The Bombay Cat
You might have seen the Bombay cat now and then, though you may not have been able to recognize it. The Bombay cat is a full-black cat with soft fur and sharp yellow eyes. Many people love this cat and like to keep it as a pet, though there are others who also prefer to stay away because of its imposing features.
It doesn’t matter if you like black cats or not. One thing is for sure: the Bombay cat is one of the most unique, stylish cat breeds in the world. Popularized in various TV shows and myths, the Bombay cat is quite famous. But you should know that this breed is about more than just its black color.
The History
The Bombay cat was actually a lifelong dream of one of the most prominent cat breeders of all time — Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky. Horner wanted to breed a cat that could be referred to as a parlor panther. The name “Bombay” is basically given because the cat has a very sleek look, just the same as the black panthers that roam the jungles in India.
More importantly, you should know that the breed has evolved and the cat is actually quite famous because of the many tricks that it can perform. It knows how to listen to the command of its owner and will come to heel or even fetch items if you ask it to.
This is a completely domestic breed that was man-made. It was made by Horner by crossbreeding a sable Burmese cat with the American shorthair. In 1976, the breed was formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association and it wasn’t long before the International Cat Association also recognized this breed.
Looks
The Bombay cat looks very similar to a Burmese. But if you look closely, you might realize that there are a few distinct features. For instance, the Bombay cat is a bit larger in size when compared with the Burmese. Most prominent Bombay cats usually have a relatively short muzzle and they have a purely round head.
Since it is created by mixing two distinct breeds together, you should know that creating show-quality cats, especially those that can fetch top dollar in breeder circles, is quite difficult. In most cases, the litter produced by these cats is generally pet quality. These cats combine the best of both of their predecessors and make for amazing pets.
The cats are warm and loving, and they take to their owners very quickly. More importantly, you should know that their appearance does not mature quickly when compared with other breeds. The cat might not display all of its unique features and characteristics until it reaches at least 1.5 years of age.
Personality
The Bombay cat personality is quite lively and it is highly intelligent. Furthermore, it is incredibly versatile and will quickly adapt to various surroundings and lifestyles with ease. The cat has a very calm nature, which makes it the perfect companion for people who want pets for their apartments.
On top of that, there are no alpha tendencies that you need to worry about so the cat will become quite friendly with other pets in the house as well. If it is trained properly, you should know that the Bombay cat will also become friends with birds in your house as well. They are very affectionate too so they are going to show you their love from time to time.
These cats love to play fetch and there are a few cats that have even learned to walk properly on a leash. This breed is quite clever and will love challenging games or exercises. If you have children in the house who want to teach tricks to the cat, you can expect a really fun companion. Just make sure that the cat gets plenty of interactive, fun toys.
Health
Another thing that you need to know about this cat is that there have been instances where health problems have arisen, though they are generally congenital. However, in most cases, the cat is quite healthy; however, you should know that it does suffer from one particular problem: the craniofacial defect.
Known to many as the Burmese head defect, this is a problem that usually occurs in newborn kittens. There might be a few kittens in the litter that may come out with a severely deformed head.
However, these newborn kittens are euthanized then so you can buy the Bombay cat without any worry. However, breeders might want to research pedigrees carefully to avoid this problem.
Grooming and Care
The black Bombay cat has a short, relatively sleek and smooth coat. It doesn’t require a lot of care either; just a few strokes of your hand will do the job. You can use a chamois in order to remove any dead hair or hairballs that may have tangled up. This will also help distribute the skin oil evenly across its body and ensure that the sheen and polish is restored to its coat.
One important thing that you need to keep in mind is that the cat requires periodic brushing of its teeth. If you want to avoid problems such as periodontal disease, you have to make sure that you brush the cat’s teeth at least once in a week. If there is any discharge in the cat’s eyes, you might want to use a soft cloth in order to wipe it clean.
You also need to understand that the Bombay cat is incredibly particular about its bathroom hygiene. If the litter box isn’t spotless and clean, the cat will have problems. You have to make sure that you empty the litter box once in a day. Also, you might want to consider spaying or neutering your cat once it reaches at least nine months of age.
Buying a Bombay Cat
Now, when it comes to buying the cat, you need to take a few things into account. For instance, professional breeders usually sell pedigreed cats as well and these cost quite a bit of money. Obviously, the Bombay cat price is likely to go up considerably if you choose a pedigreed one.
On the other hand, if you choose a normal pet-quality kitten, it may not be as costly. Show-quality cats usually fetch a much higher price but they are also mainly bought by breeders or other aficionados. Apart from that, you don’t need to worry about the cost going up. These cats are also available at local shelters and rescues so you might want to check there too.
These are just a few things that you should consider when it comes to buying the Bombay cat. It’s a fantastic cat breed that makes for an excellent pet in the house. The inquisitive nature of the cat will offer plenty of fun and you should know that the cat will reciprocate all of your love too. They are just adorable little creatures that love to socialize and play!
