Bombay Cat Breed Profile: From Origin to Personality

Despite its name resembling the former name of the Indian city of Mumbai, the Bombay cat is an American breed. In the 1950s, American breeder Nikki Horner aimed to create a cat breed that resembled the black panther.

To achieve this, she crossed sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthair cats, carefully selecting the desired traits. The result was the Bombay cat, which was later officially recognized as a breed by cat registries in the 1970s.

The Bombay breed of cat is known for its sleek and elegant appearance, resembling a miniature black panther. Complementing its physical look, this breed boasts coat, large, expressive, and vivid copper or golden eyes.

In addition to their mesmerizing eyes, Bombay cats have a compact body with a rounded head and short nose. Their ears are moderately sized and slightly rounded, contributing to their overall balanced and graceful look.

The Bombay cat has a solid black coat caused by a selective breeding process aimed at achieving a panther-like appearance. The breed has a short, shiny, and jet-black fur that makes it stand out from other domestic cats.

Moreover, the black Bombay coat is incredibly dense, giving it a luxurious feel. The meticulous breeding has created a striking and uniform appearance, making the cat a unique and visually impressive breed.

The American breed has an elegant and sleek appearance, combined with a medium-sized body and compact build. The Bombays typically have a body length ranging from 18 to 22 inches.

Likewise, their height at the shoulder is generally around 8 to 10 inches. In comparison to other breeds, Bombay cats are not among the largest. On average, male felines from this family are about 8 to 12 pounds, whereas females weigh around 6 to 10 pounds.

The Bombay breed cats boast a widely recognized affectionate and outgoing personality. These cats are incredibly sociable and form strong bonds with their owners.

Often described as lap cats, this breed thrives on human interaction, enjoys cuddling, and loves being close to their family members. Playful and curious, Bombays retain their kitten-like exuberance throughout their lives, making them engaging companions.

While this breed may not be as eager to learn tricks as some dog breeds, these felines van certainly be trained to perform various commands and tasks. Bombays respond well to positive reinforcement, making clicker training and treats effective in teaching them tricks such as sitting, fetching, and even walking on a leash.

Furthermore, Bombay cats also generally adapt easily to using a litter box. Their clean and meticulous nature makes them inclined to maintain good litter habits.

Bombay cats, while not extremely active, benefit from regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and mental well-being. Engaging them in play and interactive activities is essential.

Moreover, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and feather wands can stimulate their natural hunting instincts. Allocating time for daily play sessions, such as chasing toys or climbing cat trees, helps the breed meet its exercise needs.

Bombay cats are known for their minimal shedding due to their short, sleek coat. While shedding can vary among individuals, they generally shed less compared to long-haired breeds.

At the same time, their grooming requirements are relatively straightforward. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny. Additionally, regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care contribute to their overall grooming routine.

Bombay cats possess expressive vocalizations, ranging from soft, melodious purring to occasional meows and trills. These cats may use a variety of sounds to communicate their needs and emotions.

While generally not as vocal as some other breeds, Bombays can still engage in gentle conversations with their owners. Purring is a common sound, signifying contentment, relaxation, or happiness. Additionally, they may produce soft meows to convey hunger or solicit playtime.

Bombay cats got their name from their striking resemblance to the black leopards found in the Indian region of Bombay (now Mumbai). This breed was developed in the mid-20th century by breeding sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs to achieve a sleek, panther-like appearance.

The name "Bombay" reflects the breed's sleek and sophisticated appearance, reflecting the mystique associated with the black leopards indigenous to the Bombay region.

The eccentric cat breed has two major variants: the Burmese Bombay and the British Bombay. The Burmese variant originated from a breeding program in the 1950s, aiming to create a cat with the appearance of a Burmese but with a sleek, black coat.

On the other hand, the British Bombay has a similar appearance to the Burmese Bombay but has British Shorthair ancestry. This variant has a robust build, round face, and large, expressive eyes.

Like many other domestic felines, Bombay cats have an average pregnancy or gestation period of around 63 to 65 days. The breed typically has a litter size ranging from 1 to 6 Bombay kittens, with an average of 3 to 4 kittens per litter.

The survival rate of the Bombay kitten to adulthood can vary based on factors such as genetics, health care, and environmental conditions. Generally, with proper care and attention, a significant portion of the litter tends to survive to adulthood.

While the cat Bombay breed is generally robust and healthy, these felines may be at risk of health issues. One common concern is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition that can affect cats.

Similarly, these cats may be predisposed to respiratory issues due to their short noses, a trait seen in brachycephalic breeds. This conformation can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid conditions.

Regular veterinary care is essential for maintaining the health of a Bombay cat. Typically, it's recommended to schedule annual check-ups to monitor their overall well-being, detect any potential health issues early on, and ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations.

During these visits, the vet may conduct physical examinations, dental checks, and recommend preventive care measures. As for vaccinations, essential ones for the breed include those against common feline diseases such as rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Bombay cats thrive on a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain optimal health. A high-quality commercial cat food formulated for their life stage, whether kitten, adult, or senior, is typically recommended.

Look for cat foods with real meat as the primary ingredient, ensuring it meets the nutritional standards set by relevant authorities. These cats enjoy a protein-rich diet, mimicking their carnivorous nature, with meat-based options like chicken, turkey, or fish.

On average, a Bombay cat can cost anywhere from $500 to $700 in the US. However, the price can reach around $2000, depending on factors like breeder reputation, lineage, and geographic location.

Furthermore, the popularity of the Bombay breed in the US has been steadily increasing. Known for their sleek black coat and affectionate nature, the breed has gained a significant following among cat enthusiasts.