Ah, the majestic Bombay cat! With their glossy black coats and bright copper eyes, these cats are nothing short of stunning. But it’s not just their good looks that make them such great pets – they’re also incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and social.
If you’re looking for a feline companion who will be by your side 24/7 then Bombay is definitely your cat! They love being with people, whether it’s snuggling up on your lap or playing interactive games with you.
Taking the time to learn about their care needs and to create a safe and happy home for them is key to having these black panthers in your home.
With the information here in this article, you’ll be well on your way to providing your Bombay with an ideal life. So let’s begin!
Breed Overview
The Bombay is a breed of domestic cat that has been around since the late 1970s. It was created by Nikki Horner, of Louisville Kentucky, USA.
She sought to create a cat with a sleek and shiny black coat, muscular body, and friendly temperament. This goal was achieved through crosses between Burmese cats and black American Shorthairs to bring out the miniature panther look.
The Bombay Cat has been recognized as an official breed by most feline associations since 1979.
Bombay Cats have become increasingly popular over time thanks to their unique appearance being like that of small panthers!
Their coats range from midnight black down to brown-black or even blue-black in rare cases. This is mainly due to genetic mutation or selective breeding practices.
This breed has short hair that requires little maintenance. This makes this cat even more desirable for most cat owners.
This breed enjoys playing and snuggling up on laps during downtime hours. They make perfect lap cats despite their small size. These felines are surprisingly strong and full of energy which makes them ideal for families.
Despite its name, the Bombay Cat originated in the United States from crossing black American Shorthair and Burmese cats from Thailand.
Related: American Cat Breeds That Define the U.S. Feline Fancy
Identifying Bombay Cat
The Bombay Cat is an incredibly unique creature; its sleek, all-black coat of fur is a sight to behold. It’s the deepest, densest black imaginable and has a high gloss sheen that gives it a truly majestic look.
The large eyes are anywhere from deep, rich gold to copper which adds another layer of depth and intricacy to its beauty.
This breed is known for its muscular body and robust bone structure, making them surprisingly heavy for its size. The head has rounded features with no sharp angles and the wide-set eyes give it an adorable expression.
Its short shiny coat stands tightly against the body that lets you watch its muscle movements. When this cat walks under the light you can see a beautiful sheen all over it!
Their distinct coloration combined with their powerful bodies makes them one of the most sought-after felines in today’s pet market. This cat has been described as resembling everything from mini-panthers stalking through living rooms to small lions protecting their turf!
All Bombay Cats come in a sheen black coat; However, some of them can come in darker blacks and some might have lighter colors. They can come in different shades of black that range from deep black to warm browns.
The darkest shade of the Bombay Cat is known as the “jet” or “ebony” color, which is an intense and glossy black with no other tones present. Other variations include shades of blue-black and dark browns like mahogany or charcoal.
Personality Traits
The Bombay Cat is a loving, intelligent breed that craves companionship. They have an affectionate and people-oriented personality, which makes them great cats for families.
They are extremely devoted to their owners and will follow them around the house. They will even perch on their owner’s shoulder as they go about their day.
When it comes to cuddling and snuggling up against you, the Bombay Cat is hard to beat. These cats love being in your lap while you read or watch TV and will happily sleep next to you at night if allowed.
This breed is known for being a good-natured and social companion. They love the attention they receive from children, especially when children treat them politely and with respect.
This cat will happily curl up on laps for cuddles, or join in games of chase around the house. However, with other pets, they can be quite assertive but are usually friendly when properly introduced.
Activity Level
The Bombay cat is a smart and playful breed, perfect for families with an active lifestyle. As kittens, they are incredibly curious and love to explore their new environment.
They thrive when given attention, interactive toys, and plenty of playtime activities before bedtime. Cat trees and activity wheels are great additions as well to help keep them entertained.
As they get older, Bombays tend to become more tranquil in nature. However, they still enjoy a good game of chase or learn some tricks from their family members.
As long as they receive the correct amount of attention and stimulation daily, Bombays make wonderful active companions. They do not like being left alone for extended periods so you need to make time or get another pet friend for them.
Bombay Cat Loyalty
The Bombay Cat is known for its loyalty to its family members. This breed loves to be around people, and will always want to be in the same room as you. They are very friendly and loving cats and will show their appreciation with lots of purring and cuddles.
Love Of Water
The Bombay Cat is an independent feline that does not particularly enjoy the water. With their short and dense coat, these cats usually require no more than a weekly brushing for grooming.
Not only do Bombay Cats prefer to stay warm and dry, but their short coat also means there is no need for regular bathing. For this reason, the Bombay Cat’s love of water can be described as minimal. They would much rather snuggle up in a soft blanket on the couch than take a dip in the pool!
Trainability
The Bombay Cat is a highly intelligent and playful breed, making them exceptionally easy to train. Their curious nature means they are always eager to learn new things. With patience and consistency, owners can teach their Bombay Cat tricks or even walk on a leash.
Because of their intelligence and enthusiasm for learning, the Bombay Cat is an ideal choice for those looking for an easily trained pet. Their friendly personalities also make training sessions enjoyable for both the cat and its owner.
Their natural curiosity draws them in when offered treats or toys as rewards. Positive reinforcement makes it easier to teach your cat obedience commands.
Their sociable nature further aids in training sessions as they eagerly seek out attention from you while being taught new skills.
Adult Size
The Bombay Cat is a medium-sized breed, with males typically being larger. Adult males can range from 8 to 10 lbs while females tend to be slightly smaller at 6 to 8 lbs. However, these cats have a solid and muscular build, making both males and females appear strong and even athletic in stature.
