The Bombay cat is a loving and active pet. Their origins are from Louisville, Kentucky, where Bombay cats were bred by a cat breeder named Nikki Horner. The inspiration for the breed came from the idea of the black leopard of India.
If you’re curious about the Bombay cat, where it came from, and other things about this breed, read on for its history and further details about the Bombay cat breed.
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The history of the Bombay cat
In the 1950s, Nikki Horner crossbred a black American Shorthair cat with a sable (dark brown), Burmese female. The new breed was a success and was accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association. It received CFA Championship Status in 1976. The Bombay cat breed was also recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association.
Horner referred to the Bombay cat breed as “parlor panthers” and named them “Bombay” because they had a resemblance to the black panthers that could be found in Bombay, India. The city of Bombay underwent an official name change in 1995 and is now known as Mumbai. The name of the cat breed stuck around though.
Things you should know about Bombay cats.
Wide round eyes
Bombay cats have wide round eyes. Their eyes are known as “new penny eyes” because of their gold to copper color that resembles a shiny new penny.
Black like panthers
Bombay cats are all black in color. They have a shiny black coat, so they’ve also been nicknamed “the patent leather kid.” Although they may bear a resemblance to wild panthers, Bombay cats aren’t wild at all.
Robust Body
Bombay cats are big-boned and have a muscular build, and they can weigh from 8 to 12 pounds. When they walk, they swish and sway the same way panthers do.
Sociable and hate being alone
When talking about behavior, Bombay cats are sociable and easy-going. They can easily adjust to other pets or people around them, but they really hate to be left alone for too long. They were prone to being lonely and depressed if they are left alone for a long time.
This feeling can lead to destructive behavior on their part. If you need to go somewhere and have no choice but to leave them for a while, make sure to leave plenty of toys around to keep your Bombay entertained.
Bossy
Even though they are sociable and friendly, they have a bossy streak. Bombay cats prefer to rule the roost.
Intelligent
Bombay cats are highly intelligent. They are observant of their surroundings and may even figure out how to do something that we didn’t realize they were capable of. They can also be successfully trained to perform tricks, and they love to engage in fetch games and play with other fun cat toys.
Love of warm places
Bombay cats like burrowing and love warm places. You can find them curling up on sunny window ledges and they love to be on your lap. You’ll won’t be surprised to see them under the blankets on your bed. This is the kind of pet you can cuddle with the whole night when you sleep.
Taking Care of Bombay Cats
Bombay cats love attention, they’ll follow you room to room and they love to be with you all the time. So, if you’re a busy person, your cat may suffer from a lack of attention. To avoid this, ensure that they have something or someone to play with. Provide them a stress-free environment.
When it comes to grooming, they don’t need much time to groom because of their short coat. It’s easy to care for with a little brushing once a week and you will rarely need to bathe your Bombay.
Keeping your Bombay healthy
About diet and nutrition, Bombays don’t need any special dietary requirements. Just provide them high quality wet or dry foods. And if you notice that your cat is showing signs of obesity or any abnormalities, discuss it with your veterinarian so you can make sure to manage your cat’s health properly.
Bombay cats are considered a healthy breed, but you will still need to provide proper care for your cat. This is essential if you want them to live a long life. Here are some ways to prevent health problems in a Bombay cat:
- Don’t overfeed them because it may result in obesity. Obesity can shorten any cat’s life, so it’s best you monitor your cat’s weight.
- Regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential for keeping a watch on your cat’s health.
- They can be prone to runny noses and sinus problems. Contact your vet if this is a reoccurring problem.
- Regular toothbrushing will help prevent Bombays from developing gingivitis.
- Keep your Bombay cat indoors to prevent them from fighting, contacting any diseases or being in accidents.
- You should neuter your Bombay at 5 to 9 months of age because they reach sexual maturity as early as 5 months old.
Common questions about Bombay cats
Are Bombay cats hypoallergenic?
Bombay cats are not hypoallergenic, but they are relatively low shedders compared to some cat breeds. They have beautiful short coats and you don’t have to brush them every day because these gorgeous felines are somewhat low maintenance.
This breed is perfect for those that don’t have cat allergies, but still don’t want cat hair sitting on every inch of their house.
How rare are Bombay cats?
This cat breed is rare because of its deep copper-like colored eyes. It has the same temperament and breed standard as the rare Burmese cat breed. They are almost identical except for the length of their legs and the color of their coats.
The Bombay cat breed won the CFA (Cat’s Fancier’s Association) championship back in 1976 and was prized for its rare qualities and being friendly with people and other pets.
Are Bombay cats aggressive?
These miniature panthers are not aggressive. They are sociable and friendly. Bombay cats are playful and always want to interact with their family members. Sometimes they display bossy attitudes and can occasionally get a little bit aggressive when they don’t get the attention they want.
Final thoughts
Although the Bombay cat’s name was derived from an Indian city, this cat breed was first born far away from India and was in fact developed by design in the US.
Knowing your cat’s origins is essential because it will help you understand how to take proper care of them. Having more knowledge about them helps prevent problems because you will know what you can expect from them and how you can make your cat’s life more enjoyable.
