Bombays have an entirely jet black, shiny coat and striking gold or copper eyes. Their eyes are wide set on rounded heads and they have short-but not snubbed or pugged-muzzles. Their ears, which point slightly forward, are also of medium size and set far apart, with broad bases and subtly rounded tips. These medium-sized cats have a muscular build and are often confused with the Burmese breed (a parent breed of the Bombay).
Assuming proper care, Bombays generally remain healthy and happy.
These cats are affectionate and highly sociable. They get along well with people of all ages, including children. They require a good deal of attention and they're physically active, making them appropriate for multiple-pet households and homes where someone is usually around. Assuming proper care, Bombays generally remain healthy and happy.
The Bombay breed is a direct result of an attempt to create "mini" or "parlor" black panthers for cat lovers who've long admired the beauty of these wild cats.
The Bombay is a friendly, people- and animal-oriented cat. The breed likes to play actively with humans, cats, and dogs alike, and also enjoys simply being in good company. This is not a cat for people who want the typical independent, aloof feline housemate, but one for people who have the time, energy, and desire to interact and play on a regular basis. Bombays are known for being particularly good with children.
Despite a need for attention, Bombay cats aren't pushy, aggressive, or vocal about seeking it. They're more likely to curl up beside a companion and wait for attention than to beg or prod for it. Bombays are happy with active play, but they aren't hyper.
Bombays can get along well with other cats and dogs, but that hinges on their feeling like the dominant animal and center of attention in the home. These cats aren't eager to cede attention to other animals. There is usually less competition, and therefore more harmony, with dogs than with other cats. Bombays are curious and welcoming when visitors arrive, and they appear promptly to investigate newcomers and anything they may have brought with them.
Bombays are generally healthy cats with long lifespans. Maintaining an appropriate body weight in these cats is one of the most significant factors in keeping them healthy for the long term. Note that Bombays reach sexual maturity relatively early, at around 5 to 6 months of age. However, they won't be full-grown or fully develop all their muscle mass until almost 2 years of age.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), marked by thickening of the heart muscle, is the most prevalent cause of feline heart disease, and Bombays have a genetic predisposition for developing the condition. An echocardiogram can diagnose HCM. No breeder can realistically guarantee an HCM-free bloodline, so avoid any making such claims.
Bombays are also prone to epiphora, or excessive tearing of the eyes. In extreme cases, surgical correction of the cause is indicated. Because of their short muzzles, Bombays are also predisposed to breathing difficulties, which also sometimes require surgical intervention. In addition, periodontal disease is a concern with these cats, so a thorough dental hygiene regimen is advisable.
The Bombay's personality and traits make it a highly trainable breed. These cats are quite smart, intensely inquisitive, social and interactive, energetic, and always up for trying new things. Leash train a Bombay with minimal effort for walks outdoors. They'll also learn to play fetch.
This breed's need for attention stems in part from a need for stimulation. Supply puzzle toys and items of interest for these cats to keep them out of trouble. While not intentionally mischievous, Bombays are perfectly capable of making their own entertainment when the need arises; humans and cats sometimes have different ideas about what qualifies as a toy and what constitutes acceptable play.
While the occasional closely supervised walk outside on a leash is fine, Bombays shouldn't be allowed to roam free out of the house. Vehicles, domestic and wild animals in the area, chemicals in the environment, and other hazards abound. The Bombay has enough of a penchant for investigation to approach them all.
Bombays have short hair that's black from root to tip. A healthy coat is flat and has a bright sheen and satin-like feel. These cats shed very little. Frequent petting, which Bombays naturally seek out, is often enough to remove loose hairs and distribute oils over the coat. A once-weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush should suffice, even during periods of heavier shedding.
The nails need trimming once weekly with sharp clippers or guillotine blades. It's important to snip off only the pointed tip without cutting the quick, which is the vein that runs into each nail. The ears require cleaning only when necessary and only with a gentle, veterinarian-recommended otic cleansing product. A feline toothpaste is useful for brushing the teeth to freshen breath and help prevent irreversible periodontal disease.
Bombays are more likely to accept brushing than many other cat breeds. A rubber brush can feel like a massage to these touch-friendly pets. Begin brushing at an early age to foster acceptance. Also, begin acclimating Bombay cats to having their paws, toes, ears, and mouths handled at a young age so that other grooming and hygiene tasks are eventually met with cooperation.
In 1953, famed breeder Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky set out to design a panther-like cat breed. She mated an all-black American Shorthair male with deep copper eyes with a Grand Champion sable Burmese female. Through a long and highly selective process of outcrossing and inbreeding, as well as a lot of trial and error, she brought about the unique Bombay, with its predictable shiny black coat and copper to golden eyes.
The breed is named after Bombay, India, but not because this is where it originated. Rather, Bombay is famous for its population of wild black leopards, the panther after which these domestic cats were modeled. Horner and her Bombays found resistance to the breed early on, largely due to its many similarities to the Burmese breed.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) accepted the Bombay breed for registration in 1970, after some initial skepticism. The breed achieved championship status in 1976. Today, Bombay cats are relatively rare, but they have a devout following.
