Out of the many cat breeds that could have black coloring, there’s only one breed that is known to only have black fur – and that is the Bombay.
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Little Black Panther
Bombay cats are always black with bright round gold or copper eyes on their cute round faces. They were originally developed in 1958 by Nikki Horner. The goal was to breed a house cat that looked like a black panther. It was definitely a success.
Just like black panthers, they are jet black all around: from their very shiny and smooth, short fur, to their nose and mouth, to their toe beans. The way they walk even looks a little wild. They walk similarly to the Indian black leopard.
They’re muscular and love to play, but since they can be pretty heavy, weighing at an average of 3.6 to6.8 kilos, they don’t really like leaping around much. Bombay owners must keep their feeding in check to keep their black kitties from becoming overweight.
Cuddly ball of soot
Bombay cats are some of the most loving cats on Earth. They love having fun and playing with their humans. They get so attached and clingy to their owners that they are sometimes lovingly called the Velcro cats. Them being people loving, and the fact that they only have single coats mean that you can expect them to be snuggling with you in bed on a cool night.
They also have a sort of puppyness to them. They are highly intelligent cats who can learn how to walk on a leash and even play fetch. If you’re a dog person looking to take in a cat, Bombays are some of the best cats for you.
If you live in a household with kids, having a Bombay cat is no problem. They can get along really well with the other people and pets of the household – although it must be expected that Bombays will take the dominant role.
How to care for a Bombay
Short haired cats are usually easier to care for than long haired ones. Thankfully for Bombay owners, it’s very easy to keep their cat’s fur healthy and shiny. They will only require brushing twice a week to remove lose hair and of course daily petting. Bombays also shed very little, which means less vacuuming for their humans.
As mentioned above, these bulky black kitties have the tendency to become obese. It’s important they get ample exercise and a healthy amount of food. Play with your Bombay kitty every day for at least 20 minutes to keep them healthy and happy.
While most black cats have a health advantage over other colored cats because black cats usually have an immunity against Feline HIV, Bombays actually genetically have a risk of having craniofacial defects. These defects can be seen even before the kittens are born. Good breeders avoid breeding kitties with this gene in the hopes that it will be gone for good.
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Common questions about Bombay Cats
What’s the best food for Bombay cats?
Bombay cats are often heavier than they look because they are so muscular. Their black coats can also hide any extra weight they gain very well. This is why it is so important for Bombay owners to monitor how much food they eat and what kind they consume. For adult Bombay cats, give them cat food that is formulated to help boost their metabolism.
It’s also best to give your Bombay roommate cat food that is rich in omega fatty acids to keep their hearts, skin and coats healthy. Choose the kind that does not have high calorie content (as close to 200kcal per serving as possible), and have less carbohydrates.
As with all cats, make sure their food is made from real meat with a bit of fruits and vegetables for their dose of antioxidants.
How much are Bombay cats?
While it won’t necessarily cost you an arm and a leg to bring a Bombay into your household, it must be said that this special and unique cat’s price range is a bit steep. They are relatively rare as there are not very many Bombay breeders in the market. The average price for a Bombay is around $700 to $1200, although if you want a show cat worthy specimen, it can even go up to more than $2000.
Are Bombay cats hypoallergenic?
There are no cats known to be completely hypoallergenic – Bombay cats are no exception. However, they don’t really shed much in comparison to other cat breeds. Because of this, it’s possible that they won’t trigger milder cases of cat allergies. However, if your allergies are on the severe side and you’re not so willing to take regular cat allergy shots, it’s not recommended to get a Bombay cat.
Conclusion
Black cats are beautiful and mysterious. A breed that truly captures the essence of black cats, because, well, this is the only color they come in, are Bombay cats. They’re completely black, sleek, playful and loving. It’s like having your very own tiny domesticated black panther!
