Bombay Cat Breed – All Information, Facts, Care and Price
There is nothing more sociable, playful, and smart than these sleek-looking, mini-black panthers. As compared to many other cat breeds, these cats have an appearance that is striking and have a personality that is quite unique to them.
In spite of the fact that the Bombay is a medium-sized cat, due to its muscular build, they are often times heavier than they may seem due to their muscular build. Generally, Bombay cats are between the sizes of 8 pounds and 15 pounds, and they range in length from roughly 13 inches to 20 inches on average. Bombay cats have been known to live anywhere from 12 to 18 years, but some have even lived into their 50s and 60s. The average lifespan of Bombay cats is anywhere from 12 to 18 years, with some even living into their 80s.
What Is a Bombay Cat?
It was created by cat breeder Nikki Horner in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1958. This new type of cat had been designed by her with the goal of developing domestic cats that resembled their wild, much larger counterparts – in other words, she wanted a house cat that would resemble something akin to a miniature black panther.
Despite the fact that Nikki Horner gained most of the credit for creating these miniaturized jungle cats, the Bombay was also developed in the United Kingdom. There are two types of Bombay cats: the American Bombay, which is the result of the crossing of dark burmese and black American shorthairs, and the British Bombay, which is the result of the crossing of black domestic shorthairs and dark burmese.
While the British Bombay and the American version of the Bombay are almost identical in appearance and personality, despite the fact that they are crosses of different cats. Cat Fanciers’ Association was the first organization to formally recognize and register this international cat in 1970.
Appearance
Those are some cute little living room panthers, don’t they? Easily the most noticeable aspect of the Bombay is its purpose-bred coat, which is one of its best characteristics. Despite the fact that the coat is short and sleek, it is very shiny and solid black. Usually, breeders will refer to a Bombay’s coat as being similar to patent leather due to its healthy, happy coat.
On the visual level, the Bombay can be compared to the Burmese in terms of build, though the Bombay is a bit less stocky and a little longer. Their ears are short, round-tipped, with thick tips and are medium-sized with a gold or copper color, and they have large, round, well-muscled eyes that are well-defined and have a round shape.
The Bombay cat is famous for having a peculiar, swaying gait, which further contributes to his resemblance to the black panther, particularly when he walks.
Need to know
- 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
- Amount of Shedding :Low
Bombay Cat Breed
| ORIGIN | USA |
| HEIGHT | 9 - 13 inches |
| LIFE SPAN | Up to 20 years |
| GOOD WITH | children seniors cats families |
| TEMPERAMENT | sociable affectionate bold |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | seasonal |
| INTELLIGENCE | high |
| PLAYFULNESS | high |
| VOCALNESS | when necessary |
| HYPOALLERGENIC | No |
| ACTIVITY LEVEL | active |
| COAT LENGTH | Short hair |
| LENGTH: | Up to 20 inches |
| WEIGHT | Up to 15 pounds |
| SIZE | Medium, with males weighing 8 to 11 pounds and females weighing 6 to 9 pounds |
| EYE COLOR | Gold or copper |
| PATTERNS | solid |
| COLORS | Black |
| PERSONALITY | Affectionate, sociable, needy, playful |
| OTHER NAME | Sacred Cat of Burma. |
| OTHER TRAITS | easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, high potential for weight gain, good lap cat, tolerates being picked up |
| PRICE | Average $600 - $1000 USD |
Temperament
A lot of the personality of the Bombay cat can be traced back to his Burmese roots. In addition to being a highly social and intelligent cat, the Bombay is also a highly people-oriented cat. The close bonds that they form with their family units are very strong and they greatly prefer to be in human company more often than not. It is important to keep in mind that each cat has a unique personality that makes him unique as an individual.
It is generally accepted that Bombays have a wide range of personalities, as well as a wide range of levels of activity because they are bred from Burmese and a black American domestic shorthair,” says Dr. Tsitsopas — Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and Assistant Professor for Consulting at the Columbus Cat Clinic. As a result, the reasons behind their gregariousness, as well as their nature to be outgoing, social cats, are actually rooted in their father’s genetics. Therefore, there is a wide range of variation from cat to cat. The majority of cat breed pages list them as social, affectionate, brave, playful, and good family cats.
As a result of their playful, but restrained natures, they are particularly good at interacting with children. In addition, they benefit from living in households with other cats, as they quickly establish a pecking order within the household and are able to live well without any disturbance.
