Compare
Asian vs Bombay
Two sleek, people-loving shorthairs with almost no grooming; the Bombay is solid black and calmer, the Asian more active and varied.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized, sleek, glossy-coated cats that love company and need almost no grooming, and both dislike long absences. The Bombay is always solid black with copper to gold eyes, is calmer, scores top marks for affection, children and apartments, and has a CFA record. The Asian is a very rare British group shown in self, smoke, shaded and tabby varieties, with a higher energy level. The one thing that decides it is coat variety versus a calm black panther look.
Choose the Asian if
- You want a choice of self, smoke, shaded or tabby coats.
- You want the more lively and playful cat.
- You live in or near the United Kingdom.
- You accept that the group is very rare elsewhere.
Choose the Bombay if
- You want a jet-black coat with copper eyes.
- You want a calmer, adaptable cat for a family or a small home.
- You want the more affectionate cat, with top marks with children.
- You will ask your vet about sinus, nasal and gum problems.
Where they are alike
Both have sleek short coats that shed lightly and both depend on their people. Neither is a good choice for a home that is empty all day.
Side by side
| Asian | Bombay | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States, with a separate British type |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg); males are larger | 6-11 lb (2.5-5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Fine, short, satiny coat with a glossy sheen | Short, dense, close-lying coat with a patent-leather sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1976 |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to an Asian. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short, close coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Bombay. |
| Suits | A home that wants a lively, people-focused cat with a sleek coat and little grooming. | A family or single owner who wants an affectionate, adaptable cat with a coat that needs almost no grooming. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away much of the day, or who expects to find an Asian easily outside the United Kingdom. | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a cat that keeps its distance. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026