In terms of height, the Bombay Cat stands between 9 and 13 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. The length of this breed averages around 12 – 20 inches from the nose all the way down to its tail tip.
The Bombay Cat has an impressive growth rate, as they grow very quickly in their first year of life. During this period, they can triple their weight and reach full maturity within two years. By the time they are three years old, they will look like fully grown adults.
As adults, however, their growth slows down significantly and stops altogether by the time they are five or six years old. Despite this slower growth rate after adulthood, Bombay Cats remain active and agile even into old age due to their muscular build and strong bones.
Life Expectancy
The Bombay cat has a long lifespan that can range from 12 to 18 years. With proper care and nutrition, these cats can easily reach their full life expectancy making them one of the cats that live the longest.
To ensure your Bombay cat reaches its maximum lifespan, it is important to provide them with an enriched environment filled with activities that keep them mentally stimulated. This could include interactive toys such as puzzles or treat-dispensing balls as well as plenty of playtimes.
It is also important to feed your cat a balanced diet formulated specifically for her age and activity level. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times and take her regularly for checkups. By following the recommendations in this guide your cat will have the necessary elements to have a healthy and long life.
Bombay Cat Care
When it comes to the care of a Bombay cat, the best approach is a combination of regular brushing and cleaning. This makes caring for this breed much easier in comparison to other cat breeds.
Their short coats don’t require frequent baths but should be brushed or rubbed down weekly to remove dead hair and distribute skin oil. This will help keep their coat looking glossy and beautiful.
Their teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent disease. You should also regularly check and clean their ears for any dirt buildup or infections that may need attention.
If you notice any discharge around the eyes then it’s important to wipe them out with a soft cloth moistened with either cider vinegar or warm water. This discharge can cause eye and skin problems in the long run if not cleaned.
Bombays are also very particular about their bathroom hygiene so keeping their litter box spotlessly clean is essential. You should replace the litter as soon as you can and give them a bigger litter box if possible.
Overall, caring for a Bombay cat may not seem like much work but investing time into regular grooming sessions and cleaning will ensure your feline companion remains happy and healthy throughout its lifetime!
Diet
A Bombay’s diet should be rich in animal protein. High-quality canned food should be fed twice daily and quality dry food with no corn or wheat for balanced nutrition.
Avoid grains if possible, as they don’t provide the same nutritional value as animal protein does. Dry foods with high levels of animal protein are important to help maintain muscle mass and fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Kittens need even more of these nutrients to put on muscle mass during their rapid growth period, so it’s crucial to feed them quality food.
In addition to proper nutrition, exercise is an essential part of keeping these cats. Proper nutrition combined with regular exercise will ensure that your Bombay stays healthy and happy for years to come!
At the same time, they also need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Bombay cats should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Water bowls should be cleaned regularly and refilled with fresh water daily. They seem to prefer room-temperature water so it’s best to have their water bowl far from the vents.
Exercise Requirement
Bombay cats are active and curious, so it is important to keep them occupied with toys, towers, and plenty of playtime. Not only does this ensure they stay happy and healthy, but it also helps bond the relationship between you and your Bombay cat.
The more time spent playing together each day, the stronger the connection between pet and owner will be. Interactive games like fetch or chasing a laser pointer will keep the cat healthier and fitter.
Shedding Levels
Bombay cats are known for having low shedding levels when compared to other breeds. As kittens, Bombay typically do not shed much at all and require minimal grooming.
However, as the kitten ages into adulthood, its coat may become denser and result in shedding. During this period, it is important to brush your Bombay cat with a soft-bristled brush weekly.
This will help reduce any excess hair from ending up around your home. Brushing will also help with distributing oils and keeping the coat shiny.
When Bombay cats reach senior age, their coats can become thinner due to the natural process of aging. However, it is still important that you groom them regularly to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Health Issues
Bombay Cats are generally healthy, and the most common disease they are susceptible to is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). This genetic heart disease can lead to heart failure and death if left untreated.
It is therefore important to check the cat’s documents for this disease. Always ask for health papers and make sure your kitten does not have any diseases.
In addition, pet owners should proactively screen for HCM as it may not show up in the first years of life. Bombay Cats may also be prone to genetic defects such as BHD, HK, and GM2.
Poor diet and living conditions can have a detrimental effect on the health of a Bombay cat. Poor nutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals, and an unhealthy environment can lead to many diseases.
To ensure your cat stays healthy it is important to provide them with nutritious food and regular vet visits. Additionally, the environment should be kept clean by providing fresh water daily.
Buying Tips
- Research the breed: Before purchasing a Bombay Cat, research the breed’s characteristics and temperament to ensure that it is right for your lifestyle.
- Find a reputable breeder: Look for experienced certified breeders who can provide you with information about their breeding practices and the health records of the kittens they offer.
- Meet the kitten before buying: If possible, visit the breeder and meet the kitten in person to get an idea of its personality and make sure it is healthy before taking him home.
- Have a vet checkup: Once you have chosen your kitten, take him or her to your veterinarian for a check-up as soon as possible to ensure that he or she is in good health when you bring them home.
- Socialize early: Spend time socializing your new Bombay Cat from an early age by introducing them to different people and other animals to help them become more confident around others throughout their lifespan.
Related: 250+ Amazing Bombay Cat Names & How To Select One!
Conclusion
The Bombay Cat is a unique, intelligent, and affectionate breed that makes a wonderful companion. They have great personalities and can form strong bonds with their owners.
With proper attention and care, they are sure to bring you years of joy. If you’re looking for an independent yet loving pet, then the Bombay Cat is the perfect choice for you!