Since Bombays are people-loving dogs, they often follow their humans around, watch everything they do, and always want to be in the middle of all that is going on around them. As they grow older, they become more agile and strong, and they become more playful as they become more agile and strong. With maturity, Bombays will mellow out a bit, enjoying a little couch time, but will still enjoy a good game of fetch every so often if they feel like it.
Because Bombay cats are highly social animals, they don’t thrive on their own for long periods of time because of their highly social nature, according to Lilly. It is important to note that this is not an issue for households that have multiple cats. Nevertheless, if the Bombay stays alone for longer than a couple hours at a time in a household with only one cat, stress issues may start to manifest themselves.
Personality
It is highly recommended that you stay away from this breed if you are looking for an aloof, independent cat. Bombays are a very lovable breed; they are playful, loving, lighthearted, and will usually agree to just about anything that their family suggests. They are particularly appreciative when it comes to a game of fetch or a cuddle on the couch.
Because of their hybrid heritage, Bombays strike a pleasing balance between a moderate American Shorthair and a frisky, vocal Burmese, thanks to their unique hybrid heritage. In spite of this, the Bombay is often more like the Burmese than the American Shorthair, since the American Shorthair is less dominant today.
Due to their Burmese background, they are very capable and people-oriented, but at the same time, they will not talk at you non-stop (due to their American Shorthair background). In the event that the Bombays have something vital to communicate to you, you can count on them to stare you down with those hypnotizing copper eyes and repeat the message over and over again until you give them your full attention until they are able to get their message across. The way they try to grab your attention is a clever way for them to gain your attention, since they are quite desperate for your attention. You won’t be surprised when a few moments later your Bombay is sitting beside you when you sit down.
Generally speaking, Bombays are very attached to their families and tend to have a strong bond with the entire family rather than bonding with just one individual. There are those who claim that they are particularly good with children who are well-behaved. As one of the most intelligent and curious dogs in the world, Bombays are known for pursuing their humans all over the house, following them everywhere they go. It is their nature to stay close to their owners at all times and help them out in every way that they can. The fact is that this isn’t the fastest way to get chores done, but at least it’s entertaining.
Attributes of the Bombay
Even though Bombays look like every other black cat when you first see them, there are a few things that actually set Bombays apart from their other black friends despite the fact that they usually look like other black cats at first glance. Their black coat (from the tips to the ends) and black nose and paw pads are some of the things that make them stand out from other dogs. There are a few things that make Bombay cats so renowned as they are known for their stunning and infamous green eyes, in addition to their sleek appearance and green eyes. Also, Bombays have the possibility of having eyes that have a gold or copper tint to them.
No doubt that the Bombay cat has an extrovert personality due to the fact that it is a social cat who likes to make his presence known whenever he is present, and there is no doubt that it is an extroverted one. These cats are not just interested in following you around the house like your shadow, but they also enjoy talking to anyone who is nearby and will listen to what they have to say.
It is important to realize that in addition to the fact that these cats are outgoing and enjoy the attention that they receive, it is also important to recognize the fact that they cannot tolerate being left alone for long periods of time, due to the fact that they enjoy being in the presence of a lot of attention. It is important to provide your cat with a variety of toys and a scratching post if they will be alone while you are at work if they will be left alone. You should make sure they have a variety of toys and a scratching post if they will be left alone.
In addition to giving your cat mental stimulation, providing entertainment for them is also going to discourage them from scratching the furniture while you are away, and (hopefully) from causing any destruction while you are away by distracting them from their behavior. The majority of Bombays will happily play with you if the owner is present to watch. They will even play fetch or walk on a leash with you if the owner is present to observe.
There is no doubt that Bombay cats are a great choice for people who have children or multiple animals at home, because they have a friendly and social personality, which makes them a great choice for people with children and multiple pets. However, it is also important to keep in mind that Bombay cats like to be the center of attention and are the matriarchs.
Grooming and Care for Your Bombay
To ensure that Bombays live a long and happy life, they require proper care, grooming, and health checkups, as they would with any other breed of cat.
Hair
An added advantage of owning a Bombay is that they do not shed very much, which is one of the many benefits of owning them. Despite the fact that Bombay cats shed little, don’t assume that they are hypoallergenic just because they’re low shedders. In order to ensure that your Bombay stays clean and shiny, it is recommended that you brush them twice a week at least.
