Bombay
The term Bombay cat is often used to refer to two different breeds of cat, the British Bombay and the American Bombay. The British Bombay name is given to black cats of the Asian group while the American Bombay was bred from an American shorthair and a Burmese to try and create a domesticated cat that resembled a wild panther. The name of the American Bombay comes from the Indian city of Bombay.
History of the Bombay Cat
In the 1950s, Nikki Horner, a Kentucky breeder took a black American Shorthair to a sable Burmese female in an attempt to create a copper eyed black cat that resembled a "mini black panther." It wasn't until about the 1960s that all the hard work finally paid off. She had produced cats with black coats, muscular bodies, rounded heads, and copper eyes. The Bombay was recognized in 1976 and championed with the Cat Fancier's Association almost twenty years later.
Bombays shed very little.
Cat Characteristics
The Bombay is a black cat; sleek, shiny, and very exotic looking with its amazing copper eyes. It is a hybrid of the Burmese and American Shorthair and has characteristics of both parent breeds along with distinct characteristics of its own. It is quite solid and muscular; a medium length cat. The head is rounded with wide set eyes, ranging in color from gold to copper. Its ears are set wide apart and are tilted forward slightly. The nose should have a break when viewed from the side but should not resemble a pug nose. The coat is short with fine silky hairs that give it a glossy coat that they are extremely well known for. Generally they are a well balanced cat; a true mini panther.
Cat Temperament
If you're looking to adopt one of these beautiful creatures you might want to know a little about their temperament. Bombay kittens are very intelligent and energetic. They catch onto things very quickly like games and tricks. They are in general a quite calm and friendly cat, as well as affectionate with their owners and family members, however they do enjoy being the "top cat" around the house, which is helpful to know if you are bringing them home to another cat or other pets. They enjoy the company of human beings so will involve themselves in virtually whatever you are doing and love to play, which makes them a great pet for children. The Bombay cat has also been successfully leash trained so you may even get a chance to take it on a walk with you sometimes.
Common Bombay Health Care
Bombay cats are extremely low maintenance. In terms of shedding, which most cats are notorious for, they shed very little even with the changing of seasons. They loved to be brushed, but consistent bathing is not necessary unless they are a show cat, which then of course you will want to keep them clean as often as necessary for shows. Their hair can be smoothed and shined with a chamois cloth.
It's important to know that some Bombay cats carry genetic defects and can have serious health issues. Some may have a cleft palate which is a birth defect of the nasal and oral cavities. It is caused by a failure of the palate bones to develop and fuse resulting in an opening in the oral and nasal cavity. Survival depends on tube feeding because it is impossible for them to nurse. It is also sometimes referred to as Craniofacial Defect, which is a malformation of the skull.
All in all, the Bombay is a pleasant cat that enjoys the companionship of its owner, is affectionate and playful while displaying extraordinary features.
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