Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, including links to Amazon.com. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.

🐾 Start Here: Free Adventure Cat Starter Kit →

Questions to Ask a Bombay Breeder Before You Buy (2026)

Finding a reputable Bombay breeder is the most important decision you'll make as a Bombay owner. Here's the complete checklist before you place a deposit.

Quick Breeder Checklist

Before placing a deposit, confirm:

✅ Can discuss cardiac health testing for breeding cats
✅ Releases kittens after socialization and veterinary milestones are complete
✅ Provides recognized registry paperwork
✅ Offers a written health guarantee
✅ Will answer questions without pressure
✅ Screens buyers as carefully as you screen them

The Most Important Question First

What cardiac health testing has been performed on the parents?

HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is the primary health concern in Bombay cats. Ask specifically what cardiac screening has been performed on the breeding cats and request documentation when available. Many responsible breeders perform regular cardiac screening as part of their health program and should be able to discuss it clearly. If a breeder can't answer this question or dismisses it, that warrants extra scrutiny. See: Bombay Cat Health Problems

Questions to Ask Before Sending a Deposit

Health and Cardiac Screening

What cardiac health testing has been performed on the parents? Can you provide documentation?
What is your health-testing program for breeding cats?
Is there any history of HCM in your lines?
Is there any history of respiratory issues or craniofacial defects in your lines?
What vaccinations will the kitten have before going home?
Will the kitten be microchipped before going home?
What health guarantee does the contract include?
What is the process if a kitten develops a genetic condition after purchase?

Breeder Practices

Are your cats registered with TICA or another recognized registry? Can I see the paperwork?
How long have you been breeding Bombay cats?
How many litters do you produce per year?
Do you require a spay/neuter contract for pet-quality kittens?
Can I visit your cattery in person or see a video call of where kittens are raised?
Do you have a waitlist? How long is it currently?

Kitten Socialization

How are kittens socialized — exposure to children, dogs, handling, different people, noise?
Are kittens raised underfoot in the home or in a separate cattery space?
Have any kittens been introduced to a harness or carrier?
Which kitten in the litter would you recommend for an active or adventure household?
What is each kitten's individual personality like?

For what to look for in an adventure-suitable kitten, see: Bombay Cat Temperament and Are Bombay Cats Good Outdoor Cats?

Questions You Should Be Worried If a Breeder Won't Answer

A reputable breeder answers these without hesitation. Evasion, deflection, or irritation at being asked are red flags.

Cardiac health testing — what screening has been done and whether documentation is available
Health guarantee details — what's covered, for how long, and what the process is
HCM history in their lines — a responsible breeder tracks this
Registry status — pedigree documentation should be available for both parents
Age of kitten release — kittens released before socialization and veterinary milestones are complete warrant scrutiny; 12 weeks is a useful benchmark
Where kittens are raised — should be willing to show you via visit or video call

Red Flags to Watch For

❌ Unable or unwilling to discuss cardiac health testing
❌ Kittens released unusually young, especially before socialization and veterinary milestones are complete
❌ No recognized registry documentation or unclear pedigree records
❌ Unable or unwilling to show you where kittens are raised
❌ No health guarantee in the contract
❌ Price significantly below the typical range without explanation
❌ Pressure to decide quickly or pay a deposit before you've asked questions

What a Reputable Breeder Will Ask You

A good Bombay breeder interviews buyers as thoroughly as you interview them. Expect questions about your living situation, experience with cats, other pets, and your plans for the cat's lifestyle. Bombays are generally social, people-oriented cats, so a responsible breeder may ask how much daily interaction and companionship your household can provide. If a breeder asks nothing and just takes your deposit, that's a red flag.

How to Verify a Bombay Breeder Online

Search the breeder's registered cattery name — confirm it appears in TICA or another recognized registry database.
Check whether registration information matches the breeder's claims — names, locations, and registration numbers should be consistent.
Look for consistent photos and kitten histories — reputable breeders typically have a documented history of litters and placements.
Search for independent buyer experiences — look beyond the breeder's own website and social media for third-party reviews or forum mentions.
Confirm the contract before sending a deposit — request a copy of the purchase agreement and health guarantee before committing.
Avoid relying solely on social-media testimonials — these are easy to curate; independent sources carry more weight.

Price Expectations

Pet quality Bombay kittens from reputable breeders typically run $500–1,500, though prices can be higher depending on pedigree, breeder reputation, and location. See: How Much Does a Bombay Cat Cost?

After You Bring Your Kitten Home

Start harness training early — Bombay cats are people-focused and receptive as kittens. Their owner-oriented temperament makes training intuitive. See: Best Cat Harnesses for Outdoor Adventures. Establish a relationship with a vet familiar with the breed and schedule annual wellness exams from year one. Ask your veterinarian whether ongoing cardiac monitoring is appropriate as your cat ages, particularly if there are concerns based on family history or clinical signs.