Teeth
Unlike most pet parents, you may not be used to brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis, but this may be a habit you should consider developing over time. In spite of a weekly brushing, even a small amount of brushing can help decrease the likelihood that your cat will have periodontal (gum) disease in the future. Early on in your pet’s life, you should start brushing his teeth. This will allow him to become accustomed to this habit, as well as the habit of brushing his teeth in the future.
Nails
It is highly recommended for you to trim your cat’s nails regularly or every other week if you are a dedicated pet parent. Additionally, you can help wear down your cat’s nails by providing scratching posts or other scratching toys that your cat can use to scratch.
Ears
Bombay’s ears are one of the items that can be cleaned as needed for the dog. As an owner, you should keep an eye on the ears of your cat and only clean them out when the ears become dirty so that they do not become infected. A gentle cleaner (the kind that your veterinarian will recommend) and a cotton ball can be used to clean the ears when necessary; however, don’t use cotton swabs when cleaning them.
Diet
It is known that Bombays have a great deal of appetite for food, which may lead to overeating and obesity. It is possible to avoid this problem by measuring out your cat’s food and serving it in small portions at a time rather than providing a large amount of food at once.
Those who are familiar with the saying, “curiosity killed the cat,” know that Bombays are naturally curious and social cats, which means it is best if you keep your Bombay indoors. In addition to reducing the risk of your cat contracting an unwanted disease, this will also reduce the chances of him running away from home or getting into an altercation with another animal, as well as the possibility of him running away or getting into an accident.
Common Bombay Health Issues
The Bombay cat breed is considered to be a healthy cat breed in general. As a pet parent, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for potential health issues that have been reported to affect this breed and keep an eye out for these issues.
It has been noted that our claims data indicates the following are the top 5 health problems most commonly experienced by Bengalis:
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Respiratory issues
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Unsettled stomach
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Pneumonia
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Bronchitis
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Asthma
In addition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), there are a few other health issues that can affect the Bombay. There is a condition that occurs when there is a thickening of the heart wall of a cat, which is one of the most common heart diseases found in cats. Cats that are middle-aged or older are most likely to develop HCM.
Visiting your veterinarian on a regular basis is one of the best ways to ensure that your Bombay stays in great health and to ensure that any potential problems are caught before they become worse.
Living Needs
A multi-level scratching post or climbing tower is a great addition to a Bombay’s life as he is an extremely strong and agile climber and jumper. In addition, Bombay cats are by nature active cats, which is why it’s good to have a variety of toys available for them. Especially if you want to be able to engage in activities with them, as Bombay cats love to engage in activities and play with their owners.
It is also possible to train Bombays to walk on leashes, so if you want to spend some time (supervised) outside or take them for a walk, it is likely that your Bombay will be pleased to spend some time outside with you.
Bombay Cat Care
Grooming
In spite of its short, fine satiny coat, the Bombay is an easy pet to groom. If you would like to bring out the shine of the coat’s patent leather, brush the cat’s fur once a week or rub it with a soft chamois cloth before brushing it.
There is very little shedding of fur on the Bombay cat, making it one of the cleanest cats in the world. In order to maintain a soft, glossy coat, it is important to give it occasional baths. Make sure that your Bombay’s nails are neatly trimmed every two or three weeks, and check inside their ears every week or two to make sure they are not red or excessively dirty. To avoid disturbing your cat’s naturally healthy balance of bacteria, only clean your cat’s ears if absolutely necessary.
Exercise
It is known that Bombay cats are playful and curious animals. The Bombay kittens appear to be endlessly energetic at a young age, but as they grow older, they become more mellow and are content to cuddle up on your lap after a brief period of exploration and play.
There is no doubt that Bombay cats are intelligent, therefore they are very fond of puzzle toys. This is because puzzle toys motivate them to manipulate objects so they can get treats or food. The Bombay cat is relatively easy to train, and sometimes behaves like a dog in terms of behavior. There are some dogs that enjoy playing fetch and have the ability to walk on a leash or harness without a problem.
There is nothing wrong with your cat scratching as it is a natural behavior that is good for their physical and mental health, but you need to teach your cat where to scratch that is safe and healthy (not the sofa!). It is important to provide your Bombay with a variety of acceptable scratching surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, including scratching posts (cat trees or scratching posts) and scratchers that lie on the ground (cat scratchers made of cardboard or sisal).
