The sleek muscular Bombay cat has a shiny-midnight black coat and bright copper eyes that make him look like a mini-panther. This smart cat bred loves playing and learning new tricks. He will thrive in a family that can provide him plenty of playing and learning opportunities.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United States
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 12-16 years
Color: Darkest black
Coat: Short and sleek
Average Height: Medium-sized
Average Weight: 6-11 pounds
History and Domestication
The credit of breeding the Bombay goes to Nikki Horner who wanted to create a breed that looked like the Black Leopard of India. The Bombay was created by crossing shorthair American with the Burmese cats of Bombay, an Indian city. She wanted this cat to have a short and sleek coat of darkest shades of Black and big bright eyes like copper pennies. Her early attempts did not yield much but undeterred, she kept going on breeding these cats. In 1970s her breed was finally accepted for championship competition.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The medium-sized cats have a muscular body and robust bones to support that. The body is surprisingly a little heavy as per their medium-size. The rounded head has no sharp angles and the wide, gleaming eyes give his face a sweet expression. The medium-sized ears are set wide apart and tilt forward. The coat is short and sleek and comes in only the deepest and darkest shade of black with high gloss sheen. The coat hugs the body and you can see his muscles ripple when the cat stalks some imaginary prey in the room.
Care, Grooming and Health
This is a low maintenance cat and needs very little grooming as the coat doesn’t shed much. Occasional bathing will keep it gleaming and in good shape. Do a quick rubdown with a rubber glove to remove any dead hair. You can also rub him with chamois oil or the palm of your hand to distribute the skin oils.
These cats love to play and enjoy learning new tricks. They love playing fetch and can be walked on leash. Some of them may have varying degrees of genetic problems. They are healthy cats but a health defect called craniofacial defect found in the Burmese can also be found in the Bombay.
Living Conditions
These are people-loving cats and can be found hogging the warmest spot in the house and this does include underneath your bed covers. The cat will thrive in a family that can provide him exercise and teach him tricks.
Temperament
This is a lively and adaptable cat and has a calm nature. He can get along well with other pets but definitely wants to be your favorite. Most of them will converse with their owners in distinctive voices that are not loud. He is easy-going and inquisitive with a social personality of the Burmese. They do not like being left alone for long durations.
