In this blog:
- Where does the Bombay cat come from?
- The character of a Bombay
- What does a Bombay cat look like: appearance and coat
- Hereditary diseases and conditions of a Bombay
- How old does a Bombay get?
- Taking care of a Bombay
- Buying a Bombay (kitten)
Where does the Bombay cat come from?
After numerous attempts, cat breeder Nikki Horner finally succeeded in breeding a jet-black cat with copper-brown eyes in 1965. She crossed black American Shorthair cats with dark brown Burmese cats, creating a new cat breed that resembles a small black panther. Not only that, but it also has an exceptionally gentle temperament. The breed was not immediately recognized as an official cat breed, with recognition by the CFA only occurring in 1976. The International Cat Association recognized the Bombay a year or so later.
However, the breed is still rare and is hardly found in Europe. The reason for this is not clear. Given the appearance, health, and extremely friendly nature of this beautiful creature, the lack of popularity is perplexing. Perhaps it has to do with the color of the coat, as many people are still wary of bringing a black cat into their homes, associating them with bad luck. This superstition is entirely baseless!
The character of the Bombay
As mentioned above, the Bombay has a remarkably friendly and gentle character. This makes this cat highly suitable as a family pet. Bombays are fond of cuddling, are affectionate, and form strong attachments to their families. Establishing a warm bond with their owners is essential for these cats, along with their companionship. They prefer to follow their family around all day and frequently seek attention. They may also snuggle on their owner’s lap. Bombays absolutely despise being alone.
Furthermore, Bombays are intelligent, playful, and active. A scratching post where this cat can expend its energy is essential. Therefore, choose one carefully and look for a scratching post suitable for active cats. This cat also loves playtime with its owner. If you’re considering bringing a Bombay into your home, be prepared to spoil this cat with your undivided attention and (intelligent) games several times a day.
Fun fact: Bombay cats enjoy seeking out warm spots. Therefore, always create a sleeping place close to a radiator and provide plenty of soft cat beds and sleeping houses around the house.
What does a Bombay cat look like: appearance and coat
You can recognize a true Bombay by its coat – it is short-haired, healthy, shiny, and entirely black. Even the paw pads and skin are black. However, their eyes are not black – they have a copper-brown color, and they are large and round. They are set wide apart. The build of a Bombay is normal – not large, not small, not particularly slender, and not overweight. Their tail is also ‘normal’, similar to that of a healthy domestic cat. The chest is broader, and these cats have muscular shoulders.
The head of the Bombay is normal, with a round forehead. However, this cat’s cheeks are noticeably fuller, and the snout is slightly shorter than that of a domestic cat. The ears are somewhat small and set far apart. Finally, the weight of the Bombay is also average – females weigh about 4 kilograms, and males around 5 kilograms.
Diseases and conditions of the Bombay
The Bombay is a very healthy cat breed. Since the breed is quite rare – it is challenging to find them in Europe – there is also little information available about diseases and conditions. If you decide to look for a kitten of this breed, contact a breed association and work with them to find a reliable breeder.
How old does a Bombay get?
This cat breed is healthy, so the life expectancy of the Bombay is relatively high. With the right care and a safe home, these cats can live to be 17 to 20 years old!
Taking care of the Bombay
Bombays have an easy-to-maintain coat, which is best kept in good condition through regular brushing and combing. Given the intelligence and activity level of this cat breed, playing is very important. Having a stable and suitable scratching post where the cat can climb and scratch is also essential.
Every cat needs love, attention, and proper care, and the Bombay is no exception. You can achieve this by being kind to your cat, regularly visiting the vet for check-ups, providing good food and fresh water, ensuring clean litter boxes with high-quality cat litter, comfortable cat beds for sleeping, and protection against fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Buying a Bombay (kitten)
Bombays are truly wonderful cats. They are active, playful, sociable, and very friendly, making them feel at home in a family. If you believe you can provide proper care for a cat of this breed, have the means for good food, veterinarian visits, and are willing to care for a pet for 17 to 20 years, this might be your ideal cat! Inquire with a breed association to learn about what to look for and ask for information about recognized breeders. You should never buy a (purebred) cat from eBay, Marktplaats, or a backyard breeder.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or a behavioral expert. All the content, information, and tips on this blog are meant to inspire you and provide informative content. If your cat has any issues or problems and you are uncertain about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavioral expert.