Did you know the Bombay cat breed was bred to resemble a panther? Yet, this breed is sweet, friendly, and social. Keep reading to learn more about Bombay black cats.
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| Bombay Cat Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Parlor Panther, Patent Leather Kid with the Copper Penny Eyes, Miniature Panther |
| Height | 9 - 13 inches |
| Weight | 8 - 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 - 15 years (sometimes up to 20 years) |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Friendly, Social, Playful |
| Suitable For | Households with or without kids, households with other pets, active families |
History Of The Bombay
The Bombay was created to mimic the look of a wild cat, such as the panther. A cat breeder named Nikki Horner, in Louisville, Kentucky, was the first to create this cat breed.
Horner wanted a cat that had an exotic appearance of a parlor or mini panther. Even though the Bombay cat looks a lot like a panther, its DNA has no wild blood.
Bombay cats are a hybrid breed. In 1953, the first Bombay cat breed was created when Horner bred a black American Shorthair cat with a rich eye color with a female sable Burmese cat, who was a Grand Champion.
Over time, Horner consistently produced black cats with shorthair and copper eyes.
Even though this breed is unique and initially created in the United States, it’s a rare cat breed today.
What Does The Bombay Look Like?
According to the breed standard from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), black Bombay cats have distinctive features from their parent breeds. Also, the Bombay cat size is medium in size and muscular but well-balanced.
Males are typically larger than females. However, Bombays can grow to be about 9 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.
Their head, including the muzzle, is completely round. Its ears are broad at the base of the head with slightly rounded tips. The eyes are also round and set apart. The eye color may be gold or copper.
Overall, the body and legs are well proportionate to each other. Its paws are round, with five toes in the front and four in the back. Finally, its tail is medium and straight.
What Coat Colors Does The Bombay Have?
Some Bombay cat characteristics are its black coat with a patent leather sheen. In addition, its coat has shorthairs with a satin-like texture. Also, the Bombay breed only has a solid black coat.
Bombay Pet Care
Having a Bombay cat in the home is a delight. They’re relatively low-maintenance to care for, so it’ll be easy to have them as pets once you know their needs.
Grooming
The Bombay’s grooming needs are minimal. But, as with all cats, this breed will ensure they keep themselves clean and groom themselves.
However, if you notice a lack of or excessive grooming, your cat might try to tell you something. You can call the vet to get them checked out.
You can aid in grooming, though. Brushing your cat’s fur once weekly will allow its satin coat to keep its shine. They don’t shed much, but brushing will help distribute skin oils and remove dead fur.
In addition, you can brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental disease, trim their nails once every two weeks, and clean their ears regularly. Finally, ensure their litter box is clean.
Diet
Bombay cats are prone to weight gain due to their stocky build. Excessive weight gain can also lead to health issues as they grow older. So, free feeding should be avoided. Free feeding is when you leave food out for your cat to munch on all day.
Instead, you’ll want to talk to your vet about the proper diet for your feline friend. Bombay cats have high energy, so high-quality food rich in protein will be ideal.
You can provide dry kibble, wet canned food, or homemade cat food with your vet’s approval.
Remember, your cat’s diet should reflect its breed size, age, weight, metabolism, and energy levels.
Exercise
Bombay cats are active, and they love to play. With suitable toys, they’ll do a great job entertaining themselves, especially if you’re not home.
Provide them with puzzle toys, climbing trees, and scratching posts to entertain them.
Bombay kittens are a bundle of energy but will calm as adults. After a long day, they’ll enjoy being a lap cat and cuddling with you.
Also, as they grow older, they’ll enjoy walking with you.
Training
Yes, you can train your Bombay cat to walk with a harness and leash. They’re curious and natural explorers. So, you can bring them on outdoor walks with you.
Also, they’re intelligent and do enjoy learning. Since they’re so playful, you can even teach this kitty to play fetch.
Health Issues
Luckily, this cat breed is relatively healthy. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not prone to specific health conditions.
For example, Bombay cats may get the following:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Epiphora
- Obesity
- Asthma
As a kitten, your feline friend should visit the vet a few times. So you can keep track of their growth and development and keep them up to date with their vaccinations.
