left alone for long hours; does best in households where someone is home during the day or with another cat for company
Havana Brown
- Intelligent and inquisitive, but watches and waits rather than forcing its way into things
- Uses its paws to communicate, reaching out to touch people and investigate new objects
- Moderately active and playful; some bond to one person, others greet everyone
- Gets along with other cats and dogs, often curling up to sleep in a pile
- Quiet and affectionate; breeders often recommend getting two for company
Health Notes
Bombay
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — inherited from Burmese ancestry; the breed shares the same genetic risk factors as the Burmese; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats; symptoms include lethargy, difficulty breathing, and sudden collapse
- Craniofacial defect — a fatal congenital malformation linked to the brachycephalic ALX1 gene mutation carried in American Burmese lines; homozygous affected kittens present with severe skull and facial deformities and must be euthanized; responsible breeders DNA-test breeding cats to avoid pairing carriers
- Hypokalaemia (Burmese hypokalemia) — a genetic condition inherited from Burmese ancestry causing episodic muscle weakness, head-tilting, and transient paresis due to low blood potassium; diagnosed through bloodwork and managed with oral potassium supplementation; DNA testing available for at-risk lines
- Dental disease — the compact muzzle structure contributes to tooth crowding and a predisposition to early gingivitis; the breed needs regular dental care starting from young adulthood; annual professional cleanings recommended
- Obesity — the compact, muscular body type combined with a love of food makes weight management an ongoing priority; Bombays are prone to packing on weight that strains their joints and shortens their lifespan; measured portions and scheduled feeding are better than free-feeding
Havana Brown
- No breed-specific genetic conditions are documented. Veterinary sources describe the Havana Brown as overall healthy, with nothing unique to the breed.
- Obesity and diabetes. Excess weight is the main health threat, raising the risk of diabetes, lower urinary tract disease, and arthritis; portion control matters.
- Calcium oxalate stones. Some sources note a tendency toward calcium oxalate urinary stones; a high-moisture diet and fresh water help prevent them.
- Dental disease. Regular brushing and annual cleanings are advised, as with any cat.
- Small gene pool. The breed is rare; CFA approved a regulated outcrossing program in 2019 using Oriental Shorthairs, point Siamese, and black or blue domestic shorthairs, so buyers should seek breeders who DNA-test their cats.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a Bombay apart from a Havana Brown?
Bombays are solid black with copper eyes and a short, flat muzzle. Havana Browns are chocolate with green eyes and a distinctly narrow, square-ended muzzle.
Are Bombay cats like panthers?
Yes in looks, not in temperament — the Bombay was bred to resemble a miniature black panther with its solid black coat and glowing copper eyes. In personality it is a gentle, affectionate companion that loves attention, play, and being held.
Are Havana Brown cats hypoallergenic?
No — Havana Browns are not hypoallergenic. Their short, undercoat-free coat sheds less than many breeds, but they still produce the Fel d 1 protein that triggers allergies.
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
Bombay
A Burmese in black patent leather — the Bombay was bred to look like a miniature black panther. Solid black from nose to tail-tip, with striking copper-gold eyes and a surprisingly heavy, muscular body packed into a medium frame. Affectionate, playful, and people-oriented, Bombays are attention seekers who form deep bonds with their humans.
Havana Brown
A medium-size cat in a solid rich brown coat, with green eyes, brown whiskers, and a muzzle that stands apart from the rest of the face. Bred in England from Siamese and black domestic crosses, the Havana Brown is intelligent, affectionate, and rarer than its looks suggest.