Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
With its glossy, jet-black coat, rounded head, and brilliant golden eyes, the Bombay cat resembles a miniature panther, but that’s about where the similarity ends. In Bombay, there is no wild blood. The Bombay is one of the most friendly cats around, which makes it the ideal combination of exotic appearance and charming personality.
Because the Bombay is a hybrid breed, it was created by fusing two different breeds. To develop the Bombay, the American Shorthair and Burmese breeds were crossed.
The cats of Bombay didn’t get the memo that cats are supposedly autonomous creatures. Bombays prefer interacting with people and have been seen following you around the house, wrapping themselves to your legs as you go. If you spend a lot of time away from home working or traveling, a Bombay may not be the best breed choice. The Bombay is similarly short, stocky, and strong, but is noticeably longer than the Burmese. Bombays get along with friendly dogs and other cats, especially if they were raised together.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: About 8 to 15 pounds
- LENGTH: About 13 to 20 inches
- COAT: Fine and short, with a satin-like texture and a shimmering, patent leather sheen
- COAT COLOR: Black
- EYE COLOR: Ranging from gold to copper
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
Characteristics of the Bombay Cat
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Medium |
History of the Bombay Cat
Nikki Horner, a cat breeder, developed the Bombay as we know it in the United States in order to produce a cat breed that resembled a miniature panther. Thoughtful matings of Burmese and American Shorthair cats eventually gave rise to a breed that looked like the Burmese but had a jet-black coat, even if it took her many years. She gave it the name Bombay in homage to the Indian black panther, which served as Horner’s model for the new species.
The two founding breeds gave the Bombay various features. With a few exceptions, the Burmese and Bombay have relatively comparable physical forms. Bombays are gregarious, sociable individuals that enjoy playing with kids as long as they are gentle. They’ll also run into those who are very interested. While the Bombay will be highly social and curious, similar to the Burmese, it will also have a laid-back attitude like the American Shorthair.
The Bombay championship title was given by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1976. In 1979, the International Cat Association approved the Bombay. Outcrosses to either sable Burmese or black American Shorthairs are still permitted under the Bombay breed criteria.
Cat Care in Bangalore
The Bombay’s short, satiny coat is exceptionally easy to care for. Simply brush this cat’s fur once a week or rub it with a soft chamois cloth to bring out the patent-leather luster. The Bombay cat is exceedingly tidy and sheds very little. Baths every so often keep the coat feeling and looking silky and lustrous. To find a nearby cat exhibit, perform a Google search for “cat show near me.” If anything about the ears appears odd, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. If your pet’s ears seem a little dirty, clean them at home using a cotton ball or piece of gauze and an ear cleanser that is appropriate for use on animals (a cotton swab can harm the ear drum).
the energetic and inquisitive Bombay cat. Bombay kittens first seem to have an endless supply of energy, but as they become older, after a brief period of play and exploration, they become more comfortable and content to cuddle on your lap. Even Bombay-born grownups are always up for a game or to play. Bombay cats are particularly fond of puzzle toys because they require cats to move them physically in order to get treats or food. Some individuals even enjoy playing fetch like a dog. Bombay cats are relatively trainable and intelligent. Some Bombay residents are comfortable walking with a leash and harness.
All cats instinctively scratch, which is good for their overall well-being. But you should instruct your cat not to scratch certain areas (i.e., the couch). Give your Bombay a variety of appropriate scratching surfaces, like as vertical scratching poles or cat trees as well as horizontal cardboard or sisal scratchers.
Common Health Problems
Even while Bombay cats are normally healthy and enjoy long lives, the breed is known to be predisposed to a few hereditary illnesses. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which thickens the heart walls, excessive eye tearing, and probable breathing issues brought on by the breed’s reduced muzzle are among these ailments. To avoid breeding sick cats, responsible Bombay breeders carefully organize each breeding. When researching potential cat breeders, find out if they offer a health guarantee for their kittens.
Food intake and diet
Obesity is a threat to all cats. Due of their stocky build, it is extremely important to watch your Bombay’s weight gain. Weight-related illnesses including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, which the Bombay is more susceptible to than other breeds, can be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight. Excessive quantities of mindless nibbling may arise from free feeding or leaving food out all day. Feed adult cats measured portions as an alternative, twice daily (kittens should eat three to four smaller meals per day). Consult your breeder or veterinarian for suggestions on a high-quality diet for your Bombay.
Pros
- Sincere and energetic
- Low shedding, simple to maintain, and friendly to both people and other animals
Cons
- Unusual or challenging to find
- Demands a lot of attention and doesn’t work well when left alone.
The best places to buy or adopt a Bombay cat
In comparison to certain other breeds, the Bombay is less well-known. There aren’t many breeders in North America, so you might need to do some digging if you’re looking for a kitten there. Burmese cats are regularly produced by Bombay cat breeders. The Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association both maintain a list of active breeders on their separate websites. You might also visit a nearby cat exhibition to talk to reputable breeders and get a close-up look at several cat breeds. Every two weeks, give your Bombay’s nails a trim, and make sure their ears aren’t red or excessively filthy every two weeks. Breeders often find new homes for Bombays who need to be rehomed, although it does happen infrequently for one to land up at an animal shelter.
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
If you like the Bombay cat, you might also like these cat breeds:
- Bengal American Shorthair from Burma
If not, browse through all of our other cat breed articles to find the perfect cat for you and your household.
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