As an adult, bring your cat for a yearly vet checkup.
With proper care through regular vet visits, excellent diet, and routine exercise, Bombay cats have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. However, some cats of this breed have been known to live up to 20 years.
Temperament Of The Bombay
Bombay cat personality traits allow them to fit in well with most households. Some characteristics of Bombay cats include affectionate, friendly, social, and playful.
For example, they’re highly affectionate with their family members. They’ll happily be a lap cat and cuddle with you on the couch. They’ll also sleep in bed with you at night. In addition, they’re always looking for playtime and will happily bring their toys to you to play with them.
This cat breed also gets along well with young children as long as the kids are gentle. Constantly monitor kids and cats playing together to ensure they know each other’s boundaries and respect their space.
Bombay cats will gladly greet strangers at the door and be social with them.
Also, if you have other pets in the home, such as dogs or other cats, don’t worry. Your Bombay will get along incredibly with them, especially if they’re raised together. They’ll love having a playmate.
Bombay cats are also vocal. So, if you’re looking for a quiet breed, this kitty won’t be it. They love to talk and are always looking for your attention.
That said, they don’t like being left alone for too long. They can easily get depressed if you’re at work all day and they have no one to hang out with. So, having more than one pet at home is a good idea, so they’re not alone.
Are There Any Differences Between Males And Females?
Aside from some males being slightly larger than females, there are no significant differences between the two sexes. So if you want to bring a Bombay cat home, it won’t matter whether you get a male or a female.
Who Should Own The Bombay?
Bombays can fit in well with just about any family. However, they’ll do better with an active family who isn’t afraid to have their cat join them in activities. They’ll enjoy having a yard to explore (on a leash) but can do well in an apartment.
They’ll fit in well with families that have kids and other pets. They’ll especially do well in families that have someone working from home. However, due to their vocalness and neediness, they may or may not be well-suited for older couples.
Where Can You Get A Bombay?
Are Bombay cats rare? Unfortunately, yes. This cat was wildly popular back then and can now be difficult to come by. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find this breed anywhere.
You may be able to find a Bombay cat for sale through your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization.
These places have stray or abandoned cats already looking for forever homes. You might find Bombay kittens, adults, or seniors looking for love. However, you might not know exactly where they came from or their history.
Alternatively, if your heart is set on getting a kitten, you can go through a reputable breeder. Catteries breed cats of all breeds, but it’s a matter of finding an ethical breeder.
A good breeder will:
- Meet with you in person, answering all of your questions
- Ensure the kittens are up to date with their vaccinations
- Ensure the kittens are socialized
- Not allow the kittens to leave their mother before eight weeks old
- Have health certificates and family tree history available for you upon adoption
If you find a cattery with the cats in kennels or are not part of the breeder’s family, that’s a red flag. In addition, cats should be bred safely and in good health conditions.
Question Corner: FAQs About The Bombay
You’ve fallen in love with the Bombay cat, haven’t you? If you’d like to learn more about this breed, read through the frequently asked questions below.
What’s The Average Cost Of The Bombay?
The average Bombay cat price is between $500 and $700. However, top-quality kittens from breeders can cost up to $2,000.
What’s The Average Litter Size Of Bombay?
A female Bombay cat’s average litter size is about three kittens at once.
Are Bombay Cats Aggressive?
No, this breed is far from being aggressive. However, even though they’re friendly, they should still have their boundaries respected and given space when needed.
Are Bombay Cats Hypoallergenic?
Even though they don’t shed much, this cat breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic. The saliva from grooming gets all over themselves and other parts of the house, which can cause allergies.
Should Bombay Cats Be Indoor Or Outdoor Cats?
Your cat should always remain indoors. You can put them on a harness and leash and go outside with them. However, they should never be left to wander the outdoors independently. They could get lost, hurt, or come home with diseases.
Is The Bombay Right For You?
If you’re looking for a feline friend who will stick by your side, cuddle with you, and be eager to play, then the Bombay cat breed is an excellent choice.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.