Fun Bombay Facts
There are a lot of interesting facts about mini panthers, as this is a lively and amusing breed, so who wouldn’t want to learn more about them?
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There is a tendency for Bombay cats to be mistaken for Burmese cats-Bombay cats are usually much bigger than Burmese cats.
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Bombay, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is the name given to these cats in honor of the city’s port. The area in which the black panthers are found is where Bombay’s were bred to look like black panthers (which they were bred to resemble).
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They are sometimes referred to as mini black panthers, patent leather kids with the new penny eyes, and parlor panthers, as well as many other nicknames.
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It is common for Mumbais to seek out the warmest spots in the house, and it is not unusual for them to curl up under blankets, on your bed, or even in a sunny spot.
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The possibility of birthing a sable kitten in a litter of Bombay kittens that are otherwise completely black, is not uncommon.
Names for Your Bombay
Here is a list of some of the names that you might want to consider for your new baby!
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Bagheera
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Felix
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Salem
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Binx
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Pluto
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Nox
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Raja
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Cosmo
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Athena
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Willow
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Mango
Bombay Behavior Concerns
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It is common for the Bombay to greet house guests at the door in front of your face, so do not be surprised if he beats you to it.
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As a result of the Bombay’s interaction with you, you may have a difficult time reading the newspaper or watching your favorite television show without being interrupted while doing so. In my opinion, this is a breed that is definitely “in your face”.
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In addition to having a laid-back attitude and a very active disposition, the Bombay can be easily trained to walk on a leash, engage in the game of fetch, and coexist peacefully with other dogs and household pets.
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It is a chatty cat, but it does not have the same volume that a Siamese cat does.
Look of Bombays
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It is the copper-colored, hypnotic eyes of the Bombay that set it apart from all other breeds, and it is also the short, satiny coat covering it from head to toe.
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There are also strong round features in the Bombay, including heavy jaws with broad-set ears, a full chin with thick eyebrows, and a Roman nose with low-set nostrils.
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As a medium-build animal, it has an agile and athletic body. Upon picking up a Bombay, one is surprised to find that it is much heavier than one expects when he places it on his lap.
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There is even a deep black coloration to the footpads of this breed.
Grooming Bombay Cats
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There is no need to groom the Bombay’s easy-care coat; however, if you give it the attention it craves by brushing or rolling a damp washcloth over its coat, it will appreciate it greatly.
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There is no tendency for this breed to develop mats in its coat because of its short hair length.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for Bombay
Your veterinarian will be able to give you advice on the type of diet to feed your cat as well as the amount to feed them at each stage of their life. Depending on each breed’s diet, metabolism, activity, and age, there may be a greater risk of obesity associated with that breed than with another. It is therefore important that you seek the advice of your veterinarian if you have any questions about this.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Bombay Cat
In North America, there is a very small number of Bombay breeders, so you may have to do a little searching in order to find a kitten. Often, Bombay breeders also breed Burmese cats in addition to Bombay cats, and this is not uncommon. A list of active breeders is posted on both the website of the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the website of the International Cat Association.
The other option is to attend a cat show in your area so that you can meet various cat breeds in person and connect with reputable breeders in your area. A good way to find a local cat show is to search the internet using the search term “cat show near me.”.
There is never a guarantee that a purebred Bombay will end up in an animal shelter, but it’s not unheard of for breeders to place purebred Bombays in new homes when they need rehoming. The good news is that there are many beautiful black cats, that are similar to Bombays, that need loving homes all over the United States.
History
In the late 1950s, American cat breeders sought to create a cat that had the structure and appearance of the Burmese, but wanted the cat to have a glossy, deep, matt black finish so it would look like a patent leather coat. The Indian Black Leopard is one of the breeds that will probably remind you of this breed. Consequently, a program was started to breed the Burmese with a black American Shorthair with bright and coppery eyes as part of this breeding program. Bombay is a name that refers to the Black Leopard, which she actually resembles.
A show bench was one of the distinguishing features of the Bombay in the late 1970s. In spite of the fact that Bombays are still not common, there is no doubt that they are crowd pleasers wherever they are displayed.
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In 1958, cat breeder Nikki Horner produced one of the first domesticated cats that look like a small black panther after carefully breeding a Burmese cat with an American Shorthair in Louisville, Kentucky. It became known as the Burmese-American Shorthair mix.
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This breed was granted championship status by the CFA in 1976.
