Bombay

Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Height:

Weight: 6 - 11 pounds


Bombay Traits

  • Lap Cat

    Trait Rating: 4 of 5

  • Intelligence

    Trait Rating: 4 of 5

  • Ease of Training

    Trait Rating: 4 of 5

  • Grooming Requirements

    Trait Rating: 2 of 5

  • Shedding

    Trait Rating: 2 of 5

  • Good with Children

    Trait Rating: 4 of 5

  • Good with Dogs

    Trait Rating: 4 of 5

  • Chattiness

    Trait Rating: 3 of 5

Bombay History

  • This breed was created not in India, but in Louisville, Kentucky in 1958 when cat breeder Nikki Horner carefully bred a Burmese with an American Shorthair to create a domesticated cat that looks like a small black panther.
  • The CFA, granted this breed championship status in 1976.

Bombay Behavior Concerns

  • The Bombay is generally friendly to strangers, so don't be startled if he beats you to the door to greet houseguests.
  • In interacting with you, the Bombay may make it challenging for you to try to read the newspaper or watch your favorite television show without interruption. This is definitely an "in-your-face' breed.
  • Possessing an easy-going attitude and active approach to life, the Bombay can be easily leash trained, engage in a game of fetch, and happily co-exist with dogs and other pets in the household.
  • Likes to chat, but not as vocal as a Siamese.

Look of Bombays

  • The Bombay conveys two distinctive features: its copper-colored, hypnotic eyes and its all-black satiny short coat - right down to the roots.
  • The Bombay also displays a strong round face with heavy jaws, broad-set ears, full chin and Roman nose with nostrils set low.
  • Its medium-built body is agile and athletic. It is deceptively heavier than one expects when you pick up a Bombay to place on your lap.
  • Even this breed's footpads are deep black.

Grooming Bombay Cats

  • The Bombay's no-fuss coat does not require grooming, but this cat will welcome the attention you give it by brushing or running a damp washcloth across its coat.
  • This breed is not prone to developing matts in its coat.

Suggested Nutritional Needs for Bombay

Please consult with your veterinarian about the type of diet and amount to feed your cat during their different life stages. Different breeds may have a greater risk of obesity based upon their diet, metabloism, activity and age. Thus, your veterinarian is your best source of information on this topic.

Fun Facts of Bombays

  • A popular remark among fans of this breed is if you are searching for a pet with the qualities of a dog, cat and monkey, your best bet is to get a Bombay.
  • The Bombay is also fondly known by these nicknames: "Parlor panther" and "patent leather kid with the copper penny eyes."
  • The Bombay owns bragging rights of being the blackest cat among all purebreds.

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